In search of guidance

[hrivers86]

Hello!

My 6 year old son recently got diagnosed with ADHD and was put on medication. I have tried everything I can before going the medication route, but because of pressure from his school, I caved. He is still having behavioral issues and impulsive behavior. I think there is an underlining problem as well, like ODD. So I, key word here, have reached out to his school to start the 504/IEP plan process but that's moving at a snail pace. They say it will take 6 weeks before they move forward. In the meantime, their course of action, to my sons "bad" behavior, is write ups and suspension. How is that helping my son? No other solutions are being presented from his school. I feel like I'm doing everything I can for him but I need some guidance from somewhere. I'm just at the end of my rope and don't know what to do. Please someone, point me in the right direction on getting my son the help he needs?

[Mariafer]

I have the same situation as you . Actually on Monday I have a meeting at school and they will let me know if he can continue or not. I decided to star medicine but I have appointment with the doctor only until the 13. For me he is already in the borderline and that is why we make the desicion . I am nervous because I did not know much about it , I Star searching...

[reg2018]

It sounds like the school needs to be educated on what ADHD is because write ups and suspensions aren't going to change his behavior. While his age is six, he's not emotionally, socially, or developmentally six. Children with ADHD are behind their peers in so many areas and their behavior is interpreted as "bad." If you can help the school understand more about his diagnosis you'll have a better chance of getting them on board with helping him instead of punishing him.

[sarahchiov]

I would start by asking the doctor who diagnosed him to give you a list of resources in your area. There are many advocacy groups that can help you understand your rights and your doctor should be able to steer you to them. A diagnosis means that a lot of accommodations and services should be available to your son through your public school district, even before they complete their academic evaluations. Unfortunately, private schools are not obligated to do much for your son, and even in the public schools, not all schools are well versed in their responsibilities or techniques, so you may have to educate them after learning your rights, and make demands. You are your sons greatest advocate. Our school district is required to provide counseling services to our son as needed, and he has a team that works with him on behavior strategies. They put a “ticket” reward system in place for good behavior, which his main teacher, all specials teachers, the lunch room monitors and the recess monitors all contribute to. They are all aware of his diagnosis and have been trained on the best ways to respond to him and his behaviors. Again, you educating them may be required. We sat down with the principle, the school psychologist, the school counselor, the school nurse, the school specials director and his teacher and discussed our concerns and they theirs, but ultimately they must present you with their plan for helping your child. There are classroom accommodations that can be put in place immediately too that can help. Also consider a child psychologist for help with behavior modification strategies. They can also advocate for you with the schools and make recommendations to them specific to your child’s needs. And they can offer a second opinion on your sins medication and whether or not he could benefit from a different dosage or even a different med altogether. Hang in there. It IS a slow process. This year might not be the best one for him, but once you get all this in place, your school will have a plan for him all the way through high school! There is a lot of time for things to improve. Hang in there!