Your opinion? Please help!

[maluvzla]

What would you respond to a principal that tells you your child’s mental disorder does not give him the right to be disruptive?

[Hidden]

I would say it's not a matter of him having a "right" to do or not do something. His mental disorders should not be viewed as an excuse for his behavior but rather an explanation.

As Ross Greene states in the book the Explosive Child, "kids do well if they can." If your son can't be un-disruptive, the focus of the adults around him should be on figuring out how to help him bridge his gaps (what Greene calls "lacking skills") using a collaborative and proactive approach.

Joyce Mabe

[maluvzla in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much!

[22789]

I would put the principal’s comment and your response in writing. If your son has an IEP copy the administrator that oversees special education; our district has a director. If he had a 504 Plan copy whomever oversees 504 Plan compliance; in our district it’s the director of special education. The school district needs to put supports in place to help modify your son’s behavior if it is consistently challenging. Good luck.

[Pajamasam36]

does the principal have a copy of your child’s diagnosis? If not get the principal one. Have your doctor that gave the diagnosis email the principal about the disruptive nature of your child’s diagnosis. Good luck! We’re in the middle of a battle with our principal right now and two attorneys fighting over my child’s disabilities it’s not easy hang in there!

[Jackieedunn]

Any good principal would want to work with you and his teacher to look into the antecedents to his disruptive behaviors so that his needs can be properly accommodated. This can often result in extinguished behaviors. Just curious, public or private school?