Hello. Wanted feedback from those of you who have a child with an approved IEP or 504 plan. My high schooler does not want me to seek this for him at school. He has chosen to keep his ADHD diagnosis private from his peers (although his teachers know). He is struggling in school and won't take medication. It's time I push both subjects with my son again.
When I bring it up with him, his concern is that his friends and peers will notice that he is getting "special attention" in school. He is worried they will think he's Special Needs and will judge him. My son, as is typical with ADHD, lacks confidence in himself and the maturity to get past this perception he has. I understand his concern because he told me that in one of his classes, his teacher spent some extra time with him. One of his classmates noticed and texted him several times, asking why the teacher "thinks your stupid."
Teens are tough on each other and teenage years are hard enough without ADHD. I just want to level the playing field for my son.
My question is, for those of you who have a plan in place at school, has it been helpful for them? Have their peers noticed and have they given your child a hard time or made comments?
Thanks so much for your feedback.
Birdie7- thanks for discussing your son's issue with us. He is really acting like a typical kid in high school. No kid wants to stand out or be different in high school. BUT, he is not doing well so in my book that changed everything.
I would first make sure he is getting counseling to help him deal with this issue and also the "looking different" issue.
I would also make sure he is aware of very successful people with ADHD so he has someone to look up to. In addition I would have the discussion with him about how many people from his high school will be friends with he when he is out of high school. Then if he is considering going to college tell him how important these "services" are so he can use them and more service when he gets to college. Hope this helps.. it's a slow process of acceptance..
Thank you, onthemove1971. Honestly, you sound so calm and wise, wish you could take over at my house for a month! Bet you could really help out.
Birdie7- wow, thanks for your kind words. When working... I sit in over 30 IEP's a year and strongly advocate for child.. no way could I do anything with your house mine is a mess, even on a good day..
Take care, let me know if I can give you and more advice there are so many incrediable parents on the bnb log to help you.