IEP ? 504?

[Brownstoner]

I’m in need of help. My 10 year old son, diagnosed with combined ADHD/ODD. He takes vyvanse 30 mg for school. Each year he starts off well, but by January, the rest of the school year is a disaster. I get phone calls several ones a week about his behavior. Not listening, talking back, talking too much, classroom interruption, disrespect, getting put out of class. I talk to him about it and he says he’s just dumb and he his teachers don’t like him, & no one (not even me) understands him. He gets very angry and when he gets angry nothing can get through to him. I think he can benefit from a break when he gets overwhelmed with being in trouble or when things get to be too much for him. He’s not in 4th grade and I’ve been dealing with the same thing since kindergarten. He doesnt have a 504 or an IEP. But now I’m starting to re think things and maybe he does need one... anyone have any suggestions? Do you think it’s time to get one of these in place? Help ! I’m ready to quit my job and home school him. I am an elementary school teacher, and I feel bad for him as a mom and teachers, but I don’t know what to do.

[Onthemove1971]

Browstoner-

Thanks for bring your question to the group we can all learn from each other.

I am not sure how long he has been on this medication and who prescribed it. Children with ADHD often benefit from a dose change when they out grow the current one. But I know for us we really saw our lives change when we started to see a Child Psychiatrist ( I know I thought, one more Specialist that is going to label him) but it was the best thing we ever did. They can also discuss with you when the medication is wearing off.

We also have our son in counseling to help deal with all that happens with him, which I can not bring up and talk with him about. I would also encourage you to find ways to boost his self-confidence/esteem. This will help him so much in school. Maybe an individual sport or activity where he can be successful without struggling, many children with ADHD just don't like or do well in school so to have that outlet is very important.

Lastly, YES!! there are many things that an IEP/504 can do to help you. If you want to start this process I would strongly encourage you to contact the Sp. Ed. department to as them to do an assessment. This will determine if he needs to have an IEP, which looks at his strengths and weakness and the providers will write goals to support his learning. If he doesn't need that much support but just accommodations ( extra time on test, turning in assignments later, etc.) then his needs might fit into a 504 plan.

One thing to think about once you have a plan in place it is still important to keep up with all the teachers and make sure he is getting what he needs.

Best of luck,

[Brownstoner in reply to Onthemove1971]

Thank you, this helps a great amount! My son see's a therapist twice a month, however he does not talk much to the therapist. Never expresses his true feelings. He told me yesterday, that he does not want to talk to anyone because no one understands how he feels, and he will deal with things himself. I am going to seek a new therapist that he can hopefully connect with and learn how to deal with his feelings.

[Brownstoner in reply to Onthemove1971]

I like the idea of putting him in something that he can successful without struggling, that would definitely help. I just have to figure out what that can be, he struggles in so much and wants to give up.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to Brownstoner]

In my town the parks and Rec. has 1 month sports that cycle. So you can take soccer for 1 month, then basketball , etc.. so they can try each one then decide if they like that you can do it more long term. My son does Tae Kwan Do and started when he was 4 years old. It is the best thing we have ever done for him to balance out school.

Good luck

[Onthemove1971 in reply to Brownstoner]

Maybe use this as a carrot, If you talk in thearpy you can do xxx.

Also if sports doesn't work what about art? Hip hop dance or a musical experience ( guitar or piano). Anything that could be an outlet where he can reall shine.

You really sound like you are doing a great job, a few more support for him and I am confident you will see a chance in him.

Keep us updated, I will.be wondering about your progress.

Big hug! Such a journey!

[turtlelady]

Anxiety symptoms can mimic ADHD symptoms. Misdiagnosis can and does occur when it comes to children with ADHD and/or anxiety. ... Anxiety looks a lot like ADHD for many children, so it's important to have your child evaluated to determine the best course of treatment.Nov 25, 2018

[Hidden]

Make a formal request for an evaluation. The school should do a detailed assessment and that will help determine if he needs a 504 or IEP. We started with a 504 for our son and moved him to IEP when 504 wasn't enough.

[Janice_H]

Of course it is time. Do not waste any more time thinking about this. Request that an IEP be implemented and be ready to present any medical documentation of his diagnosis. The school will want to see any psychological evaluations that have been completed. You want to be sure that your son's educational needs are being met while he is still young and can make progress.

If you are in good financial shape and can afford to resign and home school your son, that would be an ideal situation. For now, get the school to provide the services your son needs to be successful.

[Brownstoner in reply to Janice_H]

Thank you so much, this helps a lot. I will be requesting this meeting. Home school is my idea, but am not able to do so just yet. I

[justanote]

My 14-yr-old son has had an IEP since he was in preschool. He has a learning disability and becomes distracted easily. He has not been diagnosed with ADHD, but he could easily fall into that category with his inability to focus. He had a good experience in elementary, but middle school was very tough for him. It didn't seem that the traditional learning environment was going to work for him any longer, so this school year we enrolled him in a private school that has much smaller classes. He has really benefited from the more focused attention from teachers even though they are not subject to using the IEP. I have found him to be much more engaged in the classroom as well. He continues to struggle with homework and staying focused, but we are very pleased with how he is given the opportunity to learn in his own way. You suggested that homeschooling might be a good solution. Perhaps there is a small private school nearby that could also be an option for him. All that said, remember that God has plans for your son. No matter what his struggles are now, God has given him gifts and abilities that need to be tapped into. I'm praying for you!