My son is 5, just started Kindergarten. He has been diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, GDD (2018/2019) and a sensory disorder. We have tried multiple medicines, some worked (ie focus, but still had bad days) others were just not right and caused him to be completely out of control. He is currently not on any medicine and we have been using a lot of positive/consistent structure to our daily routine. At home he runs around going from thing to thing (which is fine) but at school we have the issue of, not listening, keeping hands to himself, running in the hall ways, not sitting still ( or sitting in the seat)
I have had a meeting before school started to discuss 504 plan ( he was tested by the county and this was what they said was needed for school to help him in his days at school) the teachers felt he was a "normal kindergartner" and it was not needed until they got to know him and wanted to see how he adjusted to school.
A month in, he has been called a distraction to the teacher/class, he wont sit still and cant keep hands to himself and he is constantly on red each day he comes home from school from the same issues I stated he needed accommodations for his needs/ life functions. He is in a class of 24 students and it is hard for him to stay on task or not have a outbreak due to his sensory overload.
I will be having another meeting next week to go over and put a 504 in place. Any ideas to help at home and at school would be appreciated.
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thismomneedscoffee
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Just curious, are you working with a Child Psychiatrist on getting the appropriate dose, timing and type of medication for him?
Also did you put in writing that you are requesting a formal assessment for an IEP? I would in addition bring in a letter from the doctor stating that he needs an IEP in school.
It sounds like he could benefit from an Occupational Thearpist to provide him with tools to help him with his sensory needs ( could be things like special seating, fidget tools..etc) in addition.you might need a behavior specialist (sometimes this is done by the psychologist) but it is always better when it is someone who focuses on how the issues he is having impact his learning. You could also ask for support from a psychologist for regular visits.
The reason for an IEP is that there can be clear goals and someone ( often a specialist) can chart and measure progress.
Unfortunately these things are not possible with and 504 plan, which provides accommodations in the setting.
I hope this helps..
One last thing, this is a journey and even though it's hard now, once supports are set up he will really thrive.
We were seeing a developmental pediatrician who was seeing him for the dosage and keeping an eye on that ( we switched insurance and had to get a new one, then his pediatrician was maintaining his medicine ) 9 months later I am now finally getting to see a new one. His original developmental Pediatrician stated he would need a 504 or IEP for daily life at school.
We have done OT for a few months then they said they could no longer be a service to him and thought a psychologist would be better. When I saw the Psychologist They wanted to do thousands of dollars worth of testing ( which at the time I could not afford) they suggested going through our county child find ( it was free). They did their testing and found he would be eligible for a 504 plan not an IEP. Fighting with the school to have him reevaluated on a kindergartener level since preschool/daycare doesn't look for things like Public school does. I am being tossed to one person after another after another. Just trying to get everything settled seems like it will never be possible.
On the plus side my boyfriend sister is an OT and she's suggesting things we can do. I have ordered a fidget seat and chair bands to see if it helps. We have also made improvements with eating (sensory issue) and his sleeping since hes been off the medicine. Medicine definitely had its pros and cons, but I feel we may need to put him back on it for him to focus in school but I would rather see his developmental peds for advice on which medicine and dosage to try.
It’s so important to find the right treatment & environment for your child. Don’t be afraid to make drastic changes. We switched schools from public to a charter school for the very reasons you are struggling with. If the school does nothing but foist the issue back to you to handle, that’s a huge warning that they’re not trained or motivated to properly help your kid succeed. If behaviors are so disruptive in life that he struggles to function, I encourage seeing a psychiatrist, not a psychologist. They will help find the right medication.
I am mom 9 years old diagnosed with ADHD last year .When my son was diagnosed all friends around me adviced to put him in medication but i remember that I every month I had conference with teachers and social workers due his behavior and inattention school , bad grades all the time .He did listen the reading teacher at all . This year I started to read this book from Dr Russell Barker "Taking charge of ADHD " and found a lot interesting things to help parents to deal with this neurological disorder .My son currently is under medication , he turned to 4th grade , and his grades are better .He still need therapies , but i find the public school does not have the structure to help this kids . Here in florida is horrible even an support group is around our area .Please I know is frustated to deal with a son with his condition , stressful too but do not give up to ask for help .
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