Hello folks. My 6-year old daughter in first grade has been having an extremely rough go of it since her school returned to "normal" (full-day schedule, five days a week.) She has been having major meltdowns in class. They seem to occur on the same days (Mondays and especially Fridays) and always at the same time of day. They get worse every time, resulting in her exhibiting aggression towards teachers and even other students, climbing on furniture, and throwing things. It's a major scene in front of her classmates and now she feels ostracized and completely alone with no friends. She's been suspended one day, and we can't get through a single day of school without being asked to come pick her up.
We just started her on long-acting ritalin, so she's been on that for five days with no noticeable differences yet. We're at a loss with how to help her. I know she's hurting and I just want for me and the school to be able to help her, but they're ineffective and, I think, unknowledgeable. They seem to think her behavior is attention-seeking and they reward her with the sensory room for good behavior, but they don't use it in any other way.
It's impacting my job now, as well, since I'm constantly distracted with my concerns for her and being pulled away to pick her up early. What a mess. Any advice?
Thanks for your message, many of us have been in your shoes. The 3 tools that help most are: educational plan ( IEP or 504 plan), thearpy and medication. Medication is really helpful when it works. We really saw a difference for.oir son when we saw a child psychiatrist. Type, dose and timing are all very important. We were told that the reason all 3 tools work best together is that medication only controls 60% of behavior and the school plan and therapy help with the rest of the behavior.
This journey has its ups and downs but these tools help the most.
Hope this helps, hang in there hope you can get it all dialed in ti help her.
Take care,