hello all! I am mom to three kiddos and my oldest was diagnosed with ADHD last year in the first grade after several report from the teacher which described behaviors that were not only distracting my child but others in the class as well. I requested an IEP consideration which was declined and substituted with a 504 which allows certain accommodations like extra time on assignments, smaller group setting when taking tests, etc. he continues to get daily reports that he is distracting others and the vice principal along with his teachers has said that they “don’t know what else they can do to help my son”. I am feeling very overwhelmed since he just received a possible retention letter since he isn’t testing well. I know my son knows the material because when working with him at home he understands most but his problem is obviously staying focused and in task. He has another follow up at Doctor coming up next week to discuss medicine as he is not currently taking anything but wondering if anyone might have advice or would recommend and advocate? If so, how can I go about finding one?
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have you tried therapy? I know that helps some. Also noise cancellation headphones may work for him.
Hello, MamaBear0111,
I know it can be tough, but since he’s not on medication, play therapy and family therapy might help. Also, having a consistent routine can be really helpful for many kids with ADHD. Here are some resources that can be helpful. cdc.gov/adhd/treatment/beha... triplep.net/glo-en/home/ chadd.org/wp-content/upload... At, CHADD we have a training as well for parents, it's call parent to parent: chadd.org/parent-to-parent/
Let me know if there is anything else you need!
Liseth
Health Information Specialist
CHADD's National Resource Center on ADHD
Thank you so much for this! Any recommendations on advocates for him?
Where are you located? I can try to find an advocate organization.
Perhaps these resources can help: wrightslaw.com/info/add.ind... and copaa.org/Login.aspx
Liseth
Health Information Specialist
CHADD's National Resource Center on ADHD
(((hugs))) I can totally understand this. It's so frustrating and overwhelming at times.
The first thing I would do is push for an IEP. They did th 504, but he needs an IEP and you have the right to the evaluation. They can make better accommodations for him with an IEP. It'll get him services.
Is he bored in class? I wonder if that's part of it. But talking to your Dr about medication is always a good idea. At that age we did play therapy which helped some, but not as much as I had hoped. I need to get him back into therapy of some kind again now too.
Hang in there and keep advocating for your child. That's a big part of this life too. ADHD parents understand as we're all fighting for our kids success too.
I’m sorry for the struggles you are facundo. I fully understand where you stand.
I would request at the school an evaluation to be done for the Adhd and you stress the need for the Iep.
We initislly started with a 504 the initisl Ped dx and due to the testing data from school she was performing well and only 504 applied.
I went to a private psych for s full evaluation and beought that to school which i initiated school eval/review of private eval and was determined the need for IEP.
The school is going to first start looking at performance and u til they see a decline they don’t really at upon, more reactive then proactive.
Also, see if you can find an advocate in your área. We have a local organization where i live in Fl and initially I requested them to be part of IEp mtg to help us in the process as it was so new to us. Here is a podcast on IEP parent coaching and another.
Hi, Mamabear0111,
Since the IEP was denied, you can request it again. You can ask for behavior goals to be included, as well as academic goals. I’ve sent you two links for advocates who may be able to help.
Here’s some additional information about IEPs: parentcenterhub.org/pa12/
Liseth
Health Information Specialist
CHADD's National Resource Center on ADHD