What happened at the meeting. Big surprise
Moms View Message Board: Parenting Children with Special Needs: What happened at the meeting. Big surprise
We went in willing to put ds in center based special education school.
Instead the assistant director of special education gave ds 25 hours of shadowing with a special ed seit teacher in regular education class and anything else he needs.
Really unheard of support.
I am happy. Everyone seems either happy or okay with the decision. Seems the director thinks that ds would benefit more from regular ed with lots of support.
Feona, I'm glad you're happy with the decision. My dil insists that the school system provide for my gs in a regular classroom setting. A few days ago the teacher told her that the only reason he is still in a regular classroom is because he is doing so well academically. Despite the behavioral problems he has, I personally feel better about having him in a regular classroom too.
I am still so drained from that meeting yesterday. I guess the surprise sent me into shock.
That's great, Feona. I hope it works out. 
What a pleasant shock you had there, Feona. I'm so happy they are really willing to work with you guys.
That's a dilemma I'm facing right now with my 11 y/o DS, whether to seek some special ed classes or some kind of special accommodations because of his ADHD. I think I'd prefer that he stay in the regular classes with some extra help. Just in the last two weeks his grades have finally started to begin picking up. He's been on Adderall XR 15 mg a day for two months now.
To all the other ADHD moms, I am so lost at this point about what I should be doing about school. He had his official psych eval a few weeks ago and was diagnosed with "ADHD, inattentive type, not hyperactive." Should I meet again with the school counselor to set up some "official" accommodations for him? His teachers are already taking his ADHD into consideration *somewhat* with the classwork and testing, allowing him a little more time. Or should I wait to see if he can handle it the way it is now since things are starting to improve?
BTW, I bought that Quest game with the cartridges for his text books, but I don't think he's played it for five minutes. I suppose that could be just him, but I wanted to let you guys know in case you were considering getting it.
Pam, I think I would wait a while since your ds has shown some improvement already. Was his psych evaluation done in the school setting? If it was, I would think the school would initiate meeting with you to set up an educational program for him. I know that my grandson's parents have met with persons at the school on three or four occasions during the past year to work on his plan. Although they requested the initial evaluation, the school has initiated subsequent meetings.
Have they set up a 504 plan for him or an IEP? If not, they should. You can request it in writing and they have I think 90 days to do it. If he doesn't qualify for an IEP he will at least qualify for a 504. What kind of problems is he having? Is it academic or trouble focusing? Has he been evaluated for any learning disabilities? If he has LD's that would qualify him for an IEP. I'm sorry things aren't going well for him. Let me know what kind of problems he's having and I'll see what I can find for accomedations for him--either here or email me. cathyliz@bigfoot.com {{{{{Pam}}}}}
it sounds like I am in the right place I too went to a special meeting today for my 12yr.old with BI-POLAR DISORDER things can get pretty stressful at these meetings, its good knowing others out there are feeling the same sense of confusion....I have been fighting these battles since pre -k and it doesnt get easier
Pam,
IMO, you should probably have something 'official' put in writing such as an IEP. You never know what next yrs teachers will be like. They may not be so cooperative and work with Garrett like his teachers this yr. I think they are suppose to do this for ADD / ADHD children.
Some things in Brandons IEP: Can print instead of write in cursive, can use computer, give answers orally, can do 15 of 30 problems (because he 'got it' at 15 problems, he didnt need to do all that busy work). He has had an IEP for 3 yrs and these are some the things that have been put in it at different times. In 5th grade he was allowed to get up and go to the Resource room if he couldnt concentrate in class while working on assignments around all the other kids. He did do this a few times.
Feona, I am so glad things went well!!!
Glad things went well Feona!
Pam, doesn't your son go to a private school now? If so they may be very wary to accomodate any special needs and are not necessarily legally entitled to do so. You can check out http://www.allkindsofminds.org for info on their "Schools Attuned" program and get some advocacy ideas. Has he been tested for any LDs? Is he receiving any therapeutic training for his ADD...like therapy to address attention, organization, etc.? I'd definitely pursue those avenues too.
Is he got seating in the front of the classroom?
Usually that is mandated. Helps focus.
Can he get some ot? The doctor can prescribe if the school district is too cheap. Ots prescribe the use weighted vests or brushing or massage to help with attention without drugs.
The weighted vest helps my son focus. He is not hyperactive at all. Helps him be in his body.
I would look in google for side effect for the medicine he is on. Some cause manic depression in some people.
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