FRUSTRATED with the schools and Docs

[emmamagpie]

Our daughter is 11 yo and has always been a VERY free spirit.  Her teachers in Private schools always embraced her and really took time with her.  We have moved her into public school when we realized she was too much for the private school and for us to homeschool.  She has had two professional evaluations stating that she is ADHD with impulsivity.  She has major executive function issues, she can't remember why she may have walked down the hallway to her room, but she can remember movie lines and song lyrics after hearing them once.  Since the diagnosis in first grade, we have always been suspect of something else...perhaps Asperger's.  She can't stand anything but soft clothing, she doesn't really have conversation...very one sided.  But she does make eye contact and seems very outwardly "normal"...her friends don't really understand her...she says what she thinks.  There is no filter for her....she can't keep her hands off of her brother....always trying to touch or hug and he hates it.  Medication has been to no avail...we have done Strattera, Metadate, Concerta, Ritalin, Daytrana, Focalin....all seem to do a little, but not enought to make a difference.  We had a med consult at Kennedy Krieger and that really didn't end up with any result either.  Our psycologist seems to be leaning a little more toward Asp.  but the teachers at the school say they just don't see it.  We have another IEP meeting this week...ugh.  The school is very frustrated...she is an above average child in reading and English, average and a little below in Math and coneptual reasoning.  She is getting all C's and D's and the teacher says that Claire just doesn't focus enough and she doesn't have time to work with her one on one....any suggestions on help would be GREATLY appreciated.  We are at wits end with the school and the "SPECIAL ED" system....it seems you have to fit into a special box to be true special ed....she is going to be in 6th grade this coming year and has no comprehension of time, or the importance of grades....HELP

[musicmama]

Sorry, I sent the last message to you instead of emmamagpie.  I wasn't paying attention.

[musicmama]

Sorry, I posted this for the wrong person.  I guess I should try to read before I write.

I don't know if you have this program in your state or if this is a national thing.  In Texas, children who have been diagnosed with ADD, ADHD or any type of emotional or behavioral problems that may hinder their learning can fall under 504.  This means they can not find any learning disabilities, but they still have to make accomodations.  I would highly recommend that your psychologist attend this meeting.  Here, we also have a small private school for students with learning disabilities.  They welcome students like your daughter.  I wonder if there is anything in your area.  I really understand what you are going through.  Please don't blame the teachers.  Their hands are tied with large classes and very little support.  The entire system seems to be a bit primitive, but people are doing the best they can with what they have.  As the parent, you know what your child needs.  I have known several parents who have fought to get what their child nedded as far as education and diagnosis.  They always find their answer.  I pray you find yours.

[musicmama]

I don't know if you have this program in your state or if this is a national thing.  In Texas, children who have been diagnosed with ADD, ADHD or any type of emotional or behavioral problems that may hinder their learning can fall under 504.  This means they can not find any learning disabilities, but they still have to make accomodations.  I would highly recommend that your psychologist attend this meeting.  Here, we also have a small private school for students with learning disabilities.  They welcome students like your daughter.  I wonder if there is anything in your area.  I really understand what you are going through.  Please don't blame the teachers.  Their hands are tied with large classes and very little support.  The entire system seems to be a bit primitive, but people are doing the best they can with what they have.  As the parent, you know what your child needs.  I have known several parents who have fought to get what their child nedded as far as education and diagnosis.  They always find their answer.  I pray you find yours.

[LRM1021]

Well, I hope in your second IEP meeting it becomes clear that your daughter needs more individual attention that she is getting. You indicate that the teacher has said she has trouble concentrating and the teacher cannot spend enough time with her to help-- so it sounds like that is what she needs. My thought would be that her IEP needs to reflect that this is what she needs.

Then, from there, the public school system has to provide her with the type of resources she needs to succeed.

You mention Kennedy Kreiger -- are you in MD? I know of one feeder private school in Mont Co that has programs ....