school adhd test

[dumbell502]

school nagging about me taking a test for my 8 year old (ADHD TEST) okay looking over the test i see questions that are not suitable for a school aged kid in 3 grade so i only answer a few of them. Called yesterday to tell me that the result of this test are in, make appt to see them. But I was told that they would send them home...yeah cannot trust them.... anyone have this issue with there school???

[Sandman2]

Just to clear up any misconceptions.  Teachers don't/can't give tests of this kind.  The test would have only been given by a licensed psychologist employed by the school district.

[specialmom]

I tell you one thing that I don't understand------- this talk of "permanent record".  Those records are completely confidential.  They don't brand anything on a child's forehead and by law-----  all school personnel must keep that info under lock and key.  It is used to help a child be successful.  Trying to decide if there is a specific reason why a child struggles is in the child's benefit.  It is how they can address what things might help them.  Perhaps it is sitting in the front of the room, movement breaks, one on one time, etc.  I know that due to my son's challenges, I was able to explain to the principal what kind of teacher specifically would be best for him, what kinds of things have worked in the past to help him have a comfortable year in school, and what peers would be best to be in class with next year.  I wasn't afraid to admit that my child has some challenges and the result is that I am setting up the next school year to be better suited to his personal needs.  Why parents are afraid of that, I do not know.  I feel like I'm giving my kid the best possible chance for a happy school situation.  

Teachers are excellent in terms of a resource to discuss your child.  They can compare lots of kids and see who stands out from the crowd.  They don't diagnosis a child but they are an awesome resource to get an idea about a problem.  It was a PRESCHOOL teacher that noticed something with my child.  She was dead on the money when he was diagnosed a year later with sensory integration disorder.  I've thanked her in person as well as in my heart every day.  She wasn't the one who diagnosed him-----  but she gave me the info I needed for his evaluation.  Only a physician can diagnose add/adhd (and an occupational therapist diagnoses sensory integration disorder).  But teachers give great insight that shouldn't be overlooked.  

There is nothing to fear in helping your child.  My boy went from a kid that struggled terribly to one of the guys.  I'm so happy we took the steps necessary to help him. good luck

[allmymarbles]

Everybody in the world now thinks he or she is qualified to make psychological diagnoses. Teachers have no business giving tests of this kind. Why did they send your son home? I once had interference from a school (one of my four kids). I ignored them. There was nothing wrong with my daughter - except that she hated school.

[Sandman2]

First NO ONE can force you to give him meds.  That's in capital letters, NO ONE.
Second, if he does have something like ADHD, it means he can get a 504 or an IEP which will give him extra time on tests (if he needs it) and even extra time for homework.  School right now should be pretty easy.  By 4th grade it gets a lot tougher.  And if he is following behind in things like reading, it also means he can get extra help.  I would assume that he is having problems of some kind of the school would not be doing this.  Even if it is that he is kinda hyper (and is doing great grade wise), the above mentioned plans can give the teachers ideas on how to work with him and actually protect him from some old hard liner that has no clue what ADHD can do to a kid.  Finally, since this will carry over to next year (which may be a major reason for it being done now), it will certainly make the start of 4th grade better for him.
  Try to look at this as something that will help him.  If done correctly, it will.  Let us know how the meeting goes, and if you have any questions about their recommendations.

[dumbell502]

okay i have prepared  ? for the a person invovled and i have read up adhd/add but i feel that they pushing this a bit to far, what do they want? they said they would sent it home "horribly unprofessional" lol(thats a joke) its not a ranking i want on his permanent record...hate school pushing this on me and him...i am not going push a pill down his throat.

[Sandman2]

  Its not really a test.  Standard method is usually a questionnaire filled out by parents and teachers.  They Psyc then ranks the answers in terms of things like attention span, hyperactivity, etc.  Since it is standardized for elementary school kids (and maybe higher), you would see questions that are meant for higher grade level kids.  Questions you chose not to answer wouldn't matter as they are looking for his traits or things that he does.
  They would never send the results home.  That would be horribly unprofessional.
  Not sure why you are so upset with them.  Sounds like they are trying to help your child.  Have you taken the time to read up on ADHD/ADD so that you will have an understanding what they are talking about?  This is serious stuff and you want to go to this meeting prepared.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask!