pjlippert
Cathlete
Hi all,
First let me say thank you again for all of your insights and personal experiences that you so graciously shared with me previously.
After many more hours of talks with our doctor, the teachers, counselor, the school principal, a few other other school administrators, here is what I've come up with so far.
My son, Randy is still having a lot of a trouble at school and will be placed on an ILP (Individual Learning Plan) for next year because of the fact that he has fallen so far behind in reading and writing. He excells at math. Today I spent two hours with Randy's current teacher and the school phychologist (who is streched thin throughout the district). She made herself available to observe Randy and to meet with me after my talk with the school Principal.
The Psychologist is AMAZING!! (her name is Michelle). She has evaluated over a thousand children for learning disabilities and behavior problems, etc. and has specialized in Autism, ADD, ADHD in both children and adults. She has written many books on the issues and has given talks all around the world. (Too bad she is moving to Wisconsin the next school year).
She also has direct experience in dealing with the disorders as she puts it, "My entire family is a case study- including myself!!". She went thoroughly through the causes of particular disabilities and explained the relation to the brain and behavior and even possibly Randy's skin issues. I won't go into detail in this thread right now.
Her evaluation is definitely ADHD and she has suggested that I research the Methalphenadate line of medications based on Randy's symptoms and his bad reactions to Vyvance and Adderoll. She said to research at patch called Daytranna (if anyone has experience with this med, I'd like to hear your experience).
Probably the best news is that the school can do the entire battery of tests to dig down to the specific issues.... ALL FOR FREE!! Also, because he will most likely test as ADHD I think that the school will be required to provide the additional assistance (someone mentioned the plan - 504?).
Michelle reiterated what nearly all of you kind people did regarding "with the right medication, it's like a light-switch being turned on" as well as, "If Randy had diabetes, wouldn't you want him to get the medical help he needs?".
She also suggested that I go on the patches with Randy not only to experience what he will go through but also because I have ADHD as well (based on our two hour meeting).
She gave me a couple of web-sites to check out
CHADD
Wrongplanet.net (very funny web-site)
The other schools I've spoken to Montessori, a private Christian cottage school and a stricter charter school probably won't be the right fit. I am still going to observe the cottage school my girlfriend sends her kids to.
Phew!! That's where things are at right now. Sheeeze- I broke out in a sweat just writing this thread (just kidding!).
Thanks again!
Pam
First let me say thank you again for all of your insights and personal experiences that you so graciously shared with me previously.
After many more hours of talks with our doctor, the teachers, counselor, the school principal, a few other other school administrators, here is what I've come up with so far.
My son, Randy is still having a lot of a trouble at school and will be placed on an ILP (Individual Learning Plan) for next year because of the fact that he has fallen so far behind in reading and writing. He excells at math. Today I spent two hours with Randy's current teacher and the school phychologist (who is streched thin throughout the district). She made herself available to observe Randy and to meet with me after my talk with the school Principal.
The Psychologist is AMAZING!! (her name is Michelle). She has evaluated over a thousand children for learning disabilities and behavior problems, etc. and has specialized in Autism, ADD, ADHD in both children and adults. She has written many books on the issues and has given talks all around the world. (Too bad she is moving to Wisconsin the next school year).
She also has direct experience in dealing with the disorders as she puts it, "My entire family is a case study- including myself!!". She went thoroughly through the causes of particular disabilities and explained the relation to the brain and behavior and even possibly Randy's skin issues. I won't go into detail in this thread right now.
Her evaluation is definitely ADHD and she has suggested that I research the Methalphenadate line of medications based on Randy's symptoms and his bad reactions to Vyvance and Adderoll. She said to research at patch called Daytranna (if anyone has experience with this med, I'd like to hear your experience).
Probably the best news is that the school can do the entire battery of tests to dig down to the specific issues.... ALL FOR FREE!! Also, because he will most likely test as ADHD I think that the school will be required to provide the additional assistance (someone mentioned the plan - 504?).
Michelle reiterated what nearly all of you kind people did regarding "with the right medication, it's like a light-switch being turned on" as well as, "If Randy had diabetes, wouldn't you want him to get the medical help he needs?".
She also suggested that I go on the patches with Randy not only to experience what he will go through but also because I have ADHD as well (based on our two hour meeting).
She gave me a couple of web-sites to check out
CHADD
Wrongplanet.net (very funny web-site)
The other schools I've spoken to Montessori, a private Christian cottage school and a stricter charter school probably won't be the right fit. I am still going to observe the cottage school my girlfriend sends her kids to.
Phew!! That's where things are at right now. Sheeeze- I broke out in a sweat just writing this thread (just kidding!).
Thanks again!
Pam
Once you get the diagnosis, I also found a lot of things fell into place at school and they were very willing (and required by law) to do what needed to be done for my son. 