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Post by bunny on Nov 17, 2004 21:29:19 GMT -5
I tried to start the ball rolling last year after easter break (when the issue of ADD finally connected with me). I believe my son to be ADD inattentive. He's now 8yo and in 3rd grade. My first step with the school psych ended up with connors tests before the second grade school year ended. The first time I even met with her was during the summer break. She never met with DS.  I then went to the family doctor, who after much discussion said we may want to consider Straterra, but since his grades are not too bad, let's wait a marking period first and see how things go. He also did not speak with DS (though I did bring him to the appointment). All summer up to present we have been doing supplements (magnesium, multi, fish oil). My opinion of this varies from week to week. I can't swear that it's working, but I won't take him off... regardless... it's not working enough. Well, the marking period is over, I have met with his teacher three times already and spoke with her on the phone twice. She is really a sweatheart, and is trying to encourage and accommodate DS, but she is also getting very frustrated with his lack of attention and inability to complete assignments.  I called the school psych (new one this year), and asked what my next step would be. She said that upon a medical diagnosis, her only responsibility would be if I wanted a 504 plan. I really don't know if I do... Maybe medication would help him enough that I wouldn't need one. Bottom line, I won't medicate him until someone talks to HIM  . What if there are other issues here? What should a thorough evaluation consist of? I'm currently looking into child psychiatrists, but cannot find any in my area. I guess we'll be doing some driving. Am I crazy  If I'm not yet, I will be soon  . |
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Post by tridlette on Nov 17, 2004 21:50:36 GMT -5
Around here, PA, a parent can request a "multidisciplanary evaluation" (MDE) and the school is obligated to complete a comprehensive evaluation including teacher input, IQ testing, parent input, counselor observation... and then you get a Written Evaluation Report that states what the child's strenght and weaknesses are, and recommended interventions.
At that point, a team is put together to develop either a 504 service plan or an IEP (individual education plan) that has specially designed instruction requirements that the school must adhere to.
I don't know if that is federal laws, under the IDEA act of 1997, or if it is just a PA regulation.
My recommendation is to look at the tourette syndrome web site, there is a tutorial in advocating for your child that is well worth the several hours it takes to read through and understand the whole thing. But, they steer you in a positive direction, with a lot of very helpful suggestions. Most importantly, keep records of every conversation, correspondence, evaluation, etc.
That is the straw that has broken many school district's back when they are violating the rights of the child!
You are already on the right path, just don't let them play the "wait and see game" too often... they have been pulling it with me since my son was in 3rd grade. Now, as a freshman in high school, I have started riding my wicked witches broom regularly and getting much more reaction from the school... we might yet get him through high school without having a drug addict or a sociopathic teenager!
Today's teacher conferences actually resulted in POSITIVE feedback! OMG was I surprised! And he only had ONE "F", which is a thrilling improvement. He even had one A!
But again, look into the tourette syndrome advocacy links and you will be much better informed to help your son!
Let us know how it goes, and what WE can do to help you!
Laurie
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Post by finnmom on Nov 18, 2004 9:50:24 GMT -5
Trid has a lot of info on how to do this in U.S. It sure seem´s funny that no one has ever talked with your ds  In here, getting a dx ment a 6 session examination with psych and my ds. then we met neuropsycologist a, got an eeg done( just to make sure there were no epilptic/etc. sign´s) and after that: we got the dx. So I´d say it´s not done properly with your ds..... Dont let them play around you Keep on the good work that you´ve already done. Good luck to you!!!! |
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Post by Linda on Nov 18, 2004 19:26:18 GMT -5
It is the same thing here in Michigan too trid. The Doctor most certainly should have talked to your son....I don't understand that!
You are not crazy...you are just doing what you feel best for your child and that is advocating for him!Stick to your guns...do what is comfortable for you.
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Post by bunny on Nov 18, 2004 21:25:10 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. I've been working on finding an approriate physician for my ds. Hoping to get a recommendation first... this is proving difficult. I have a social worker friend who referred me to someone (he is 45 minutes away, and I can't get in until mid December). I made that appointment, but figured I can still shop around while holding onto that appointment. If we are going to go the medication route, I was hoping to start over the Christmas vacation... , I don't know if that will work out or not. I really wish we could be seen sooner . Did your kids have actual testing with the physician, or more talking to the parents? Bunny |
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Post by Linda on Nov 19, 2004 6:37:57 GMT -5
The Doctor actually talked to him and observed him for about an hour.You know how some kids will be really good in the office? Not Paul....He was all over the place...touching...climbing...totally on the move!
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Post by finnmom on Nov 19, 2004 6:58:00 GMT -5
Bunny Good luck for your appointment! I´d say the same as Linda; my ds did show them all he got Well, better that way. I forgot to write that ds was all alone with the psychologist those 6 time´s(actually that ha has been tested twice, second time a year after) |
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Post by catseye on Nov 19, 2004 9:00:30 GMT -5
Of sd it was mostly talking with parents... Sd is " Diagnosed" pretty much strictly off the conners questioneer... Her physician has been her physician since she was born... When I brought the schools concerns to his attention at an appointment the dr said he pretty much suspected ADHD for my sd for YEARS! Just after seeing her behavior at dr appts etc..
Personally I dont think it is necessary for the dr to actually talk to the child (although I do see I am in the minority here), since ADHD is a visual observation for the most part... Based on behaviors, and reactions etc... Afterall most of the conners test itself, is those types of questions...
The dr did do a couple of "tests" at the first appt regarding a possible diagnosis of adhd... Had sd do a bit of writting (wrote her name), had her balance on one foot... Those are all I can remember right now... Nothing medical.... Later on I had some blood testing done, since I read sometimes lead poisoning can cause adhd symptoms... Those came back clear though... He also asked her a few straight forward questions, just like " Do you like school", "what do you do at school" and " Do you have any friends"... Maybe that is what you mean by talking with your son? I doubt he talked more then 5 minutes to her though...
As for the 504 plan, as I said in another post, I cant see how a plan of any sort in school could harm or hurt a child... From my experience, it has been a huge benefit for my sd to have an IEP... Good luck!
cat
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Post by rosyred45 on Nov 19, 2004 12:24:26 GMT -5
HI Bunny, sorry to see it is being difficult for you. We took Mikey to AI DuPont after trying the alternative route of an allergist. Which, like Paul, Mikey was in his mode when we saw any of the 3 Dr's that took me seriously. Our regular doctor said "It's a boy thing" >:(Well, the only reason he was sitting still when we went to the doctor's that time was because he was sick Do you have an allergist in your area? We took Mikey to the first one, didn't like him, so we took him to another one, who directed us to the nuerologist that dx'd Mikey. They did a physical, had him jump, walk, checked out everything like hearing and such. Plus they reviewed the paper work from the different settings to which I sent forms too. He was dx'd mild ???Yeahhhhh, real mild when I want to pull my hair out. BUT that peice of paper is the most valuable thing that I have because on the script, she wrote to recommend a 504. That's what helped us out. Good luck |
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Post by bunny on Nov 19, 2004 16:04:17 GMT -5
I guess that I'm looking for more "proof" before going onto medication. My sister's dd was diagnosed as ADD inattentive, and when she was evaluated she took some computerized testing that measured response times as well as being observed for her reaction to what was on the computer (looking overwhelmed when presented with a whole page of math problems, but not when given a few at a time...). The doc also talked to her quite a long time. I guess that given this is my closest experience to someone being tested, I'm measuring my expectations up to her visit. I don't know how much that testing really proved, but it made my sister more comfortable with the diagnosis. I appreciate all of you comments. Bunny |
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Post by rosyred45 on Nov 19, 2004 17:23:16 GMT -5
Well, I remember a few years back when boy at the school was being evaluated, I was given a form for his performance at SACC. The performance was just a basic how did he act, but me, being me, I kept him busy and such, so he was never a problem for me, so I had to gauge it off of others reactions......I hate to say that, but because I tend to be better with add/adhd kids, that's what I had to do.
Bunny, go with your gut. If you feel there should be something else, get your broom and hop on for the ride. We are here for you no matter what.
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Post by mskris on Nov 23, 2004 15:08:25 GMT -5
Well, Bunny, I'd be a little skeptical if the people your son saw were the school psych and the family doctor.
I skipped those and went right to a recommended pediatric neurologist. He did some tests with my son (with me in the room), asked him questions, told him a story and made him repeat parts of it, etc. He also checked balance, hearing, reflexes, etc. He saw enough in an hour to say that ds has classic adhd, but on the mild to moderate end. This peds neurologist has seen it all before (including himself!), and is really great to talk to. He asks all the right questions, and we still go to him even though we now live an hour and a half away (ds only sees him 2-3 times/yr). We also pay out of pocket, but again, it's worth it.
He did suggest medication right away, but explained that he wanted to intervene before ds started getting discouraged and depressed (he was in first grade). We had just moved to the area, so it was important for ds to be able to make new friends quickly. Prior to being on the meds, he hadn't really had many friends. He'd go on a playdate and never be asked back (although we never heard he did anything WRONG)...after meds, he was popular! So it definitely helped in many areas, especially with self-esteem. We still have to do behavior modification in school, and he does have a 504 plan, but without meds, it would be very difficult for all of us. I'm not advocating meds for every kid, but for us, it was the beginning of the answer.
Good luck.
Kris
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Post by Linda on Nov 23, 2004 17:11:39 GMT -5
For us too kris,The beginning of an answer! When you have a little boy of six(Paul) asking why he is stupid when you know he is so bright...It just breaks your heart!!! I detested the idea of meds but we decided to try them and what a difference!His confidence just soared...but like you said meds are not the answer for everyone but for us it was a short of a miracle!!  |
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Post by bunny on Nov 24, 2004 8:48:47 GMT -5
Kris, your reply was very encouranging. I decided that no matter what else, I do have to go with my gut... and that seems to be what everybody is encouraging as well. Thanks for all your help. DS will be seeing a new doctor mid december. Hopefully the eval will give me the confidence I need.
Bunny
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Post by rosyred45 on Nov 24, 2004 9:04:05 GMT -5
Good luck Bunny, let us know how things go |
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