I'm confused...again~

[StrugglingAgain]

My ds, 9, is in third grade. He had an evaluation by his psychologist, IQ 101, but his Performance score and his Verbal scores were so far apart that the psychologist said he may have learning disabilities and thought he should have further testing. Well, now he's been further tested in depth by the school. We have our first meeting Dec. 2 (finally!). He's qualifying for an IEP under "Other Health Impaired", after getting the forms filled out by his psychologist and psychiatrist. I've only spoken on the phone with this diagnostician (I've yet to meet her), but she says his test scores show no learning disability. SO, his biggest problem is "distractability". He's severely distracted in the classroom full of twenty other students. I don't know what to think they will do with him in Special Education classes? Perhaps he won't struggle so much just because there will be fewer children to distract him? It seems odd to me that he would be given special education just for that reason, though I'm not complaining. He might learn much better in that environment. Is there anyone else on here who has a child with Special Ed who doesn't have learning disabilities per se?

[Amsmom]

hi strugglingagain,
yes, my ds8 is in the special ed program at his elementary school. he does not have learning disabilities, just focusing and behavior problems. he has only 9 classmates and 2 teachers. (not a teacher and an aide) staying on task is easier with the lower student to pupil ratio. the teachers have more time to remind him to get to work. it is the best thing i could have done for him! i think you will feel the same way. keep us posted.

[StrugglingAgain]

WOW, what a teacher/student ratio! I hope this is the right thing to do. My son has exactly the same problems...focusing and behavior. Is your son in that classroom all day, or only for certain subjects?

[TexasMom]

My son is in the special ed program, but he 's in the regular ed, with special help. He gets accomodations, plus the special ed teacher pulls him out during study hall for additional help. His biggest problem is organization and concentration.

[Amsmom]

my ds is in the small group class all day. i cant imagine him being anywhere else! they earn grades/points for their behavior and staying on task every day. on friday they get to cash in their points for treats. he has the opportunity to be mainstreamed into regular classes for short periods of time if he improves in behavior and concentration. i am not in any hurry for him to be out of the small group. s/a, check with your school board, there should be an exceptional student program, or similar type program. they should be able to tell you what programs are available for attention and behavior problems. good good good luck, i wish you the very best!!!!

[StrugglingAgain]

Thanks for the encouragement. I suppose I'll know more on Thurs. when we meet for the first time. I'm most anxious to see what the diagnostician found in all her testing. She did say that he was extremely cooperative, polite and a joy to work with. I asked if she had the right boy! With ME he's never cooperative, polite, or much of a joy. Still, I DO love him so! Just with his birth, he gave me alot to live for when I was about at the lowest one can get.

[rosyred45]

Isn't it great hear them say the kids are polite and all, adn in the back of your mind you thinking
FIRST: MY CHILD
Foloowed by the BEAMING PRIDE THAT YOU KNEW WAS THERE

Anyhow, glad to see things moving along for you. I wish that Mikey could be separated out. That is exactly what he needs, BUT I was told that he could only be separated out if he had an LD, which he doesn't have.

Although, I am going to look into a couple of things with the teachers in those rooms.

Thanks for giving me food for thought
Good luck on Thursday

[StrugglingAgain]

I was afraid that my son wouldn't be able to have an IEP or 504 as soon as the diagnostician told me that he had NO learning disabilities. She told me she needed a form filled out by his psychiatrist or psychologist stating his ADHD and it's severity to qualify him under "Other Health Impaired". Boy, did I get that form filled out fast! I'm still in the dark as to what they will suggest, but I'll know this week. Are you SURE that Mikey couldn't qualify with "Other Health Impaired"? 'Leave no stone unturned!

[rosyred45]

I know, I know....he is qualified under that for his 504, but because he isn't severe enough in the schools eyes he just has his 504. Don't you love that.

Your kid isn't Bad, distracted..... enough you just need to make them mind......OK YOU TAKE MY KID FOR THE WEEKEND.