Very concerned

[saffie]

Hi, I'm new, so sorry if I just jump right in I hope you don't mind.

We just took our son off meds. He's always been wonderful in school and had no problems whatsoever. I am concerned about school this year. Anyone had this experience?

[camismom]

I think I saw on another thread you posted that your son is 10? Couple q's for you. When was he dx'd? and does he have a 504? If not, then I would suggest getting one as soon as possible. If you aren't familiar with a 504, it is a document that you draw up with help from the school's counselor that lists accomodations for the teacher(s) to allow for your son to help him. For example, allowing extra time on classwork and tests, allowing him to type handwritten assignments if handwriting is tough, etc. If he doesn not have one of these, then I definitely suggest it med free or not. The only other thing I can suggest is that you inform the teacher(s) of this and why it is being done. Stress to them that you know it will make things a little harder on them but for now you think it is best for your son. Ask for a little patience and little help while you do this and stress that you will help them as well as much as you can. Finally, as tough as it may be, keep an open mind. If he is becoming too much of a handful in class and causing trouble, falling too behind in work, or esp. in grades then meds or a diet change will be in order again. Remember there are several different kinds so start researching them to see what could be a better fit than ones he has taken in the past.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

[saffie]

He was diagnosed at age 4. No we don't have a 504 because honestly he has not had any problems at all in school. Actually the teachers are always shocked when I tell them he has ADHD. He is so "normal" on the meds. (whatever normal is LOL)

Thanks

[Kaiti]

Hi again Steph, my son is only 8 and going into 3rd grade. The 504 for him, let's see if I can grab it real quick......finally....see what happens when an unorganized person OVER ORGANIZES ;D

Any how, back to you....here are accomidations that might seem a bit obvious, but are nesseccary when it comes to making sure you are your child's advocate:

*The student will be seated near the chalk board
*" " " '" " the teacher's desk
*" " " do certain assignments while seated in a study corral.
*The student willbe given extra time as needed to complete assignments.
*The teacher will reogranize informaiton into smaller chunks of informnation
*The teacher will reduce writing load when possible in major subject areas
* The student is reminded to stay on task

OK, that last one seems really dumb, obvious, what ever, but it aliviates the CONSTANT notes home.

Hope that helped some
Take care
Kaiti

[sportsmom]

Saffie and WELCOME

another thing I would ask for if you get a 504 is for an extra set of books for you to have at home for homework. Not only is it great for you to have a reference to their homework but if your son forgets a book you have it at home.

[finnmom]

:)Saffie and warm welcome

So your ds is not on med´s right now, but has been during the past schoolyear? Deffenately a worrying new sircumstance´s to you, may i ask why he´s not on med´s anymore?

I´d take thing´s as they come, tell theacher he´s not currently on med´s so the difference between your ds´s behaviour last youe and this year would seem as huge. There is not much but to wait and see how it goes, I´d deffenately look for the 504 as suggested.... I fhting´s go bad you may beed to investigate med´s once again or some change´s.....

lot´s of Good luck for you and keep us posted on hw it goes

[catseye]

Every child is different, and as I just said in another post if it doesnt work, you can always go back to the medications...

My sd we were kinda forced to start her in school last year, without medication... She lost her only friend, got suspened from the bus, and hit her teacher, all within the first week... YEP BACK ON MEDS!! ;D

Its worth a shot, but I would tell the teacher (unless you think you have a lazy teacher, who wouldnt deal with it well or something) so they can watch to make the focus is enough for learning... Good luck!

cat