| Posted By |
Message |
nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
|
Ok, so I got the ball rolling- small update
I have an appointment for a consultation with a pediatric neurologist. Can someone talk me through the process? I'm assuming she and I will discuss DS and what his struggles seem to be. And then what? She makes a judgement call if he should be evaluated? How long does the process take? How do they come to the diagnosis?
Update- we went to the neurologist yesterday for our consultation. They gave DS a physical exam and had him do some motor tests (hold his arms out with his eyes closed, touch his nose, etc...) and we discussed what kind of a kid he is- his strengths and struggles. She gave me Vanderbilt forms for me and DH and for his teachers. We have a follow up in 4 weeks. She also suggested I work with a psychologist on behavior modification. The whole thing took about an hour.
I'm still playing phone tag with the school psychologist. I am going to ask the school to do a behavioral assessment and see what help I can get through the district.
Message edited 10/10/2013 7:54:14 AM.
|
Posted 10/7/13 10:48 AM  |
| |
|
busymomonli
Resident Insomniac
Member since 4/13 2050 total posts
Name:
|
Ok, so I got the ball rolling
I think they will likely discuss his issues at home and at school and give you evaluation questionairres to have filled out by you, your dh, and his teacher. If you have any documents that might help, such as report cards or behavior reports, that will help. Once those are filled out, he will have you back to discuss. When we went to a neurologist, thats what took place. He wanted to write a script based on that alone. I wasn't satisfied, so we went to a phychologist.
She will likely ask how you feel about medication, so thats something you want to discuss before you get there.
|
| Posted 10/7/13 12:41 PM |
| |
|
nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
|
Re: Ok, so I got the ball rolling
Posted by busymomonli
I think they will likely discuss his issues at home and at school and give you evaluation questionairres to have filled out by you, your dh, and his teacher. If you have any documents that might help, such as report cards or behavior reports, that will help. Once those are filled out, he will have you back to discuss. When we went to a neurologist, thats what took place. He wanted to write a script based on that alone. I wasn't satisfied, so we went to a phychologist.
She will likely ask how you feel about medication, so thats something you want to discuss before you get there.
I really want to avoid medication if possible and lean more towards behavior modification and getting him support in the classroom.
|
| Posted 10/7/13 12:48 PM |
| |
|
BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Ok, so I got the ball rolling
Posted by nferrandi
Posted by busymomonli
I think they will likely discuss his issues at home and at school and give you evaluation questionairres to have filled out by you, your dh, and his teacher. If you have any documents that might help, such as report cards or behavior reports, that will help. Once those are filled out, he will have you back to discuss. When we went to a neurologist, thats what took place. He wanted to write a script based on that alone. I wasn't satisfied, so we went to a phychologist.
She will likely ask how you feel about medication, so thats something you want to discuss before you get there.
I really want to avoid medication if possible and lean more towards behavior modification and getting him support in the classroom.
The previous post pretty much sums up how the visit worked for us.
As far as classroom support. You can ask for a BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan).
|
| Posted 10/7/13 12:53 PM |
| |
|
nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
|
Re: Ok, so I got the ball rolling
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by nferrandi
Posted by busymomonli
I think they will likely discuss his issues at home and at school and give you evaluation questionairres to have filled out by you, your dh, and his teacher. If you have any documents that might help, such as report cards or behavior reports, that will help. Once those are filled out, he will have you back to discuss. When we went to a neurologist, thats what took place. He wanted to write a script based on that alone. I wasn't satisfied, so we went to a phychologist.
She will likely ask how you feel about medication, so thats something you want to discuss before you get there.
I really want to avoid medication if possible and lean more towards behavior modification and getting him support in the classroom.
The previous post pretty much sums up how the visit worked for us.
As far as classroom support. You can ask for a BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan).
I need to work on this with DH teacher because although "he clearly has attention issues" in her words, I don't feel she is doing anything to help him along the way. I don't know how she expects him to overcome his struggles without some classroom support.  If its so clear to her, then you would think she would be trying to help him work to his potential instead of just seeming annoyed with him.
|
| Posted 10/7/13 12:58 PM |
| |
|
BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Ok, so I got the ball rolling
Posted by nferrandi
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by nferrandi
Posted by busymomonli
I think they will likely discuss his issues at home and at school and give you evaluation questionairres to have filled out by you, your dh, and his teacher. If you have any documents that might help, such as report cards or behavior reports, that will help. Once those are filled out, he will have you back to discuss. When we went to a neurologist, thats what took place. He wanted to write a script based on that alone. I wasn't satisfied, so we went to a phychologist.
She will likely ask how you feel about medication, so thats something you want to discuss before you get there.
I really want to avoid medication if possible and lean more towards behavior modification and getting him support in the classroom.
The previous post pretty much sums up how the visit worked for us.
As far as classroom support. You can ask for a BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan).
I need to work on this with DH teacher because although "he clearly has attention issues" in her words, I don't feel she is doing anything to help him along the way. I don't know how she expects him to overcome his struggles without some classroom support. If its so clear to her, then you would think she would be trying to help him work to his potential instead of just seeming annoyed with him.
A teacher can't implement the BIP, it goes through CSE. Once you have it in place, she is obligated to abide by it. Of course you would think she would offer some suggestions, and try those before going that route. A behavior chart, etc. Once you have your results, I would contact the district and go from there to try to get a BIP.
Message edited 10/7/2013 1:13:51 PM.
|
| Posted 10/7/13 1:13 PM |
| |
|
busymomonli
Resident Insomniac
Member since 4/13 2050 total posts
Name:
|
Ok, so I got the ball rolling
I am currently trying to get support from my district and they are fighting me tooth and nail. I requested a 504, which is basically just accomodations in the classroom to help him deal with his issues. I was turned down. Then I requested a full IEP evaluation, which includes testing for learning disabilities and behavioral issues. He passed all of the testing, meaning he has no learning disability, and they are process of doing a functional behavioral assessment right now. They do not want to give him any services unless he is failing, and I know he does not have to be failing to get them. The school psychologist is a complete b****. She compared my sons ADHD to how she sometimes daydreams in the car. Even though his teacher says keeping him on task is a full time job by itself.
What they don't realize is that I'm not going to go away that easily.
|
| Posted 10/7/13 1:19 PM |
| |
|
sapphire
LIF Adolescent
Member since 6/06 568 total posts
Name:
Elizabeth
|
Re: Ok, so I got the ball rolling
I am currently trying to get support from my district and they are fighting me tooth and nail. I requested a 504, which is basically just accomodations in the classroom to help him deal with his issues. I was turned down. Then I requested a full IEP evaluation, which includes testing for learning disabilities and behavioral issues. He passed all of the testing, meaning he has no learning disability, and they are process of doing a functional behavioral assessment right now. They do not want to give him any services unless he is failing, and I know he does not have to be failing to get them. The school psychologist is a complete b****. She compared my sons ADHD to how she sometimes daydreams in the car. Even though his teacher says keeping him on task is a full time job by itself.
Make sure you get an IEE (independent education evalution) if you don't agree with the school's findings. Request it in writing. Research as much as you can on an IEE, take your child to a highly recommended neuropsychologist to see what's going on and what type of accommodations the school needs to give. Get an advocate if you need to.
|
| Posted 10/7/13 2:33 PM |
| |
|
nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
|
Re: Ok, so I got the ball rolling
Posted by sapphire
I am currently trying to get support from my district and they are fighting me tooth and nail. I requested a 504, which is basically just accomodations in the classroom to help him deal with his issues. I was turned down. Then I requested a full IEP evaluation, which includes testing for learning disabilities and behavioral issues. He passed all of the testing, meaning he has no learning disability, and they are process of doing a functional behavioral assessment right now. They do not want to give him any services unless he is failing, and I know he does not have to be failing to get them. The school psychologist is a complete b****. She compared my sons ADHD to how she sometimes daydreams in the car. Even though his teacher says keeping him on task is a full time job by itself.
Make sure you get an IEE (independent education evalution) if you don't agree with the school's findings. Request it in writing. Research as much as you can on an IEE, take your child to a highly recommended neuropsychologist to see what's going on and what type of accommodations the school needs to give. Get an advocate if you need to.
That's exactly my fear- that he has no learning disabilities and the district will fight me on getting a 504. But if its a fight they want, it's a fight they will get.
|
| Posted 10/7/13 8:46 PM |
| |
|
MrsM0824
LIF Zygote
Member since 10/13 46 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Ok, so I got the ball rolling
Posted by nferrandi
Posted by sapphire
I am currently trying to get support from my district and they are fighting me tooth and nail. I requested a 504, which is basically just accomodations in the classroom to help him deal with his issues. I was turned down. Then I requested a full IEP evaluation, which includes testing for learning disabilities and behavioral issues. He passed all of the testing, meaning he has no learning disability, and they are process of doing a functional behavioral assessment right now. They do not want to give him any services unless he is failing, and I know he does not have to be failing to get them. The school psychologist is a complete b****. She compared my sons ADHD to how she sometimes daydreams in the car. Even though his teacher says keeping him on task is a full time job by itself.
Make sure you get an IEE (independent education evalution) if you don't agree with the school's findings. Request it in writing. Research as much as you can on an IEE, take your child to a highly recommended neuropsychologist to see what's going on and what type of accommodations the school needs to give. Get an advocate if you need to.
That's exactly my fear- that he has no learning disabilities and the district will fight me on getting a 504. But if its a fight they want, it's a fight they will get.
As a special educator I can tell you that depending upon your district, the louder you yell, the more likely you are to get what your child needs. If you are against medication, the school should be doing a FBA (functional behavior assessment) and a BIP (behavior intervention plan). These are legally binding documents so even if you feel like the teacher is "annoyed" by them, she has to follow them AND keep accurate DATA and records to show they're working. If they aren't, then the plans are revisited and revised with your input at the next CSE meeting.
Any questions on the process, please feel free to FM me and good luck!!
|
| Posted 10/7/13 10:18 PM |
| |
|
nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
|
Re: Ok, so I got the ball rolling
Posted by MrsM0824
Posted by nferrandi
Posted by sapphire
I am currently trying to get support from my district and they are fighting me tooth and nail. I requested a 504, which is basically just accomodations in the classroom to help him deal with his issues. I was turned down. Then I requested a full IEP evaluation, which includes testing for learning disabilities and behavioral issues. He passed all of the testing, meaning he has no learning disability, and they are process of doing a functional behavioral assessment right now. They do not want to give him any services unless he is failing, and I know he does not have to be failing to get them. The school psychologist is a complete b****. She compared my sons ADHD to how she sometimes daydreams in the car. Even though his teacher says keeping him on task is a full time job by itself.
Make sure you get an IEE (independent education evalution) if you don't agree with the school's findings. Request it in writing. Research as much as you can on an IEE, take your child to a highly recommended neuropsychologist to see what's going on and what type of accommodations the school needs to give. Get an advocate if you need to.
That's exactly my fear- that he has no learning disabilities and the district will fight me on getting a 504. But if its a fight they want, it's a fight they will get.
As a special educator I can tell you that depending upon your district, the louder you yell, the more likely you are to get what your child needs. If you are against medication, the school should be doing a FBA (functional behavior assessment) and a BIP (behavior intervention plan). These are legally binding documents so even if you feel like the teacher is "annoyed" by them, she has to follow them AND keep accurate DATA and records to show they're working. If they aren't, then the plans are revisited and revised with your input at the next CSE meeting.
Any questions on the process, please feel free to FM me and good luck!!
Do I have to wait for a diagnosis from the pediatric neurologist before I can request a FBA or BIP? Or can I ask the school to do that while we're in the process of getting the diagnosis?
Thank you all so much for your help and guidance. Although I've been suspicious for quite some time, this is the first time we are seeing someone for a possible ADHD diagnosis. I have a lot of questions and I just want to do my best to help my DS succeed.
|
| Posted 10/7/13 10:23 PM |
| |
|
MrsM0824
LIF Zygote
Member since 10/13 46 total posts
Name:
|
Ok, so I got the ball rolling
Has the school done any testing or evaluations for you yet? Even if you have the diagnosis from a doctor, you'll still need to go through the evaluation process at the district level for services. You need the put a written request in for evaluation through your district. If behavior is an issue sighted by the classroom teacher, a functional behavior assessment (FBA) should be routinely part of the initial evaluation. A BIP would follow on an IEP or 504 if the FBA was done. Out of curiosity, where are you located? FM me if you're more comfortable. I work full-time in queens but have worked for an agency on LI in many different districts.
|
| Posted 10/7/13 10:37 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Ok, so I got the ball rolling
Also remember that the teacher is probably doing the best she can---she can advocate and give you resources but that's really about it.
It's up to the school district to make the accommodations he requires.
I also suggest looking into some of the things the other ladies told you about.
And be as honest as possible on the eval. Even if he does not do certain things daily, if he does it, put it down.
|
| Posted 10/8/13 5:45 AM |
| |
|
nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
|
Re: Ok, so I got the ball rolling
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
Also remember that the teacher is probably doing the best she can---she can advocate and give you resources but that's really about it.
It's up to the school district to make the accommodations he requires.
I also suggest looking into some of the things the other ladies told you about.
And be as honest as possible on the eval. Even if he does not do certain things daily, if he does it, put it down.
From what I saw and the nasty way she spoke to DH and I, I do not get the impression that is doing the best she can. She seems very inflexible. She wants the kids doing things her way. She was quick to point out what she thinks is "wrong" with my DS, but didn't offer up a single solution or suggestion of how we can improve things. He needs simple accommodations like having the directions read to him again and she gets annoyed at him instead of being understanding.
|
| Posted 10/8/13 8:01 AM |
| |
|
MrsEvans2004
LIF Infant
Member since 8/06 314 total posts
Name:
Rina
|
Ok, so I got the ball rolling
you should speak to the principle about her. She has deal with all children and how they learn. That's why she is a teacher in went into that career. It burns me up when some teachers just do not care about our children. I have meeting with my daughter's new school this morning I will not put in the new school unless we had a meeting to discuss my daughter's recent diagnosed of adhd My daughter is in kindergarten. I will say pray for you.
|
| Posted 10/8/13 8:45 AM |
| |
|
KAAM
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 1247 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Ok, so I got the ball rolling
Did they send you any teacher reports to have filled out? I would try and get them, to bring them with you to the first appt already completed. This way, you don't have a consult, and sent home with teacher evals, and a 2nd appt 2-3 months from now. If the teacher is already seeing attentional issues, why wait for the paperwork?
|
| Posted 10/8/13 10:03 AM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Ok, so I got the ball rolling
Posted by nferrandi
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
Also remember that the teacher is probably doing the best she can---she can advocate and give you resources but that's really about it.
It's up to the school district to make the accommodations he requires.
I also suggest looking into some of the things the other ladies told you about.
And be as honest as possible on the eval. Even if he does not do certain things daily, if he does it, put it down.
From what I saw and the nasty way she spoke to DH and I, I do not get the impression that is doing the best she can. She seems very inflexible. She wants the kids doing things her way. She was quick to point out what she thinks is "wrong" with my DS, but didn't offer up a single solution or suggestion of how we can improve things. He needs simple accommodations like having the directions read to him again and she gets annoyed at him instead of being understanding.
You didn't say that in your original post.
If it's a teacher issue, then go over her head.
I just think that sometimes parents are quick to put the blame on the teacher, and with all they are responsible these days in a large classroom full of kids, it's hard to give a child withOUT special needs, the attention they require.
I went to my DS open house tonight for Pre-K, and was told by the time he gets in kindergarten next year, he is going to be expected to be on a 2nd grade level.
|
| Posted 10/8/13 7:12 PM |
| |
|
BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Ok, so I got the ball rolling
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
Posted by nferrandi
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
I went to my DS open house tonight for Pre-K, and was told by the time he gets in kindergarten next year, he is going to be expected to be on a 2nd grade level.
I just want to respond to this. I don't know why they say these things. I think in an effort to scare us or scare the kids. But I can assure you that K is not on a 2nd grade level. 2nd graders are usually full on reading, and starting chapter books. The things my child did in K last year (which was common core aligned, so pretty much the same everywhere since CC was implemented last year), was not nearly as challenging as they make it out to be. I thought maybe I was the only one that thought this, but speaking to other parents, they all had the same thought. Even 1st grade thus far isn't really "2nd grade". So my point is, I wouldn't stress about it. I don't think the common core curriculum is going to change again for next year and make it 2nd grade work.
|
| Posted 10/10/13 7:20 AM |
| |
|
