| Posted By |
Message |
pharmcat2000
Mom of 2 + 1
Member since 10/05 7395 total posts
Name:
Catherine
|
ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
I think my DD is leaning toward getting this diagnosis, and it is killing me! I don't think she has this, but the neurologist said she does because she did not perform well on a computerized test where she had to click when they said or displayed a certain number. So this set into motion a full evaluation by the school (at my request) to see exactly where she is. What prompted my eval by the neurologist was her parent/teacher conference where she described my DD as being easily distracted and inattentive.
My personal opinion of my DD is that she does not want to try anything that she is not going to do well at, and does not like to do things that she finds difficult. To me, she seems like a typical 6 year old, but because she is my first, I really don't know what is "normal". She is not overly active. DH thinks she can't sit in her chair as long as she should, but again, I think her length of time sitting is normal. She is reading above her grade level, and is on grade level for math.
I don't want her labeled as ADD, but on the other hand, if she needs something, I want her to get it. The neurologist is not suggesting medication at her age, just extra help in school.
|
Posted 2/8/13 5:13 AM  |
| |
|
|
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
I have a similar struggle. DS just turned 4 and they say he doesn't like to write or color or do a lot of "fine motor" related activities.
We have a CPSE meeting on Thursday where I suspect they might offer him OT, since he recently completed the eval.
My mom, while now retired, was an elementary school teacher for YEARS and said in her opinion, there are kids that are like how you described your daughter........they just don't like doing certain things, or they take more effort for them to follow through on. It doesn't necessarily mean that they have a diagnosis.
On the flip side, I feel that if the school is going to offer him something that could help, then why not?
I pay enough in school taxes, might as well get something positive out of it.
|
| Posted 2/8/13 9:29 AM |
| |
|
Jacksmommy
My love muffin!
Member since 1/07 5819 total posts
Name:
Liz
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
I have a similar struggle. DS just turned 4 and they say he doesn't like to write or color or do a lot of "fine motor" related activities.
We have a CPSE meeting on Thursday where I suspect they might offer him OT, since he recently completed the eval.
My mom, while now retired, was an elementary school teacher for YEARS and said in her opinion, there are kids that are like how you described your daughter........they just don't like doing certain things, or they take more effort for them to follow through on. It doesn't necessarily mean that they have a diagnosis.
On the flip side, I feel that if the school is going to offer him something that could help, then why not?
I pay enough in school taxes, might as well get something positive out of it.
I am going through the process right now. DS is only 4 but I suspect he may be labeled ADHD eventually. However, I think he is truly just a kid who needs his learning differentiated because he is a kinesthetic learner.
|
| Posted 2/8/13 4:33 PM |
| |
|
Jax430
Hi!
Member since 5/05 18919 total posts
Name:
Jackie
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
There are two types of ADHD. One is the hyperactive type, and the other is the inattentive type. It sounds like the concern is about your DD having the latter. The test that the neurologist used is a good one for differentiating between those who have attention problems and those who don't. That said, anxiety can often look like inattention, and if your daughter is nervous about not doing well, she may not perform well due to that anxiety.
You say that she is doing well academically. What extra help would they want to give her? Is she being disruptive in class? Is she bored?
|
| Posted 2/8/13 6:10 PM |
| |
|
SecretTTCer
LIF Adult
Member since 6/08 2284 total posts
Name:
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
The only way one can be diagnosed with ADD properly is with a psychoeducational evaluation conducted by a psychologist. You need to rule out anxiety, learning disabilities, etc. Neurologists can't do this with their computerized tests!
|
| Posted 2/8/13 8:07 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
We are going through an ADHD/ADD eval. right now. The doctor is being a PITA and needs more info before she can give a DX. It's not a problem, it's just that my DS is struggling and he needs help now... We waited 3 months for the appt, and now another 3 for the follow up... The school year will be almost over.
Anyway, they ask for report cards from this year and last, something called a conner scale, the computer test, they have something for 2 of his teachers to fill out.
If your DD is on grade level I don't see how she would qualify. My DS needs prompting on tests, he needs someone to redirect him to do his work, etc... He has trouble in math and reading, not a lot but he gets extra help. You can tell that he's very bright but he can't focus for long enough to retain things, or complete his work. That's our issue.
The worst that will come out of it is that she will have extra time on tests and redirecting during tests. If you don't agree though look into a second opinion.
|
| Posted 2/9/13 1:31 PM |
| |
|
FranM
And so it goes....
Member since 9/05 2217 total posts
Name:
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
It may vary by district but DS is ADHD and has always been at or above grade level. He has an IEP and gets services. He started in an inclusion class with ot and has progressed to just resource room.
|
| Posted 2/9/13 3:26 PM |
| |
|
donegal419
St. Gerard, pray for us.
Member since 7/07 7650 total posts
Name:
K
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
Posted by greenybeans
If your DD is on grade level I don't see how she would qualify.
as a special ed. teacher, i just wanted to jump in here. you can still qualify for services if your on grade level with an ADD or ADHD diagonosis. many on-grade level kids have it, but need a section 504 plan for things like extended time or separate location rather than IEP. Usually kids with an IEP with an attentional deficit have gaps in their learning/missed skills because of their inability to attend and therefore need specialized instruction, not just extended time or other easy to implement accommodations.
Message edited 2/9/2013 10:32:33 PM.
|
| Posted 2/9/13 10:31 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
Posted by donegal419
Posted by greenybeans
If your DD is on grade level I don't see how she would qualify.
as a special ed. teacher, i just wanted to jump in here. you can still qualify for services if your on grade level with an ADD or ADHD diagonosis. many on-grade level kids have it, but need a section 504 plan for things like extended time or separate location rather than IEP. Usually kids with an IEP with an attentional deficit have gaps in their learning/missed skills because of their inability to attend and therefore need specialized instruction, not just extended time or other easy to implement accommodations.
Oh, okay. I think I might be thinking about it the wrong way. My DS doesn't have a 504 or an IEP. He gets pulled out for reading and he goes in for early math. I think they want a 504 so they can prompt him on tests.
It's all very confusing.
|
| Posted 2/10/13 4:26 PM |
| |
|
pharmcat2000
Mom of 2 + 1
Member since 10/05 7395 total posts
Name:
Catherine
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
Thank you for all your replies. She is getting the physchoeducational evaluation in school. I guess we'll have an answer soon. She is very bright but just has trouble staying on task in school sometimes.
|
| Posted 2/11/13 7:39 AM |
| |
|
donegal419
St. Gerard, pray for us.
Member since 7/07 7650 total posts
Name:
K
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
Posted by greenybeans
Posted by donegal419
Posted by greenybeans
If your DD is on grade level I don't see how she would qualify.
as a special ed. teacher, i just wanted to jump in here. you can still qualify for services if your on grade level with an ADD or ADHD diagonosis. many on-grade level kids have it, but need a section 504 plan for things like extended time or separate location rather than IEP. Usually kids with an IEP with an attentional deficit have gaps in their learning/missed skills because of their inability to attend and therefore need specialized instruction, not just extended time or other easy to implement accommodations.
Oh, okay. I think I might be thinking about it the wrong way. My DS doesn't have a 504 or an IEP. He gets pulled out for reading and he goes in for early math. I think they want a 504 so they can prompt him on tests.
It's all very confusing.
let me know if i can help. he is probably receiving Academic Intervention Services if he is getting pulled for reading and math. with an ADD diagnosis, he could get the 504 which would give him the extra time on tests and other simple accommodations, or he could get an IEP where he would get those same accommodations as the 504 PLUS support from a special education teacher for something like a resource room time.
|
| Posted 2/11/13 10:52 PM |
| |
|
FranM
And so it goes....
Member since 9/05 2217 total posts
Name:
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
donegal419
Would you mind explaining the difference between an IEP and a 504? Thanks
|
| Posted 2/12/13 9:16 AM |
| |
|
pharmcat2000
Mom of 2 + 1
Member since 10/05 7395 total posts
Name:
Catherine
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
Posted by FranM
donegal419
Would you mind explaining the difference between an IEP and a 504? Thanks
Yes, this would be helpful!
|
| Posted 2/15/13 4:43 AM |
| |
|
donegal419
St. Gerard, pray for us.
Member since 7/07 7650 total posts
Name:
K
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
Posted by pharmcat2000
Posted by FranM
donegal419
Would you mind explaining the difference between an IEP and a 504? Thanks
Yes, this would be helpful!
Sure... A section 504 ( the number just references the.public law #) is a legally binding plan that gives.a child required.accommodations in school because of a medical diagnosis. They can range from everything to a kid needing a peanut free table in the cafeteria to access to a wheelchair or Assistive technology because of a physical.disability. In my experience as a teacher, most of my kids with 504 plans have an ADD or ADHD diagnosis. They are then given accommodations so that they can be more successful in school. Typical accommodations for these kids are extended time on tests, tests.administered in a separate location, Directions read, copy of class notes, extra copy of textbook to be left at home, etc. it all depends on the child. The key with a.504 is.that there.must be a medical diagnosis from an MD, not the school or a teacher saying "i think the child has said.condition." What is important to note with a 504 is that the content of the instruction is Not altered, the student is doing grade level work with no individualized education services (i.e. Resource room, speech, ot, self contained Class, etc.)
An IEP is an individualized education plan. You do not necessarily need a medical diagnosis for this, although some kids with one have a diagnosis (i.e. Autism, Sensory integration,etc.). The school can classify a student with a disability through standardized testing done by Therapists, a special education teacher and/or a school psychologist. An IEP is a legal document that stipulates the.services a student must receive in school due to.a.documented disability. (there are several classifications among them are: other health Impaired (most ADD kids fall under this as it is quite.broad), autism, learning disabled, blind, deaf, emotionally disturbed or Intellectually disabled ( formally mentally retarded). Based on the classification, services can range from everything from push in support from a special ed. Teacher, small group pull outs.(i.e. Resource room) a co teach class, self contained class, an aide, speech Therapy or any other therapeutic service. Often Parents get confused.between the two because sometimes kids with ADD have an IEP instead of a 504. This happens when the attention deficit causes them to have major gaps in their learning or functioning to cause them to be below grade level or have a significant weakness in an area. The key to remember is.that with an IEP is that the.instruction provided is.different than for a general education student. They have individual goals and benchmarks and this Tailored instruction can only be Delivered by a special ed. Teacher or therapist. This is not to say a child with an IEP Receives no gen. Ed. Instruction but at least part of their day is specialized instruction. A 504 is not specialized instruction, just accommodations that are implemented by the.classroom teacher or other school staff (i.e. The.nurse)
I hope this is.helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
|
| Posted 2/16/13 2:18 PM |
| |
|
KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
|
ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
Thank you donegal419. That was the easiest/most understandable explanation of a 504/IEP that anyone has ever given me. I appreciate it!!
|
| Posted 2/16/13 3:47 PM |
| |
|
FranM
And so it goes....
Member since 9/05 2217 total posts
Name:
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
Thank you for the very helpful explanation.
|
| Posted 2/18/13 4:14 PM |
| |
|
Lucky09
2017!
Member since 1/06 7537 total posts
Name:
DW
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
Thank you so much donegal!
My son is almost 4, but has a diagnosed complex movement disorder that may interfere with school once he has to be there all day. I think the 504 will be what I wind up pushing the district for when the time comes! Thank you again!!!
|
| Posted 2/27/13 9:03 PM |
| |
|
Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
|
Re: ADD diagnosis vs. normal behavior.
I just wanted to add that DS is ADHD and has an IEP. He has an above average IQ. He gets services for speech (ADHD hinders his receptive speech) and OT.
Although he has a formal diagnosis from a dev ped, the CSE does not have this diagnosis (although they "know" - there is no reason for them to have it). If he did he would be labelled OHI (Other health impairment), but since they don't have it formally he is Speech-Language Impairment.
IEP does not equal learning disability.
Our dev ped has said that she only suggests medication if the child is falling behind academically or socially. We have him do other things to help him (not sure if this helps non H kids, but dev ped says anything is worth a try for 3 weeks).
fish oil - daily - you have to do it for 3 months to see effects. DS has been improving, but lately regressing, but I think it's staying inside all the time in the winter months.
trampoline - 10 minutes before school. You could also do swinging and swinging on the belly.
stimming exercises - we have a plastic shoe-box filled with rice and little toys...DS plays in the rice every morning "looking" for the toys.
a friend of mine rubs lavender oil into her son's palms everyday. the rubbing is a stimulation, but he can smell the lavender throughout the day too. I'm going to try this.
we are also starting work on a behavior notebook for school. X amount of appropriate behaviors throughout the day gets checks. Once he gets to a certain number of checks he earns a prize or privilege.
|
| Posted 3/3/13 9:54 AM |
| |
|
