Parents of Children with ADHD Support Group
This community is designed as an open forum where the parents and guardians of children with ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) can give and receive support, as well as discuss ideas, techniques, concerns, surprises, and challenges they may face with their children.
Hi everyone,
My son has been doing quite well in school since we've gotten the right meds for him, and since we've fine-tuned his IEP in the past few years. In fact, he has gone from C's and D's to A's and B's because of all the modifications and accommodations we have in place for him. FINALLY... after YEARS of struggling, heartache, and stress, things are FINALLY going well for us.
This is a transition year for my son, as he will be starting middle school in a new school next year, and I was informed today that the school's support team are looking at taking my son OFF the IEP before next year since he is doing so well. Because ADHD is not recognized as an actual disability by our school board, there is no guarantee that he will be able to get any support in his new school, unless they can prove that he really needs it.
OMG. I've spent all night just crying, because he DOES need it! The reason he is doing well now is because he has all these accommodations and modifications, and once those things are gone, I see him going straight back to where he was before - struggling academically, socially, mentally, emotionally... I'm sick just thinking about it. He's still a whole year behind in math and reading comprehension, and is doing well in his other subjects only because he has the opportunity to do group work and hands-on activities, rather than monotonous drill, which is for sure what is to be expected in the higher grades. It is SO frustrating and SO disheartening to have come so far... and I feel like it was all for nothing now. This is a dozen steps BACKWARDS. :( What should I do? This is the most horrible feeling I've had in such a long time. :(
My son has been doing quite well in school since we've gotten the right meds for him, and since we've fine-tuned his IEP in the past few years. In fact, he has gone from C's and D's to A's and B's because of all the modifications and accommodations we have in place for him. FINALLY... after YEARS of struggling, heartache, and stress, things are FINALLY going well for us.
This is a transition year for my son, as he will be starting middle school in a new school next year, and I was informed today that the school's support team are looking at taking my son OFF the IEP before next year since he is doing so well. Because ADHD is not recognized as an actual disability by our school board, there is no guarantee that he will be able to get any support in his new school, unless they can prove that he really needs it.
OMG. I've spent all night just crying, because he DOES need it! The reason he is doing well now is because he has all these accommodations and modifications, and once those things are gone, I see him going straight back to where he was before - struggling academically, socially, mentally, emotionally... I'm sick just thinking about it. He's still a whole year behind in math and reading comprehension, and is doing well in his other subjects only because he has the opportunity to do group work and hands-on activities, rather than monotonous drill, which is for sure what is to be expected in the higher grades. It is SO frustrating and SO disheartening to have come so far... and I feel like it was all for nothing now. This is a dozen steps BACKWARDS. :( What should I do? This is the most horrible feeling I've had in such a long time. :(
They have good legal information about IEP's and IDEA. I believe they have a blog also where you can ask questions. I am part of an ADHD Parent Advocacy Group and they refer to this website all of the time. If you haven't already, I would go straight to the head of the school (not just the principle). Or if you have a Special Education Director. See if you can find someone that is very knowledgeable of the IEP's and the laws and bring them to the meetings with you. Gather all of your papers, sons report cards, any emails of correspondence and bring them to meetings with you. I started a notebook years ago where I keep all of the IEP revisions, report cards and any correspondence about what my son needs are and carry this notebook to all IEP and other meetings about my son (hopefully it intimidates them). It sounds like you will have a fight on your hands but once they realize that you won't give up, they might come around. I will be thinking about you and hoping that things get resolved the way you need it to be. Take care of yourself.