Child Advocate???
I should have said suspended, sorry I'm tired.
I think the trigger to the whole situation today was a misunderstanding of instructions and the fact that the teacher embarassed Cody before the class. As for the behavioral study, I tried to give them the letter from the doctor, they would not take it. The assistant principal and councilor almost acted like I was out of my mind. Yes I think they jumped the gun, I really don't see any good that can come from this suspension for Cody. I also found out that my request for testing for learning disabilities was never given to the counciler, I made that request to the principal on August 23. This is a public school.
Thanks for taking the time to try to understand, I'm so out of my mind at the moment that I'm just not thinking of everything. Perhaps by understanding you can find a way to help.
I'm really sorry you're going through this. It is truly upsetting, and you're right, your son's success in this school does hinge on what happens from here on out.
Definitely do as Lillian says. She knows her stuff. Call tomorrow to get an advocate. The advocate will be able to advise you on what steps to take next.
Good luck! Please keep us posted on your progress.
Hmm...our son hasn't been diagnosed with adhd so of course he's on NO meds. (we are totally against them: I know that it may be our 'last' option though) anyway: it sounds like the Dr. doesn't 'want' to medicate him either though from what I'm reading in your post. (am I reading this right?) I don't think that a school can 'make' you medicate your child. http://www.ncpamd.com/adhd_and_school.htm is a good website also.
Thank you Thank you Thank you.
After today's run in with the school I am in near panic mode. You are correct, the doctor and I agree that without further evidence we cannot begin to medicate Cody. We also agree that we will not medicate Cody unless it is clearly in his best interest. This doctor is truly wonderful, he is our family doctor and has treated my family for 5 generations now. He always has our best interests at heart.
Bekkaboo,
Paul's mom is correct -- a school cannot force a parent to medicate a child for any reason. It is solely within the parents' right to determine medical treatment for their child. Having said that, a school can expect children to follow certain rules for conduct of behavior. If a child is disruptive in class, he can face certain consequences like expulsion. (Am I reading your post correctly?)
So . . . my questions to you: Do you agree with the diagnosis of ADHD? Or do you think you should seek a second opinion from an expert like a neuropsychologist? What behaviors does the school report? What behaviors do you see at home? If you are not interested in using meds, what treatments are you using to help Cody (i.e., behavior modification, therapy, parent education, school interventions, etc.)? I'm asking all these questions because I feel as if there's more to the story than is in your post. And the only way I know to help you out is if I understand the whole story.
So do you feel the school jumped the gun by expelling him before completing the behavioral study so they wouldn't have to finish it? Or do you feel the teacher may have done something to Cody to cause him to behave in a way that got him expelled? Again, just trying to understand . . .
BTW, when you say expelled, does that mean he can't go back? Or is he suspended for a certain period of time? This is a public school, isn't it?
I completely agree that the school has a right to expect certain behaviors. This exactly why the doctor prescribed the behavioral study, so that hopefully we would know where to begin with behavioral therapy. We would also have a better understanding of what is going on at school so that the use of medications could again be reviewed. Cody was diagnosed by a private psycologist last May and I feel confident that his diagnosis is correct. My full plan here is to qualify Cody under IDEA and Section 504 so that he may receive the services he needs. I have also requested testing for learning disabilities. I think we first need to find out where we stand, what is going on, and then address the problems. To do that I have to manage to get the school to cooperate. I might not have been so upset today if they had shown any signs of doing so.Yes, there are special education advocates in the State of Texas. Call TEA in Austin, and ask for the Special Education Department. They have a list of advocates' numbers. You may have difficulty finding one on this short of a notice, however. You also can call attorneys who specialize in educational law and look on the Internet. You need to do this quickly, however. If you can get an advocate on the phone, I might ask about the legalities of postponing the meeting until you have time to meet with the advocate. See if you can do this and inform the school of your intentions. Good luck!
bekkaboo WROTE: I also found out that my request for testing for learning disabilities was never given to the counciler, I made that request to the principal on August 23. This is a public school.
Hi bekkabbo and welcome. This sounds all too familair to me and it breaks my heart everytime I hear these stories as Ive been down this road years ago and it seems nothing has changed. Just a question...did you put your request for testing for a learning disability in writing? If so, the public school system is mandated by law to comply within a certain time frame. The smartest thing I ever did was start a paper trail. Write everything down that takes place including meetings, who was present and an overall summary of the results. I found myself to be so emotionally upset and overwhelmed while trying to get the right accomdations for my son that my brain was on overload and sometimes I would forget important details. Everyone here is correct in that no one could force you to medicate your child and for anyone to suggest doing so before there is a formal diagnosis is negligent. A formal diagnosis is made and then an intervention plan is devised based on the findings. You are doing everything you can for your child at this time and dont let anyone from the board of education bully you. Your child has rights and getting an advocate at this point would be very wise as the advocate can help you with regard to protecting your childs rights. Good luck and please know that you are not alone as many of us have walked in your shoes so hang in there.
bekkaboo, &nb sp; You are going the correct route by puting your child in the 504,I too live in Texas I had my child tested by scottish Rite Hosp in Dallas and I also made the school test him.They are cappable of doing this. Of course he has no learning disabbilities he even tested above average in some ares but he is ADHD,and he has difficulties with writing. If it wasn't for the 504 plan I'm sure my son would of been suspended several times by now. It is so frustrating when you go to school everyday and hear about how bad your son has been because he can't stay in his seat he's constantly talking. I swear schools are set up for these kids to fail. They only get one recess a day. I can't be still for 6hrs. &nbs p; My child is taking Ritalin 20mg Qd he's 9yrs old in 3rd grade and this is not helping at all,but because of the 504 plan they have to keep coming up with ways to help him at school the behavoir spec is suppose to come next week.He also sees a psychiatrist and he has a therapist that he goes to. As long as they see your doing everything to help your child,then they have to work with you.Sorry to go on and on but I'm new and its so nice to know your not alone.Enter Your Email below to claim your Free Book