I'm new here and I know about as much about adhd as I do computers. What I do know is that it has been very helpful to read through the posts and I can relate to some of them.
My son started on aderall in feb. and is now on conserta. It's only been a week but his teacher (1st grd) and I can tell quite a difference in his behavior. I found this place while looking up conserta to see if it was right for him. But found a spot where other issues could be addressed also. Like; he is an extremely bright boy but because of his lack of ability to focus on his work due to distractions around him for most of the 2nd semester of school they (the school) are thinking of holding him back. He has passing grades, but they are thinking that he wouldn't be able to do the work, due to his inability to stay focused and that the work he didn't do would keep him from being prepared for 2nd grade. As I said before he is a bright boy (even his teacher said so) I think if they try to hold him back he is going to get bored and not want to to the work, that he has already done, and then they'll have some of the same problems (not focusing, talking a lot, easily distacted) for different reasons.
He has a lil sis (4 will be 5 soon) that I think might also have adhd but hasn't been diagnosed. She is also bright and is academically ready for kindergarten. I was thinking of homeschooling both and wanted to maybe get some imput from some out there who are HSing, and some who have not. You know pros and cons...
Thanks for the feedback.
I am in contact with the school they have had what they call GEI (General Education Improvement) meetings with me. These started before we ever had a Dx, to try and improve his grades by trying to help him to stay on task, focusing etc.
I'm trying to learn about IEP. It sounds likes something I definately need to do. But because it is so late in the year I'm afraid that it may not help in keeping him from being held back. They want me to wait until the 17th for their decision, by then he will only have 13 days of school left.
They way I understood it at the last GEI meeting we had I don't really have a say in the final decision on whether he gets held back or not!?!?
I was kind of concerned about the socialization issues if I did home school. He does need to be around others. I think I was focusing more on his academics and his self-esteem at being held back.
My daughter is also very bright, but has a hard time concentrating, staying focused, etc. I think this will always be an issue whether she was held back or not. Like you said, she would get very bored doing the same work over again! Since your son is bright, I would not let the school hold him back. Definitely get an IEP if you haven't already. That will allow him extra time on tests, sitting where there are less distractions, and many other accommodations. You can also request a certain kind of teacher for next year-one who is very patient and is good at keeping the kids on track. My daughter always got the best teachers because of her situation. The best advice is to keep talking to the school and let them know your concerns. The more you become involved, the more they listen.
Regarding home schooling... I have also thought about that, but our pediatrician and social worker both said it would be the worse thing for her. She would be isolated from other kids, and she needs all the socialization she can get.
Good Luck!!
Sound like you have your hands full. I would talk to the school. If his grades are passing I can't see how they can hold him back. If he has a Dx. take a leeter from the M.D. to the school and have him started on IEP ( ind. ed. plan ) that helps. Talk to hte school they know the programs and services aval. to your family. Some schools even on site con. If they see you working they tend to try and work with. That has been my experiance with my ds. It's hard but you can do this. I am not sure about home school. Kids with adhd tend to be a little social imature. They may need the interaction. Not sure. Just a thought. Good luck There have been a few discussions recently about retaining adhd kids. Perhaps a search might help you come up with the discussions in either "School" or "Parents."Iakonk ,
Check with The Dept. of Education for your school district re: their promotion policy to make sure the school is following it. You can probably do this by going online. If you feel that it would do more harm than good to hold him back, tell the school how you feel. Don't let them convince you to do something that you don't feel comfortable with. IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan. I don't know the difference with the GEI. I do know that you can request an IEP at any time that you feel something more(or different) needs to be done at school.
Hang in there, I know how hard it is.
Iadonk,