|
||
Can You Give Me A Heads Up?Thanks for being so quick! I was wondering what all is in the evaluation? That may sound like an odd question but I mean does it spell out 'issues' your child may have or does it just explain what they did during their time with your child? I mean, are we going to get in there and they list off all, if any, problems or disabilities or whatever...how does it go? I'm adding to my already question-filled post, sorry! Okay, so we had our son's school formally evaluate him. We are holding him back in first grade due to his young age and the fact that he's struggling. We had him tested to make sure there weren't any underlying issues we may be missing instead of thinking it's all chalked up to ADHD. Well, the man in charge of the special services department at our ds's school called yesterday and the evaluation is complete. NOW WHAT? What do we do at the meeting? What should I know, bring with me, be aware of and beware of? I'm really clueless and I know you are experienced people here! You are what led me to the knowledge of being able to have our children tested at the school's expense/responsibility. It's been a life-changing and re-assurance that I'm not sure I would've ever gotten if not for this site and the wonderful people in it! So anyway, any advice you have for me would be great and would be appreciated beyond words. Thanks for everything! Don't be surprised if they won't give it to you prior to the meeting. My school refused. That being said, do not sign any paperwork at the meeting. You need time to review everything and do research as to what it means. They are going to bombard you with results and it will be very confusing. Trisha, thank you for that advice. I am glad you forewarned me about that because dh and I have been quick to sign or agree to whatever whoever said! But we are learning to take our time and get OUR own minds made up...thanks!they are required to provide you with the evaluations prior to the meeting. This is why you should call them now and say you are coming to pick them up. They HAVE to give you time to review before you meet. They will try to not do this, but kindly tell them you want them now. If they dont then as adhdtrisha says dont sign or agree, just say you'll now need time to review everything and possibly reconvene. They wont push too hard if you know you're rights. I wish I understood WHY they make it so hard. They should want you to have that information that way there isn't all the mix-up and mind changing that tends to occur in situations like this. I appreciate this advice so much. I'll make sure I either get the written evaluation or that dh and I have time to absorb what information we are given... That's funny to me because often times I will go on like that and look at the person I'm speaking to and say "Can I get an 'AMEN!'" It is so true, though.they kind of do it on purpose. This way they can alwyas make it look like they're doing everything right. Most people arent educated on all this stuff so of course then you're overwhelmed with information you dont understnad and you agree. Plus you're already nervoucs and emotional.........they're not, they do this every day and have no emotional tie to your child. Just stay calm, learn you're rights and knwo you're child. It'll be fine. I'ts not all cloak and dagger, just that it's like a chess game, but they know the rules and you don't...........YET. I only have leanred by way of my advocate, it's cost me a lot of money and I still dont know all the rules and am still paying her. I need her though we have a LOT of issues. Plus I didnt knwo any better when she was younger. Your son is only in first grade it's going to be fine.Amen, sister!I appreciate all that I learn here. Like you said, people PAY to get information that I'm finding here for free. Thank you for spreading your knowledge. I have made many, many mistakes with our ds along the way. They don't diagnose at young ages and at 18 months, our DS was causing trouble like no other and there weren't any answers. All these 'educators' were telling me how it was going to be and our ds went through hell because I didn't know how to stand up for him. I have lots of regrets at his young age and am trying very hard to eliminate any more that I can. I'm telling you, every parent who has a child should know about this website. It truly is life altering. I think it's a guide for life. Anyway, thanks again. |
Enter Your Email below to claim your Free Book |
Copyright© 2006 ADHDNews.com. All rights reserved