Thanks to all of you. I'll keep these ideas in mind.
Julie S.
i wouldn't talk to the counselor. send a written request for an SE evaluation to the principal. if the counselor is right, and accommodations did not work, and he has been diagnosed with a disability that is interfering with his ability to access the core curriculum, then he needs an IEP. they need to give him services, like time in the RSP room with a very small group, modified homework, extra time on tests, and so forth.Just a note - my son is on Concerta and he had some headaches when he first started. They cleared up after about 2 weeks. He also had nausea, and still does occasionally, but I find that it is usually when he hasn't eaten in a while. My guess is that when he gets a time release dose of his meds, they make his stomach hurt if it is empty. I find that letting him have a small snack will alleviate the nausea.
Just some tips to try!
Hello,
I found this board while looking for information on ADD-primarily inattentive information. I have a 15-year old son who was recently diagnosed but has spent the last 3 1/2 years struggling in school.
He is in senior high now, and it has become clear that he will not pass 9th grade. I have had countless meetings with his teachers, counselors, etc. and have been repeatedly told that he is lazy and doesn't seem to care, that they just have to let him fail, etc. He has scored high in the past on aptitude tests, but is getting mostly Fs now with many homework assignments simply not done.
We have noticed spaciness on his part. I bought him a calculator last fall for senior high math and found it in November in his locker - still in the package. His teacher then told me she didn't know if we could afford a calculator for him.
We were told by the school that we would have to take him to a doctor for screening at our expence. He has just started a trial of Concerta, 27 mg./daily, and is having side effects of headache and nausea.
I contacted his counselor with the news of his diagnosis and asked about 504 Plan/accommodations. Her response was, we've already tried to accommodate him with staying after to catch up, etc. and that hasn't worked.
Could anyone point me to resources? I am in USA.
Thank you,
Julie S.
Try to tell him how important school is at this point in his life, and that if he screws up here, he will regret it. Tell him to start taking himself seriously and step up to his obligation.
Hi, welcome. Each state has different laws. But the good news is that they have them. Do a google search for your state example "texas laws for children with disabilities". Your childs school has to offer your son a 504 plan or an iep. Fight for your child rights and your childs school should come around. Speak to the principal, all the the way to the superintendent if you have to. Don't give up. Request and ard meeting to discuss an iep for your son. Go to your school everyday until someone listens. People tend to ignore kids, but theyshould listen to an aggressive parent. As for the concerta tell your dr your concerns. He can tweak the dose. Keep your head up. Good luck keep us posted.hi and welcome.
A couple of things. wrightslaw has tons and tons and tons of valuable information. The site will describe 504 vs IEP, all kinds fo common accomdations. I found it helpful to view the list to help me know what my daughter would need. He can be eligible for things like, preferential seating, extended test time, extended homework time....etc., etc. Write a letter (date it and keep a copy) address it to your schools SPED coordinator and cc the SPED director and principal requesting a meeting to discuss accomodations. Did a neuropsychologist diagnose him? If so they generally will include classroom accomodations in thier report. Bring as much documentation to the meeting as you can. Your reports, communication form school, test results....etc., etc. Hold on because school will probably not be jumping up and down to accomodate. Be strong and smart. Learn your rights and what will help your son and then advocate. Try to remain calm and very, very patient. Dealing with the schools is like wading through cement.
As far as meds, if he can tolerate the side effects I'd try to give it a couple of weeks. Most side effects fade. If not or he cannot tolerate it call the doctor. Meds should make him feel better not worse. There are lots of med options out there. A lot of people need some time to get used to medication though and see if the side effects will pass.