Do not know what to do now =[ | ADHD Information

Thank you so much for your help.  I am learning more and more each time i come on this forum. You guys have helped me so so much.  i hope every one is doing well.

I agree that it also sounds like the meds aren't quite right.  Definitely talk to the doctor about it.  Or better yet, see a specialist (psychiatrist, psychopharmacologist etc)  They are the experts and get things done MUCH faster than your average pediatrician just because they specialize in this kind of stuff.

Welcome aboard and please ask any questions!  We're all here to help each other!

Corrina,
     Thank you so much for the information.  I guess what I need to do is talk to her Dr. and maybe talk to the principal about helping her more in the classroom. I know she doesn't need to be in the special education class but she just needs a little more. I am sure there are other kids like Allison in that school that could sure use the help as well.  Again thank you so much for the information and I am so glad I found this forum.

Thanks again
Mollie

Welcome to the group!  I have found a lot of support here myself.  I have an 11 year old son with ADHD and he was diagnosed when he was 7 years old.  It has been a lot of trying out different techniques, stradegies, and yes medicines.  I would have to say finally for right now we finally have the right medicine.  He is on 54mg of concerta in the am and then 10mg of methylphendate at 3pm to help him get throw homework when needed as a booster.  But it was not his family doctor that figured out and was willing to spend time figuring it out it was a pychiatrist.  They are the specialist with ADHD.  My son has also on and off seen a therapist (pychologist) when needed for for example anxiety.  Every child is different as far as what will work for them but generally a family doctor is not a specialist for adhd and are typically afraid to be agressive with treatment. 

As far as a 504 plan.  Definately would recommend getting one established with the school.  However sometimes that is not easy because of the schools unwillingness to do so.  However the law states no child left behind so if your child needs special accomadations then she should have them.  I actually had to send the director of special education a certified letter requesting an evaluation be done by the school to finally have them say oh yes he can have a 504 plan.  This was after 3 years of requesting and not really knowing what I was asking for and I had had enough of the run around.  Basically a 504 plan is accomadations that the school must provide for your child and must abide by.  It can by changed and tweeked along the way.  It's based on your individual childs needs and your childs "Team" creates it.  The "team" would be your childs teachers, the parents, guidance councelor, principal, nurse, school pychologist.  The biggest thing I can tell you on the subject is knowledge is power.  If the school doesn't think you know what you are talking about they may try to rail road you.  I printed up the state special ed laws and set it on the table in front of me at our "team meeting".   My son's 504 plan has things like a 2nd set of books at home, a heads up on quizes and tests, the teachers double checking with him to make sure he understands directions, and sitting upfront where there is not distractions (not by a window).  Pretty simple right?  But it takes this piece of paper (504plan) to make sure that the teachers actually do this.

Sorry to go on and on..but I hope this is helpful.  Another good resource is www.chadd.org

By the way, it's sometimes easier to get an IEP if you have the proper
diagnosis - my son has one under the "other health impairment" ie ADHD.
And the schools might balk at the extra work, but they don't have to pay for
it - the government pays for kids with official plans.I am just amazed at how much I have learned in the last couple of hours then I have in the last couple of months.  Thank you guys so much for the information.  I have a dr apt for Allison coming up so will have to bring all of this up with her dr. I hope things start out good and they will listen but I will push for my daughter as much as I can =] puplemama81,
If you look in the "ADHD Issues in Schools" forum, you will see information/definitions of 504s and IEPs at the top of the page. There is a lot of information there; you can take your time to sort through and become very well informed about how your daughter can be helped in school.

My daughter was diagnosed in kindergarten, but we didn't get a 504 plan until the end of 5th grade. I had no idea that this was available and was at the end of my rope. The 504 plan was a lifesaver. Unfortunately we all naively think that the schools will automatically do was it is best for our kids, but often that isn't the case. I would start pursuing this as soon as possible. Don't let the school try to make you wait until next year. If you start now, your daughter could have a plan in place at the start of next school year and get the year off to a great start.

Lastly, your daughter sounds very creative. I think a kite sounds like a much more interesting topic than brushing teeth. I know that's not the point, but I do think it's very important to find our kids' interests and areas where they can excel. It's so easy to get caught up in dwelling only on their problems. Finding the positive and things they can love and be excited about is just as important.

Best of luck and let us know how things go!
Sounds like her meds aren't working. That's the first think - if I were you
I'd report that to the doc.

504's and IEP's help kids in schools. There are a variety of interventions
that can be made. For instance, my son has a wiggle cushion to sit on,
and he has motor breaks, and he has a daily check in. If he didn't have
the interventions he wouldn't be able to be in a regular classroom - with
them he's in G&T.

As far as helping her yourself - look into the marble technique. Take on
one behavior at a time, and have your daughter come up with the rewards
- that will help motivate her to participate.

Hang in there, and keep talking! You'll learn tons, will have a place to
vent, and you'll be able to help others just by telling your daughter's
story. I am new to this and am hoping I can find some answers here.  I have a daughter she is 7 soon to be 8 and in the 1st grade. She was diagnosed with ADHD last year and has been on two different medications.  her behavior has gotten better but her attention span is like 0 and she comes up with the weirdest things to say. The teacher said today in our PTC that they were writing about brushing their teeth and she wrote something about a kite.  It just seems like she is so detracted by so many things.  Our lives are not nearly organized as I know it should be. I am new to all of this and am needing some help. We still go see the dr but there is only so much they can do. Is there any ways you guys help your kids to control themselves? I love my daughter and I know she has a hard time in school she is behind but is passing just by the coat tail. So please if you have any advise as to help I would appreciate it.  Also what is 504. I was reading that on here and was wondering what it was.  Thank you so much in advanced. =]