Wow, I had no clue that my post would cause so much controversy. Anitya, you were right.
An assistance team is a meeting where the teacher (parent) share the child’s strengths and concerns. This is then recorded. 2) suggestions for things to try in the classroom, home are made. The team may suggest testing. (I am using my copy and paste button right now. These are your words.)
There were five people at the meeting. My dd (dear/darling daughter) teacher, dd speech teacher, dd PE teacher, the principle, one other first grade teacher, and myself. All of the teachers knew dd and they seem to care about her. All of us were brain storming on how we would help dd with her education. At the end of the meeting I received a copy of the notes that were taken. Plus they all thanked me for caring about my dd education.
The behaviorist my dd is seeing, wants dd to be evaluated for LD-dyslexia. The teacher doesn’t see signs that would make her believe that dd is dyslexia. From what the teacher said and showed me I agree with her.
My dd does something called self stimulate or in other words stims. It is a autism characterized. I have a feeling that my dd issues will be more complexes, sensory Integration dysfunction and/or pervasive developmental disorder/not-other-specific. I was comfortable enough at the meeting to let the teacher know some of the information I have been reading on the internet.
My dd behaviorist has put her on anti-anxiety medicine effexor last week. He believes my dd stims because of anxiety or as he put it ““she is a very anxious child””. She started taking the medicine last week.. Both the school and I have notice a negative difference in dd since she has been on the medicine. Dd principal puts it ““she is chilling out””. Dd is normally a very behaved and quite child. This week she has been extremely talkative and does things that are not normal for her. Example: Writing all over her arms and legs. Something that my child has never done. Even as a toddler.
I spoke to the behaviorist last night and he said that he over medicated dd and now we need to cut her dose in half. He told me to call him on Tuesday to let him know how it goes. Honestly now I am scared to give her the medicine. Anxiety is not a bad thing. Everyone needs a little anxiety in their live. It is a great motivator. I am also scared not to give her the medicine.
We have another meeting after her ot evaluation and after her next behaviorist appointment on Dec. 4. I also have an appointment on Nov 13 with a allergist.
Overwhelming isn’t it. I am highly thinking about taping my doctor meeting. Especially since I am the all one that can attend. The AT meeting at the school had taken notes for me. So I do not think it is necessary to tape those meetings. I am writing a novel. Thank you all again for your comments. I will write an update soon.
Jennifer
Re: What is a WISC? I am sorry. I am very new to this. nt.
The WISC is the Wechseler Intellingence test for Children. It is an IQ test. It provides a verbal IQ Performance IQ and overall IQ. According to the psychologist who did my PDD-NOS sons testing these kids generally score better on the performance IQ then the verbal IQ. My son scored 22 points higher on the performance IQ then the verbal IQ. They also look at the sub-test scores to get an idea of strength and weaknesses. They might discover a language problem, processing problem, attention problem, ect. These scores can help them to determine which direction to look. You have to be careful that generalizations are not made once a diagnosis is giving because not all children fit perfectly into the profile. For example when my youngest son was diagnosed as falling on the spectrum it was assumed he was retarded because he was untestable. This assumption was laid to rest this summer when we found a psych who was able to test him and determine he has a normal IQ. So I caution you not to allow them to look at the label but your child as an indivdual so that her needs can be addressed correctly. I wish you and your family a lot of luck for sucess and happiness.
You aren’t writing a novel and I enjoyed reading. Thanks for the update. Sounds like a good assessment is in order, regardless. Yes, anxiety can be part of autism or developmental delay. Probably a little tiny bit of anxiety raises our level of concern. Excessive anxiety hampers performance.
Glad you are reading the internet. Why not get a WISC, for starters, to see what the trends are? Some very interesting findings can be noted, at times. Then other tests can pinpoint more specifically the issues.