ds due for 3 yr reeval-in a new district after move-will be scheduling testing next couple weeks. Hes Dx’d ADD and on adderall along with learning and communication dirorders through school
Hes borderline-in the system solid for speech but LD has always been ‘iffy’-they somehow qualified him through spelling. Hed been in special needs preschool and had some asperger like tendencies so I think they opened the qualifying nos a little, so to speak
I took him off meds 2-3 wks this spring-doubts(part of having a kid on meds).Turned out it was achievement testing time. His scores on the 2 tests he took off meds went down; he only took one exam back on the adderall-reading(his weakness) and it went up significantly so…Im sold on the meds working
I feel like Id be cheating somehow to send him unmedicated(he has no hyperactivity-he wouldnt be a handful) but I want to maximize his chances to receive services. At least till I know whats available for him-this is a larger distrcit and I think they may have more options for him than he was receiving before
Re: testing on and off meds? opinions please..teachers and p
I would look for good information. Low scores can be used against you as you’re told to lower your expectations. It *is* a tough call, though. When they’ve got an arbitrary criterion for qualifying for services he needs, and you’ve got a way to make it clear… but frankly, it doesn’t sound like your school folks are that arbitrary in their thinking. If he’ll get a special ed label, that’s the door that most needs to be opened.
Re: testing on and off meds? opinions please..teachers and p
I too would send him on meds. Realize that the effect of being off meds is likely to be across the board so his IQ could test lower also. In the end, all you may have is the same spread but at a lower level. He may still not qualify and you will have a kid who may not be viewed as having as much “potential.”
Then you’ll hear the lower your expectations story.
Beth
I am assuming that what you’re after is accuracy. Definitely have the child tested ON medication!
Janis