Could Someone Please Help Me!!!!

Hi,
You need to request an evaluation in writing (and when this is done the school is legally obligated to provide testing). Here is a website that has a template for doing this:

http://www.fapesolutions.com/Letters/SelectLetter.asp

I suggest that you use the “Request for Initial Special Education Evaluation Letter” because you would want to get the testing done ASAP. While you are waiting for this you might also want to look in your phone book and find out if there are any local educational psychologists nearby. Give them a call and ask lots and lots of questions. Sometimes these local professionals have wonderful information and may be helpful if you decide to do some private testing. Also, they may be able to refer you to an Advocate (that’s someone you can hire to support you through the IEP process. They help insure that the school is providing the necessary sevices based on what a child is legally entitled to).

Another thing, if you suspect ADD, you should talk with your son’s doctor, tell them that you believe your son has ADD and ask about the Conners Test (there may be better tests out there but both our school and our pediatrican used the Conners). It’s a list of questions that parents and teachers can fill out to help determine if a child has ADD or ADHD. I was able to pick up the forms at the office (even without an appointment!), so we could get everything started.

Hi,
You need to request an evaluation in writing (and when this is done the school is legally obligated to provide testing). Here is a website that has a template for doing this:

http://www.fapesolutions.com/Letters/SelectLetter.asp

I suggest that you use the “Request for Initial Special Education Evaluation Letter” because you would want to get the testing done ASAP. While you are waiting for this you might also want to look in your phone book and find out if there are any local educational psychologists nearby. Give them a call and ask lots and lots of questions. Sometimes these local professionals have wonderful information and may be helpful if you decide to do some private testing. Also, they may be able to refer you to an Advocate (that’s someone you can hire to support you through the IEP process. They help insure that the school is providing the necessary sevices based on what a child is legally entitled to).

Another thing, if you suspect ADD, you should talk with your son’s doctor, tell them that you believe your son has ADD and ask about the Conners Test (there may be better tests out there but both our school and our pediatrican used the Conners). It’s a list of questions that parents and teachers can fill out to help determine if a child has ADD or ADHD. I was able to pick up the forms at the office (even without an appointment!), so we could get everything started.

Ooops! Sorry for that double post!!!!!!

Dear Laura,

Thank you so much for helping me to get started…I will call the doctor today about the Conner test and get a letter out to his guidance counseler.

Cookie

You should probably send a copy of the letter to the school principal also. It is the school principal who would have a vested interest in making sure all of the legal requirements are met.

Nancy

This will get their attention and fast. Find out who the director is over special education in your district and fire off a letter of your grievances and that you want testing now. They have to respond within 15 days with an assessment plan. You sign that right away and they ahve 50 days to do the assessment and report back to you with the results.

However, as a parent of ADD kids your son sounds like the way my son was when he started high school. We went to the Dr in desperation because he was failing his math class, and struggling in the other classes as wel, he was diagnosed with ADD and put on meds. It made a huge difference in his abilities and motivation. To make a long story short…He graduated with a 3.5 and now attends college. He is still battling with ADD in college. Now he is an adult and doesn’t want to take his meds consistently but he realizes when he does take them he does much better in school.

Good luck and get back to us on what happens.

I have an appointment with the school psy. and his teachers on Dec. 10. My son has an appointment with his doctor on the 1st. I found out yesterday that it states on his school record he has ADHD, from the school psy. When I asked him who put that on the record, I was told that it’s been on his record since 4/6/00, though he’s never been formally tested. Go figure. I appreciate all your help, I’m sure you can feel my frustration. It’s been a great relief to be able to talk with others who are going through the same thing and are making progress. Thank you so much for helping me out and I’ll keep you all posted.

when he was younger through the school psyche? Did he have any behavioral issues that the school psyche was working on 4 years ago?

If there were any behavorial issues I was never contacted. The first time I talked to a school psy. was when I made the appointment to talk with him and the teachers. I was told he would also contact my son’s teachers. Are there any questions I need to have ready to ask? Or anything that I could say that would get him the help he needs. Thank you all for all your help and support, I really appreciate it.

Cookie

Well, if ADHD is on his files but you never signed for any testing, you have a bargaining chip. (Save copies for yourself so they don’t get conveniently lost.)

IF you wanted to (and you really don’t want to, just use it as leverage) you could get the school into legal trouble for (a) diagnosing without your consent, and (b) not following up on the diagnosis.

So politely but firmly put pressure on the school system to get it right this, time, and right now.

Hi,

Just wanted to give my experience. ADHD cannot and should not be diagnosed through the school. It is considered a medical condition and should only be diagnosed by a physician experienced in diagnosing and MONITORING ADHD symptoms and medications.

If you suspect any other LDs or cognitive issues or delays, that is where the school should step in for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Please do not let them diagnose anything else and enter it into your son’s file.

When you are desperate for an answer it might seem like a good idea to let everyone put their two cents in. Please think long and hard about what information you share with the school. It will follow him if it is in his records.

If he is planning to go on to college it is imperative to get an LD or ADHD diagnosis because accomodations take a lot more time and documentation to arrange and he is at a critical age (soon will be taking ACTs?).

Just a solid piece of advice (tried and true): Once you share it, you can’t take it back or convince them otherwise. Do your own homework and know what you are looking for when you go to the professionals.[/b]

Well, we went to the doctor today. After much talking and her asking question after question…she did a screening and verified that he has ADHD. When I mentioned it was on his school record she was really upset. The good part is she has kids are in the same school system as my son, so she knows the people I will be dealing with. We still have the appointment on the 10th and she wants him tested for other LDs, mainly
dyslexia. I finally feel that there is a light at the end of the tunnel..even though it may be a way off. At least I have a doctor who will back me up and listen. Thanks again to you all for listening.