Hi there--I wanted to respond and let you know you're not alone. My son is almost 10 and he's in the fourth grade. He's in Catholic school which sort of places the same roadblocks that you seem to get. I don't even know the laws relating to getting a child help because I got so fed up with dealing with the board of ed (he's entitled to the same benefits as a child in public school, but the "work" gets done outside of school) because that's a full-time job (I've already got one of those). We are lucky because we do have an advocate. The school has a guidance counselor who knows my son well and interfaces between me and the teachers. But there is such a lack of understanding. I mean, I have to admit, it's hard for ME to appreciate that the condition makes him act up. We recently got a laundry list of problems: he does this..he does that...he doesn't do this...etc. etc. that has apparently been building up for a month. Well, bingo! He might need a higher dosage, thanks for not mentioning this back when he first spoke back to you! I am not a doctor!!! But as my son gets bigger, he needs a higher dosage (he's also on Adderall XR). It never changes him--it just puts him on target. Know what I mean? I wish I could help more with your awful troubles with the teacher--but they're not all winners. We also never, ever use ADD as a crutch, but we're really starting to speak up. They will always have to work really hard to sit still and pay attention, but all the punishment, yelling, notes in the world will not make them improve.

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Hello:

Thank you for your post! The school problems you mention are too common among children with ADHD who just simply learn differently than their peers - not right or wrong, just differently. And when round pegs don't fit into the square holes of a typical classroom setting, problems can ensue if proper ADHD accommodations aren't in place.

Since I don't know what country your living in, I can't offer any specific advice about the classroom accommodations that your daughter is legally entitled to. But I can offer some tips for things you can do at home to help...

Organization Tips for Students with ADHD

ADHD at School: Help Turning In Assignments

Homework Help! A System That Works for ADHD Children

ADHD School Help: Working with the Teacher

Advocate for Your Child: Getting ADHD Accommodations

I hope this helps! Let us know what happens...

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and in this county of the state if they don't listen to the parent the educators will have literal hell to pay. In the meeting with the superintent I would have all the doctor papers with me; and would have written ou the accomindations you need for her. If she is really to distruptive to her class it would be to her advantage to be in a smaller class where there is one on one . If this can not be provided it would be recommended that she start medication if she is not on it. Ask if it is okay if she can have a tape player so she doesn't miss anything ; and an extra few minutes to write all he assignments down. Make sure she is getting enough exercise so when it is time to do homework she will be able to focus. All ADHD is different so it would help to know what type she is there is 6 different types and certain meds should be given for certain types and certain would need to be advoided. I had a problem with my daughter when I sent to her to highschool after two days she refused to go, I thought my husband was going to kill her. However I did certain things and one of them is making sure she has a counselor who really understands your needs and hers this can make or break your resolve. I then took her to a psychiatrist so she would not get thrown out . It took me 4 months ; but she finally went > My daughter had been homeschoolded for 14 yrs and was anxious in class for the first time. I met with her teachers and told them what I wanted so this is what you will need to do. Be firm . I told them if she need to leave class no questions will be asked and they will let her go. I started he off with 1 then 2 etc . days. It took time but i now know she wil be okay. It is wonderful that you are batting for her ; and it sounds like her 5th grade teacher doesn't believe in ADD/ADHD for children especially girls . He needs to know this attitude will not be tolerated. Tell them if you have to you will write article in the local newspaper ; and tell the world about the local school system . They hate that . I t will help if she can sit still enough in class; and your older daughter has learned to make shifts and understand her strenghts and weakness. ADD is different in everyone some more distracted while other are impulsive other are hyperactive etc Unfortunately it will be up to you ;but it may help to have her tested to make sure she doesn't have a learning disability in the miss of ADD and that is why she is having problems sitting still, etc. . GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let me know how she does and how you are doing

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I am going to echo a lot of the advice that you have already gotten. First, I would check her meds to see if she needs an adjustment. Second, I would bypass the principal and send a letter to either Director of Special Education Services or the Director of Student Services to determined her eligibility for special education provisions (IDEA) and/or Section 504. Here is a great sample of one http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/792.html. Third, I would come up with my own checklist of accomodations to ask for.

I hope it helps.

Jane

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Thanks everyone who responded....It makes me feel a whole lot better having some tools to work w/ now!!!! I will keep everyone updated... Thanks again!

Mekka

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This is my first time for posting, I am usually just a "viewer". Your post actually brought tears to my eyes because I have so been where you are. First and foremost, you are your child's advocate and must never stop fighting for her. My husband and I spent most of the entire school year fighting with the county to extend her IEP. We live in Tn and a 504 really doesn't provide her the needed accomodations because the County we live in doesn't recognize them or provide them even though legally they should. There have been a lot of great places to get information but one that has proven the most valuable to us is: Wrights Law, From Emotions to Advocacy. It provides so much needed information, especially if you are meeting with the higher administration. It also provides you with example letters and how to document everything that happens at meetings. Our experience with school administrations is not great. They really band together and can make you feel like you don't know what is best for your daughter. Two other pieces of advice: if you can afford it, get outside testing for other learning disabilites and never, ever to to a meeting alone. You always need someone to catch things you may miss. We were successful in the end but had to take it to court. The county pulled out a couple of weeks before we were to present our case. I wish you and your family the best.

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Thank you, for the advice!...I live in McDonough, GA(Henry County) and the process is very slow....As of today's date I havent received any responses from the priciple or superintendent but I know I have an uphill battle but I am willing to fight for my baby.....Thanks again!

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I also live in Ga (Cobb Co.) and have an 11 yr old son with ADHD. He's been on medication since 1st grade (first Adderall XR for the first several yrs, and then a short trial of Vyvanse and not Concerta). Adderall causes sign. appetite suppression and his growth pretty much came to a halt. He is very small for his age. The Vyvanse caused an eye tic so we had to change to Concerta which is doing pretty well. I recommend making sure he isn't drinking caffeine, eating lots of sugary foods or chocolate or drinks with red food coloring. We also started our son on fish oil at the recommendation of his dr and we make sure he gets enough sleep and exercise. At school, he sits in the front row near the teacher, now has a more centrally located locker so he can get to it and make it to class on time, he has a daily contract that each teacher signs (making sure he has assignments written down, brings his books to class and encourages good behavior), and this seems to motivate him somewhat. Also, I do communicate with his teachers regularly and ask them to let me know if anything comes up and that I am always accessible. In public schools, there is a process and they seem resistent to provide much extra help. We're in the process of trying to obtain an IEP for him. We have always tried to teach him responsibility but he really isn't very interested in school but makes very good grades WHEN he tries! It is very frustrating. I would recommend being as courteous as possible but also firm in getting your point across. Hope this helps.

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