Please tell me how you got the school to give your son an IEP. I have asked many times over the years for one and our school keeps telling me that ADD/ADHD is not considered a learning disability. Now he is 19 and a senior, who still suffers with impulsive disorder and basically he cannot keep his mouth shut. He cusses at his teachers and now they have kicked him out of school with just 6 weeks left. They tell me that he will not graduate with his class. I am so beat down with this that I do not know where to turn. Can they really do this? How and what information do I need to have to go into this meeting in 2 day that will help me to convinse the school to let him graduate.

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They say that what you don't know can hurt you. Here is a website about Wrightslaw that is very informative. Honestly, the school will not tell you much. I suggest going to you tube and typing in IEP meeting. There are guidelines that will prove helpful for you. Have you called the Board of education in your county and spoken to the Special Education person in charge? You don' t have to know the director's name just ask for him/her, or better yet if you can drive down and show up for an impromtu meeting who knows? Refuse to let them hold your son back. They have refused to give him and IEP. For what reason? It seems to be they could have helped him a long time ago, and allowed him to fall throw the cracks. We understand that he may be 19 in age, but mentally and emotionally; they are alot younger. Here is another website (based by state) for resources to help you: http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/help/ptis.htm, state agencies who can help: http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/help/seas.htm, AND a site for helping parents get an IEP: http://teachers.sduhsd.k12.ca.us/tpspecialed/doesmychildneed.htm. My feelings about the whole situation is that they will continue to give special needs students the 'bottom of the barrel' if we let them. I am not going to let them do this. Please read the last link, as it is very specific in steps you can take to ensure that your son gets the help he needs. God Bless.

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Here is one more link that addresses the reasoning behind an IEP: http://teachers.sduhsd.k12.ca.us/tpspecialed/whatisspeced.htm The school will not inform you. You must inform yourself and stay that way. Let me know how it turns out.

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Retention: You might want to consider why the principal is seeking retention. For many children, providing an additional year firms up academic skills to strengthen the foundation to move on. Instead of you child struggling, he/she can fit in with the class. For students with disabilities, the gap widens as they grow older and they end up in more restricive settings. It is better to keep children exposed to the general education curriculum whenever possible.

19yr old: The school is correct in telling you that ADHD is not a learning disability. ADHD is a medical diagnosis. Not all students with ADHD need an IEP. Students with ADHD may be determined eligible for services under Other Health Impaired. A child with ADHD in need of accommodations may need a 504 plan. If all has to do with the student's academic need. How does his behavior interfere with his academic performance. Behavior alone is not a need for an IEP. What is the school doing to support your child? Is the guidance counselor involved? What are teachers doing to decrease negative behaviors and increase positive behaviors? What assistance/support can your Dr. provide? If you are opposed to medications, what alternatives are there. Many medications not do not have the stimulnt indredient that many parents are opposed to. Some report success with diet and vitamin/herbal support. Is he in therapy?

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