If your son is in a public school, they are required under federal law to provide help if he qualifies. You are on the right track wanting to request an IEP. Here's a sample letter to use to start that process: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/792.html. This letter will show the school that your son is struggling and needs help and also that you are going to advocate for your son and are aware that he has rights.

As for tutoring, I struggle with that one too. I have read where parents have hired astute High School or College students to tutor for a more affordable rate. Or you can find someone to barter with -- they tutor your child in exchange for a service you may be able to provide them (cook dinner for their family, mow their lawn, etc). As well, some schools have after school homework clubs that may help. And I have had teachers tell me they are happy to help my child with a concept they are struggling with before school and some even after school.

Hang in there! You are doing so much for your son just wanting to find ways to help him and being on his side.

Penny W., ADDitudeMag.com Community Moderator

mom to Luke, ADHD, age 8

creator of the Website {a mom's view of ADHD} at http://adhdmomma.blogspot.com

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I am in a similiar position to you in regards to the medication and my son now being behind. We spent all of kindergarten trying to find a medication that worked well for him. First grade we started with the right medicine, however he is now a year behind in reading. They are trying to help him, however a lot of the burden is falling on me to get him caught up. I talked it over with my son and he is more than willing to get the help from me. But I have to say we spend about 15-20 hours a week just working on learning new words and reading.

He is on a 504 plan, similiar to an IEP, however he has a medical diagnosis of essential tremor also so it was easier to get him on the 504 plan immediately. I took my diagnosis of ADHD straight to the principal of the school. I also talked with the district psychologist regarding getting him help. My advice to anyone, is do not stop until you get what you want. I had great advice from the principal of my sons school. She said "We will do everything we can to accomodate your son, but you need to be his advocate. Once he leaves this school we can not guarantee another school will follow the 504 or IEP. It is up to the parents to fight for their child." You have to be the one to request the meetings, tell them what accomodations your child needs. I email my sons teacher at least once a week to see where I can help him more. I have to say the teachers are very amazed that I want to help him so much. They don't honestly have the time to devote special time to each child, so it is up to us as parents to do what we need to.

If we had the money I would have him in tutoring also, but it just isn't possible for us. I hope this advice helps you out. I was lucky to have a good kindergarten teacher for my son who helped me fight for him.

mom to a 6 years old son with ADHD and essential tremor.

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