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Post by missfrenchjessica on Nov 8, 2016 17:13:13 GMT
I have twin boys who are in 7th grade. They are as different as could be. One is book smart, the other, is athletic. One is very sociable, the other is more introverted. One looks like me, the other like his father. One is stubborn, the other is very laid-back. And they're great kids. This past Spring, after working with one of the twins on school work and seeing how frustrated and upset he'd get doing homework, reading his novel for English, completing assignments and getting poor grades on them, I decided to take him for a check-up with his pediatrician. She listened to both of us and suspected there might be a reading or language processing issue and recommended we ask the school for testing. The school refused. His grades were not failing grades. He wasn't a behavioral issue in class. He is well-liked by both teachers and students. His baseline math and reading scores had improved from the beginning of the school year, so they chose not to test him. In the interim, he went to see a psychologist as he was experiencing anxiety. After an assessment from the therapist, she noted that his anxiety was off the charts high and she also recommended getting him tested for learning issues/disabilities since she couldn't determine if it was the anxiety causing his school issues or compounding them and that perhaps there was an underlying issue. I took him in for testing 2.5 weeks ago and we got the results yesterday. My son is dyslexic, and has inattentive ADD which severely impacts his executive functioning. Those, coupled with his off-the-charts anxiety is causing his academic issues. I can't tell you how relieved I was to hear that his academic performance wasn't due to him not trying, being lazy, or just stubborn (which he can be!), but because he actually has some issues that make it difficult for him. So, tomorrow, I'm heading in to see his school counselor and see if we can start the process for a 504 plan. Don't ignore your gut instincts! They almost always prove to be right---especially about your kids.
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Post by lucyg on Nov 8, 2016 17:17:44 GMT
What a good mom you are! So glad you got his issues diagnosed and are dealing with them.
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Post by seikashaven on Nov 8, 2016 17:18:20 GMT
I'm glad your son will get the support he needs to be successful. Good job mama bear.
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Post by mom on Nov 8, 2016 17:19:09 GMT
Awww! Way to go, Mom! Its so good to see Mom's being a great advocate for their kids!
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Post by 950nancy on Nov 8, 2016 17:22:25 GMT
Poor kiddo, I hope a 504 will help, sometimes they aren't enough (in my experience). Good luck! If you have national/state testing, make sure he gets accommodation or modification for that.
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Post by bc2ca on Nov 8, 2016 17:22:30 GMT
Good for you listening to your instincts! We knew DD had some sort of processing disorder because of a phenomenal K teacher but were frustrated every step of the testing until she hit third grade and she was finally diagnosed with an Auditory Processing Disorder and, to my surpise, inattentive type ADD. Best of luck with the accommodations!
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pridemom
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Post by pridemom on Nov 8, 2016 17:25:29 GMT
Do your research for classroom and testing accommodations for those diagnoses. We've only had a couple of hiccups with my Junior's 504, and they were resolved by me doing my research and having accurate information about the laws.
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Post by missfrenchjessica on Nov 8, 2016 17:28:59 GMT
Good for you listening to your instincts! We knew DD had some sort of processing disorder because of a phenomenal K teacher but were frustrated every step of the testing until she hit third grade and she was finally diagnosed with an Auditory Processing Disorder and, to my surpise, inattentive type ADD. Best of luck with the accommodations! I have to admit, the inattentive ADD surprised the heck out of me! Every time I've spoken to his teachers, they all comment on the fact that he looks right at them, he nods his head or makes a confused face if he's not understanding--in other words, gives them lots of non-verbal feedback. But then, I'd notice assignments were getting in late even though they were done, he'd totally be lost trying to do his math 'cause he couldn't remember what to do first (and I'm completely hopeless at math so I'm no help!). It makes sense now, but I couldn't figure it out. I suspected there was something "off" in about 3rd grade, but just chalked it up to immaturity as his teachers didn't seem too concerned. I'm so glad we're getting a dx now so hopefully he'll get things together before high school comes along!
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imsirius
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Post by imsirius on Nov 8, 2016 17:30:01 GMT
Good job!
I fought for 4 years for testing for my son. Finally got him into a prominent peditrician who deals with neuro disorders. My son was diagnosed with high functioning Asperger's and anxiety. She recommended school testing because he was struggling. School board brought in their pyschologist and learning specialty and did 6 hours of testing with him over 2 days.
Turned out, he has severe learning disabilities. He processes information at 3% by reading but at 98% visually/orally. We got him an IEP and he went from 42% overall in elementary to having a 75% average overall in high school! He has all assignments and tests with multiple choice or short factual answers and orally. He is learning so much more and has come right out of his shell. I'm so glad I nagged and nagged until I got somewhere.
So happy you got answers too!
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Loydene
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Post by Loydene on Nov 8, 2016 17:31:32 GMT
Good for you -- and I think I might be checking to see how much serious ass kicking I could do that would be effective.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Nov 8, 2016 17:34:00 GMT
What a great momma you are!!
I'm glad you have direction now to take in his journey.
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Post by Rachel on Nov 8, 2016 17:34:07 GMT
Did you put your request to the school in writing? If you put it in writing they have to address it in writing rather than give you lip service about why they don't need to test him. If he got a medical diagnosis for ADD then it betters his chances of qualifying for an IEP if that's what you want rather than a 504. Also, give your request to the director of the special ed program. Don't just hand it over to any body at the school.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2016 17:35:45 GMT
Great job, Mom!
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Post by ntsf on Nov 8, 2016 17:36:59 GMT
I would think an iep would be more appropriate.. you might contact any local/state organization that supports parents with kids with disabilities.. I also suggest you start reading up on www.wrightslaw.com to learn more about the process and your legal rights in getting him help. technology I believe is essential in helping with executive functioning.
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Post by missfrenchjessica on Nov 8, 2016 17:48:00 GMT
Thanks everyone! Our previous attempt at testing was done by my husband via email. We met, had teacher reports done, and all test scores looked over and testing was denied. The thing that made me really pause was the fact that he was being successful (as in not failing), but it was due to a few factors including: teachers taking late work or allowing him to redo it, teachers allowing him extra time and/or a change of location to complete the assessment, and having been in a class that was being co-taught or supported in some way. In all the classes where those informal accommodations were happening, he was doing ok. In classes where they weren't, he was floundering and totally stressed/anxious about. I will put my request for accommodations, whether they be IEP or 504 in writing. I'm going to do a lot of research to make sure they're doing right by my kid. He's worked so hard and it totally broke my heart when I had to tell him he got a "D" on a math assessment he thought he'd aced and had worked and practiced so hard for. He told me at the beginning of this school year that he didn't want teachers to think badly of him and only think of him as a "sports kid", but a "smart kid, too".
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scrappert
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Post by scrappert on Nov 8, 2016 18:22:14 GMT
Good job to keep pushing.
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Peal
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Post by Peal on Nov 8, 2016 18:22:44 GMT
I have a dyslexic son too. We had to have private testing done because the schools wouldn't test for Dyslexia and we were sure that's what it was. It took a lot of time, years, to get it all sorted. He's on an IEP now and is doing very well. He had to learn how to learn since what the schools focus on and how he learns are vastly different. He is almost 100% an audio/visual learner. He watches a ton of educational you tube videos and soaks up the information that way. He also does audiobooks instead of reads for classes. His teachers allow it and he's able to keep up with his peers very well.
You and your son will need to do some experimenting to see how he learns best, then work with the school to take full advantage of that. My son has an IEP, but at our last meeting, they have discussed the possibility of modifying, or possibly dropping it. He isn't there yet, but he's getting there. Once you know what the hurdle is, it's so much easier to manage.
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Post by beachbum on Nov 8, 2016 18:22:59 GMT
This retired teacher is giving you a standing ovation. I wish all parents paid that much attention to the cues their children were giving - or heck - to the outright statements the teachers give them. So many parents have fought me when I even brought up the subject of testing their little snowflake. Oh no, there's nothing WRONG with MY child. Like it's a black mark on them. SMH.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for doing what your son needs and helping make the future easier for him.
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Post by destined2bmom on Nov 8, 2016 18:48:00 GMT
Great job Mom! This is going to help his self-esteem!
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Post by refugeepea on Nov 8, 2016 18:52:22 GMT
The school refused. His grades were not failing grades. He wasn't a behavioral issue in class. As the mom of a girl with high functioning Autism, I can relate to this so very much! I'm glad you were able to get it figured out. It got to the point that my daughter was beyond frustrated she did start acting out and only then did she get a 504 plan for her behavior. I've found without a doubt, in my school district it is not the diagnosis. It is who you know and who can speak up for you! With the help of a teacher and a teacher's aide she's finally on an IEP! Good luck with your son.
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Post by anniefb on Nov 8, 2016 18:54:56 GMT
What a good mom you are! So glad you got his issues diagnosed and are dealing with them. Yes!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2016 19:58:20 GMT
Don't take the ADD Inattentive diagnosis at face value. Go see an occupational therapist. There may be a spatial processing disorder of some type that educational psychologist do not test for. The symptoms manifest themselves like ADD Inattentive type and the only way to diagnosis them is via an occupational therapy evaluation. If there is a spatial processing issue of some kind there will be specific modifications that need to be made that standard 504 accommodations will not take into consideration. Most schools do not know how to handle/accommodate spatial processing disorders either so a OT can help guide the way.
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Post by missfrenchjessica on Nov 8, 2016 20:19:37 GMT
Don't take the ADD Inattentive diagnosis at face value. Go see an occupational therapist. There may be a spatial processing disorder of some type that educational psychologist do not test for. The symptoms manifest themselves like ADD Inattentive type and the only way to diagnosis them is via an occupational therapy evaluation. If there is a spatial processing issue of some kind there will be specific modifications that need to be made that standard 504 accommodations will not take into consideration. Most schools do not know how to handle/accommodate spatial processing disorders either so a OT can help guide the way. Thanks for letting me know-I had no idea that could exist! I'll be sure to check into it.
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River
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Post by River on Nov 8, 2016 20:36:51 GMT
Good job MOM! I'm so happy to hear you have some answers. I'm sure your son is relieved in a way to get the answers also. I know my son was!
Just to let you know, not all states recognize Dyslexia as a learning disability. Mine doesn't and caused us to only qualify for a 504 plan. The problem is that doesn't help so much with dyslexia. My DS muddled through and is now in his first semester in college. He's doing much better in college and that's without any extra help so far.
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Post by Patter on Nov 8, 2016 20:39:30 GMT
Awesome, awesome, awesome! I had to do something similar with one of our triplets when they were in public school. Best thing we ever did. She even gets services at her university. It's awesome and has helped her SO much! Praying the best for your son!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2016 20:47:03 GMT
I had to pay for private dyslexia testing because the school said she wasn't failing "enough".
And even after her diagnosis, she STILL didn't qualify for accommodations because she scores too but she was literally crying every day!
So her school sped teacher has her labeled as "emotionally disabled" since her emotions are hindering the learning process. It took awhile but she's finally passing, falling into a good rhythm and doesn't hate school. She's in 5th grade, should be 7th. For us it was frustrating because no one argued that she was struggling! It's not always black and white and sometimes not even gray!
Best wishes to you and your son. I hope his journey gets easier! If you're in Facebook, Susan Barton is great to follow--she's considered an expert on dyslexia. Also learning ally--they provide an audiobook service to people with documented print disabilities. We supplement with audio books, that's helped greatly!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2016 20:50:32 GMT
I forgot to say we have an iep now too with accommodations. Her teacher just asked to add an addendum the other day, halving her math requirements because it takes her twice as long to complete her work. So we are really blessed with understanding staff.
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AnotherPea
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Post by AnotherPea on Nov 8, 2016 20:59:44 GMT
I don't know where you are and if the state/district follows the same process, but if your son was at my school, you should expect the following to happen. After you submit another request for accommodations a team will meet to discuss your son's behaviors in class and his performance academically. The school/district psychologist will review the testing paperwork you've submitted. I will say that in my area we have several psychologists that hand out those exact diagnoses like candy. With them, if a parent walks in and forks over $$$, there WILL be a diagnosis. If nothing substantial is found, the fall backs are ADD (or ADHD, inattentive), EFD and dyslexia. At a meeting one such psych actually told us, in defending his diagnosis that we were questioning, that if parents are suspecting a disability, that means one is there. Just as if a wife suspects her husband is cheating, he is. He said that at our meeting @@. The school does not have to accept the diagnosis nor does it have to do testing on its own. It just has to review your request and give you a reply. This does not mean they aren't trying to help your child, that they're being lazy or that they are refusing to spend money helping him out.
If our team determined there was some merit to the request, it would start gathering data. Your son's teacher would be notified and would be asked to start some accommodations that the team believes might be helpful. You'd be notified as well, but you may or may not have any say in the data collection portion. Then they'd wait about six weeks or so to see if the accommodations made a positive impact. If they did, the team would most likely implement a 504 with those accommodations. If they did not, then they'd either try something else or determine a 504 is not needed. A private doctor or psychologist does not have more 'weight' than the school's team. The team can take their findings into consideration, but they are not bound by the findings. This is often very difficult for parents to understand or accept.
If a 504 (or IEP) is awarded, it will periodically be reviewed. Changes can be made. While these are legal mandates, they are very fluid and can change as the needs of the child or even the school's resources change.
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Post by missfrenchjessica on Nov 8, 2016 21:07:27 GMT
Good job MOM! I'm so happy to hear you have some answers. I'm sure your son is relieved in a way to get the answers also. I know my son was! Just to let you know, not all states recognize Dyslexia as a learning disability. Mine doesn't and caused us to only qualify for a 504 plan. The problem is that doesn't help so much with dyslexia. My DS muddled through and is now in his first semester in college. He's doing much better in college and that's without any extra help so far. Thanks for sharing @river . He was very relieved! In fact a few days before we went in, he asked me what we would do if the tests didn't find anything. He was really anxious about it--in his mind, if the tests didn't find anything, it would mean that he was just "stupid". He wanted something to tell him it wasn't that he was "dumb", but that there were some things he needs a little help with. I don't know if our state recognizes dyslexia as a learning disability--I suspect it isn't as the doctor we met with yesterday suggested going in for a 504 and didn't mention the IEP option. We'll see what the counselor says when we meet. So glad to hear your son is being successful in college! It gives me hope!
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Post by missfrenchjessica on Nov 8, 2016 21:12:09 GMT
I had to pay for private dyslexia testing because the school said she wasn't failing "enough". And even after her diagnosis, she STILL didn't qualify for accommodations because she scores too but she was literally crying every day! So her school sped teacher has her labeled as "emotionally disabled" since her emotions are hindering the learning process. It took awhile but she's finally passing, falling into a good rhythm and doesn't hate school. She's in 5th grade, should be 7th. For us it was frustrating because no one argued that she was struggling! It's not always black and white and sometimes not even gray! Best wishes to you and your son. I hope his journey gets easier! If you're in Facebook, Susan Barton is great to follow--she's considered an expert on dyslexia. Also learning ally--they provide an audiobook service to people with documented print disabilities. We supplement with audio books, that's helped greatly! Oh! @juliehenry4 !!! I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter and the battle it's been to get her help. That makes me sad and even more angry for you both. I can totally relate to the "not failing enough" comment though. Ugh! It didn't seem to matter when I said that the reason he wasn't actually "failing" was due to the extra help teachers, we as his family, and the tutor we hired were giving him. Without that support, he'd be doing REALLY poorly. Thanks also for the resources! I'll be checking them out--I definitely think my son needs audio books. Reading for him is absolute torture. He hates it so much, but will happily listen to me read TO him...go figure!
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