My son has adhd and pstd the school is draging there feet on getting him in to specail ed what do i do?

Question

i even had his theripist there and they were just blowing ever thing she said to them off any good attornyes out there if so let me know

Answer 1

PSTD?  Do you mean PTSD, as in post-traumatic stress disorder?

Children don't just qualify for special education because the are diagnosed with something by "Mr. Therapist"...the diagnosis has to be one of the qualifying disabilities under IDEA http://idea.ed.gov/ (mental retardation, hearing impairments (including deafness), speech or language impairments, visual impairments (including blindness), serious emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairments, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairments, or specific learning disabilities, and has to have an educational impact.

I have taught many students with ADHD and much worse issues, who did not have, nor need special education because it did not  impact progress.  Often, ADHD will be afforded a section 504 plan, much like an IEP in that it provides for accommodations in the classroom.

I guess it depends upon your reason for wanting special education.  Special education will not "fix" what ever your child is dealing with.

Going to an attorney should be your last resort (they are about $400 per hour and guarantee nothing) - you can ask for mediation and then a due process hearing later in the special education process.

First, you need to ask, in writing, that the school evaluate your child.  They will do a number of observations, tests, etc. and determine if an education impact is evidenced.  There are certain steps that legally must be followed.  It has nothing to do with you or your therapist stating that you child needs special education - it does not work that way.

Go to your local library and check out the resources.  Also, look at wrights law online.

Lastly, have your child evaluated by a pediatrician as well.   The title "therapist" does not necessarily qualify anyone to diagnose unless he/she is a psychologist.  Even so, he/she would need to submit a written report with testing data...not just "say" that a child needs special education.

Answer 2

I finally hired an attorney, talked to him for two hours, paid him too much, and then got to "cc" him on a letter I sent to the school district, which also copied the principal, student services, psychologist and anyone else I could think of, making sure to put "Mr. x*x, Counselor at Law" top of the CC list. I got a special ed hearing meeting within ONE week, and then they tried to give me the run around but I insisted that they give me all their promises in writing. I got a 504 plan immediately. with a promise to get an IEP at the next follow up...but then they started to back pedal again so I called every single person and asked them "who is the right person to speak to get this moving along since it has stalled again" and then I got a call within 30 minutes to set up an appointment. Just REFUSE to leave the room until they put something in writing - even if it is just notes, and then call them every day to ask when the notes are going to be typed up into a plan. Do it NOW and make sure they put info in for HOW TO START NEXT YEAR or they will try to give you the run around again next year.

By the way, a 504 allows accomodations, but an IEP allows modifications....and an IEP is a legally binding contract where a 504 is a nice recommendation that they will try to follow but don't suffer consequences for not doing it well. Push for the IEP, but be sure if your child is in high school that the diploma earned will be one that have real value.

Why they make it so freakin hard I don't know!!

Answer 3

My son has autism so i understand what it would be like for you.

Try talking to the special schools direct and tell them your situation as they will have other ways for you to get your child into the school if he needs to be there.

Good luck

Answer 4

I don't know what pstd is but adhd is pretty rough to deal with especially in a boy.  

As far as improving his learning experiences try  teaching him by making up songs pertaining to what he needs to learn. (For a young child)

Otherwise try using vivid colors underlining words, putting them in boxes etc.  It helps them to focus.  Also  when reading be in a dark room and use a desk lamp to focus on the reading material.  That helps limit distractions.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Look, I work with kids that have adhd and add and emotional disturbances. I have always been against medications, but not anymore. Please consider getting your child on an adhd medication. If you are successful in getting your child into special ed, that does not gaurantee they will get an education. Dealing with adhd is hard for kids and and having a calming medication can even them out and help them cope and function with other people. Imagine your child struggling to sit in his chair in a room with 10 or 15 other kids struggling the same way. I have met so many parents that think that getting their child into Special Ed. fixes all the problems. It won't. They may have more support, but most special ed. classes are over crowded and under-supported. A person is not a freak for taking medication. Often meds are very helpful in school days and can be tapered off through high school until they are no longer needed, but think of the feeling of accomplishment your child could feel after finally being able to sit and think about something and answer a question. Also, a pushy parent often does not understand that they are hurting their childs chances as much as helping (not always of course, but try to be supportive of teachers efforts, many are trying to help, even though many are not). I have noticed in public ed. that everything takes a long time. You are right to take your own steps and I appreciate a person who is proactive in their child's life and education.

Answer 6

Make an appointment with your school trustie, and issue a letter to that effect to anyone that is currently specifically (not) dealing with your sons case. Plan on attending this meeting with legal representaion, and indicate this at the time you are making your appointment .

Follow this meeting up within a few days at your school. If they fall short of an immediate and acceptable plan for your son, Follow this meeting up with your local government representatives.... DO NOT STOP!! Take a file of notes of communication that, no doubt you have,  from the beginning and including every meeting you have along the way. Also Write regularily to your local paper to rally the troops within your school area- I guarentee that you are not alone. Don't give up and pull out every big gun and little idea you have!

Good Luck, I'm fighting a similar battle and expect it will continue until my boy is ready to drop out.. If we give up so will they so stay strong, be resorceful, be sweet, be frustrated, be rude if need be- Every thing that you are doing you are doing to support your son- NO ONE can argue that point with you. Best wishes to all of you!

Answer 7

Why would you put your child into a class that they may not need? Many children have adhd or ptsd which some children do take medication for it. Its the teacher who can tolerate a child with a disability. All parents are so quick to place their child into a classroom without working with the teacher on a progress report of their child. What good will it do to get an Attorney? If you place your child into a Sp. Ed class they may not get the much needed education compare to a normal classroom. A child with adhd and ptsd do live a normal healthy life. I am one of them. I became a Preschool Teacher. I was in a regular classroom. I progressed with an average grade point average. I even was on the Honor Roll. I was on the Dean's List in College. I say leave your child where they belong. If its not bothering the teacher than leave it be.

Answer 8

I was badly dyslexic when i was in Elementary school (Thankfully got past it eventually) but my school did the same thing, and what my parents had to do was make friends with the Superintendent or board of directors for your school district. Schools start picking up their feet when they know the big guys are watching them and being informed of there neglect on a student. If you have your son in a private school it will be MUCH harder to get things done, when i went to a private school I had to pay to go to a public school every morning to work on spelling and english, and then come to school about 45 mins late for my regulare classes, dont dont let anyone tell you nothing can be done. You need to tell them your son needs an IEP (Individual Education Plan- i think thats what it stands for) and that with a smaller learning enviornment he would be able to focus and excel more. The longer this process gets held up the longer it might effect him, and no one wants their child behind the rest of their classmates b/c that can cause confidence issues. So I'd start passing over the school, and go straight to the directors and tell them how they are neglecting your sons personal needs to get a good education.

Good luck!! This can be overcome, i promise! Just stay positive and dont leave until you get what you want from them!