Grandchild with ADHD School Problems

J.,

This is why children with special needs should never be held back. He is only entitled to special education at his GRADE level not his age level.

You should log on to www.wrightslaw.com. Start reading about advocacy.

First things first, does he have a proper evaluation that includeds full psycho-educational testing? This is something that you should get on right away, insurance will often cover this if you make an appointment with a developmental pediatrician, or if you can find a psychiatrist who has a nueruopsychologist in thier office, you may be able to get the evaluation covered by insurance. If not, find a way, because, although he is entitled to evaluation from the school, you should never, never, never know less about your child than the school does, nor should you depend on them to be honest and tell you everything you need to know about his condition.

Make a good effort to get this private evaluation done ASAP, it may take several months, but it is essential.

Next, write a letter to the school district of residence and request an evaluation for your grandson because you suspsect that he has a disablity. You might also look to the yellow pages on the wrightslaw website under WV, because the school "knew or should have known" that they were dening FAPE to a child with a disabilty by holding him back instead of providing special educational services that provided him access to general education. This is a very sticky situation, and you will need assistance to navagate that part. Sucess for compesatory educational services will be dependent on many things only an advocate or atorney could help you sort out.

Special education in school districtis is Free, that is the F in FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education) which all disabled children are promised by IDEA.

Do some reading, try to undo the harm that has been done to your grandson by holding him back, and seek help through an advocate if you feel like it is too much red tape. There is a ton, but the first step is to let the school know that you won't roll over and let them shirk thier affirmative obligation to educate your grandson, ADHD and all!

I can answer some general questions and point you in the right direction if you find you need help.

M.

I've never dealt with the cicumstances BUT you can home educate( homeschool) him. It's honestly easier than you think and it will give him ambiance to become more confident in himself. :)

Check out HSLDA.org. Go to your state
And view the rules & policies for your state (there are also a listing for group support) each state
differs.

All school dist have a school or a program inside 1 of the schools for children with learning disabilities. My youngest son had trouble and was in a class because he was slow and it helped him catch up to his grade level. So now that he caught up he is in a regular class. I would be talking to the schools social worker because of the fact he has already stayed behind 2 years already! Now if the schools social worker won't help her call the school dist itself and make a complaint against the social worker because he/she should of helped you because that is their job and then talk to the school dist about your son's problem and see what they can help you with! Their is a solution for him out their! Home schooling is not for everyone. I am not against it at all, but starting at the age of 14 with him already hating school, he will not do his studies and will fool around and sleep in late and stay up all night! I believe home schooling should be started at a younger age if that is what you want for your children. Try the route I mentioned and see if it goes anywhere, It will be ok. I have been in your shoes, so I know what you are going thru and how you are feeling.
Good Luck
K.

yes my niece also has fell a few times shes going in the 5th grade has adhd add and something else and this year the school passed her although she cant do the 4th grade work but next year she will be in some special classes which shes moved alot so that has a tole on her problem the school just dont know so good luck fight for him

Consider finding a small school that offers scholarships. The smaller the classroom the better off he will be.

Are you sure the asthma meds are not causing hyperactivity? Have they tried switching meds?

Special education does not cost anything. The parents of your grandson simply need to send a letter to the school (certified, return receipt) requesting that he be evaluated for special education. This DOES NOT mean he has to be in a "special class". The school system is responsible for putting the appropriate supports in place to help this child find success.

I agree with the others. They need to contact the school district office and request an evaluation for an IEP. Districts are required to do this by law if parents request it. An IEP may make a big difference for him and there's no cost involved.

Also, is his ADHD being treated? If he hasn't tried medication, that may make a tremendous difference in his success at school.

Best of luck! I hope he gets the help he needs to make next year a much better experience.