how can I help my newly diagnosed children get through the school day and complete their work?
My oldest child has been diagnosed, and I am going through the process to have my middle child tested however her school counselor and myself are convinced she has it.
The oldest child is doing pretty well in school, however she does struggle with such things as research, organization, and cognitive thinking.
My middle child is doing well if she manages to get her name on one assignment while at school. We have tried rewards/removal of something she likes based on if she does her work or not. I have begged her teacher for help and all I get from her is "she does not apply herself" "you need to figure out why she isnt doing her work" "she is disruptive" blah. blah.
Im wondering how I can help my children make it through the school day with out feeling totally overwhelmed and actually produce class work
Relyha
Thank you for your question and welcome to ADHDCentral. It sounds like you are heading in the right direction and once your middle child has a diagnosis, you can request services for her under either an IEP or Section 504. Many times children that do not qualify for services and accommodations under an IEP will still qualify under Section 504. This will still allow you to work with the school in setting up services/accommodations/modifications to help your daughter succeed.
Instead of writing a great deal of information on this subject, I am providing some links to articles to help you. This way you can take in information in steps rather than trying to learn everything at one time.
Section 504 for Children with ADHD
How IDEA Applies to Children with ADHD
How to Help Your Child Succeed in School
Suggestions for IEPs and Section 504s
Making the Most of the School Year
When Parents Feel Their Child Needs Special Accommodations
Motivational Games for Teachers for Students with ADHD
In addition to this information, there are more articles available at:
I know I have given you a lot of reading material, take your time, read those that seem most important right now and come back as you need additional information.
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Eileen
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Our oldest was just diagnosed with ADD, as well.
We thankfully have some very caring teachers and administrators at his school which is great. Even the most caring teachers, however, don't always have a full picture of ADD (some do, thankfully), and don't understand that a child may in fact be motivated but his/her brain just can't, for instance, get that homework from Point A (home) to Point B (school). There is a disconnect for that child. As the expert noted in her response, a diagnosis hopefully will help. We are also having the neuropsychologist who assessed our child come in and share the results with our child's teachers, so that they can understand his situation better (and get it from a neutral and expert thrid party!). Perhaps you can do that, as well, if your school is open to that.
We have just started our child on medication, which seems to be helping, but of course, medication is never the whole answer by any means. The books suggested in the previous response will be a great help. We have also really liked Ned Hallowell's books - "Driven to Distraction", "Delivered from Distraction", and especially "Superparenting for ADD." Dr. Hallowell is a highly regarded psychiatrist (see link to his bio), has ADD himself, as well as two children with ADD. The latter book has a very positive (but also realistic) take on parenting and has been a great source of encouragement for us.
http://www.drhallowell.com/centers/clinicians.html
In addition, our neuropsychologist suggested the website www.CHADD.org for additional resources and information.
Lastly, depending on your child's age, there are books for kids on having ADD, such as "The Survival Guide for Kids with ADD or ADHD." Look this up on Amazon and then browse from there.
It's a long haul but there is so much to love in these kids. Hang in there!
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We have had a lot of success with changing my sons diet and adding in Omega 3. Dr. Benjamin Feingold did a lot of research on kids and diet, he was actaully a pediatric allergist. He found their behavior improved when certain foods were eliminated. It was an unintended "side effect". You can find out more at www.feingold.org
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