[pkimlv]

I read your post regarding over diagnosis of AD/HD. I do agree with you, and I know parents who do say their kids have this disorder, without ever being treated by a doctor; just ridiculous! I did take a very conservative approach to my daughter's own AD/HD at first, but did find in the end medication was the only option, and it has been tremendously beneficial for her in school, and in relationships at home and in school. With regard to Finland's policy on these medications, I'm glad I'm not a native of that country! My daughter's grades have improved greatly since the medication. Perhaps rather than making these medication unavailable in Finland, they should have a process by why parents MUST seek psychiatric evaluations and therapy for these children, rather than taking them to their pediatricians, describing their child as hyper, and then being handed a pill, as many parents have done.
With regard to the IEP system in the State of Nevada, as well as 504's, I think it is comedic! We have gone many rounds with my daughter's school, GIVEN'S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Summerlin, Nevada. My daughter has been diagnosed with AD/HD, OCD, and severe anxiety disorder since 1st grade. Her symptoms are severe, and do interfere with school, as well as home life greatly. I have been told "even if she gets an F in 5th grade math, she will progress to 6th grade." Does this seem right to anyone?! I believe the entire issue of IEP's is related to money; there's not enough to go around. Additionally, because of the lack of quality teachers hired for "special kids," these children are thrown into classes with teachers who are only equipped to handle your "cookie cutter child," or average, normal children.
A 504 is a joke, and if the teacher does not follow any of the accommodations, it is useless. Further, there seem to be no consequences for the teacher when this occurs. This has happened to us for many years now, and I have been told that because my daughter does well in one subject, writing, she would not qualify for an IEP. As I stated, she is always on the verge of failing math, or has failed math previously.
Anyhow, I believe that parents who put forth the effort, and spend thousands of dollars to attempt therapy and receive a diagnosis for their children, should be afforded a quality education. I will continue the fight for my daughter until she receives the IEP she deserves and needs in middle school. My next meeting with the school however I will not brave alone, I am taking my child's physicians with me. Further, I will hire an attorney if necessary to make sure my child's rights are not being infringed upon another year!
Summerlin Resident

[ruready1st]

I looked for answers as well on the message boards back in March under a Special Education post.

We are moving to Vegas in July. I have a 4 year old who has dyspraxia (motor coorindation disorder). She entered our local school system here in Vail/Tucson (AZ is not stellar for education either, but we found a great program) at the age of 3. She currently attends their special ed preschool 3 days per week 1/2 days. In that time she receives 3 hours of speech therapy and 1 hour of OT. On our own we supplement with music therapy and play therapy.

I called CCSD to get info from them. Oh boy I'm not encouraged. We have to go through the "Child Find" process, which is CCSD evaluating the needs of your child. Athough we have a current IEP and therapists evaluations, not good enough to set up even basic services in CCSD. Which, okay, I can see the District wanting to verify. We had to go to a Developmental Pediatrician, on our own dime to get real answers. I was then able to go to the school district with the documentation and they said, "Thank you for saving us the money and expense." "Now we can enroll your daughter in our Part-Time Special Ed program." Her progess over the last year is tremendous. Our district, Vail, even has a therapy dog on staff. I didn't realize how awesome her program was until I started talking to the person at CCSD. I really wish we didn't have to move.

The CCSD person I talked to was honest with me and said that due to severe budget cuts only children with moderate to severe delays or disabilities are receiving services. She said that children with visible disabilities are given priority too. Ugh! My daughter is mild to moderate and its purely a learning disability/mental development issue, nothing physical in appearance about it. Geez, the discrimination. She said that more cuts are coming. Some elementary principals have taken upon themselves to submit for private and federal grants but it means programs are not consistant in the District.

I thought Arizona's education was poor. Well I guess there is worse.

I'm going to see about our insurance covering her OT and Speech in Nevada. I also have to find a good music therapist. Any one know of one?