[USAFMOM]

My son has ADHD and is in the fifth grade. We had him diagnosed in second grade but just started him on meds last year because it was affecting his performance. Even though he has some improvement he is very behind and needs some special attention. I have been going around in circles with his school about getting him help ever year. I'm especially concerned because he starts middle school next year. They suggested a 504 plan last year but never put him on it. This year I asked about an IEP and they seem to be discouraging me to go that route. Can anyone explain the specific differences between the two? How do you know if your child needs an IEP? What are the proper steps to take? I feel I am being kept in the dark and have had to do all my own research.

[jaunespinoza]

Here is an interesting link on ADHD. It's amazing that so many are diagnosed with it; yet so few have had brain scans to confirm it. "ADHD.org.nz - The Neurobiology of ADHD"

[USAFMOM]

Thanks for the info. I'm sure ADHD can and has been misdiagnosed. My son has been to a Pyschologist over the last 3 years. He was also given a T.O.V.A test: TOVA | ADD & ADHD Testing
It took us 3 years before we decided to give him meds so we did not rush into this. We tried very hard to take alternative routes.

However, I still must deal with our public school system who seems to have very little experience in dealing with ADHD children. They seem to think the meds are a cure and they are not. My son still requires constant attention when it comes to school work. I do need some advice from anyone out there who knows more about these programs and what's available in Las Vegas.

[USAFMOM]

Also, I noticed the web site you posted is from an organzation in New Zealand. It's not local.

[jaunespinoza]

It just shows you how the over diagnosis is a global problem. The whole nation of Finland has a policy against using the meds. Of course, they are number 1 in the global Math(s) exam given to fifteen year olds.

I know nothing about your son specifically, and yo have taken the conservative approach--I just think society is too willing to put labels on kids. I have seen many of these "ADHD" kids, who will sit and play video games for hours; but they have a real problem in Ms. Widbutt's English Class.

I've never seen an elementary school that hasn't dealt with the meds and the kids (and their mothers). Best of luck to you all, though.

[photobuff42]

Originally Posted by USAFMOM

My son has ADHD and is in the fifth grade. We had him diagnosed in second grade but just started him on meds last year because it was affecting his performance. Even though he has some improvement he is very behind and needs some special attention. I have been going around in circles with his school about getting him help ever year. I'm especially concerned because he starts middle school next year. They suggested a 504 plan last year but never put him on it. This year I asked about an IEP and they seem to be discouraging me to go that route. Can anyone explain the specific differences between the two? How do you know if your child needs an IEP? What are the proper steps to take? I feel I am being kept in the dark and have had to do all my own research.

A 504 plan is accomodations and modifications only. An IEP has goals and benchmarks designed to help you child learn skills he might not have due to his disability. For example, a student with AD/HD may need help with organization, maintaining attention, following through with assigned tasks, etc. I don't know what school your child is currently attending but you should make a request in writing ASAP. For the 504, you child's physician can probably provide enough information to determine the eligibility. If you feel your child needs an IEP, the school psychologist will have to complete an assessment. I would request a report from the physician to share with the school. Make your request for the 504 or IEP (depending on what you think he needs now) in writing, addressed to the principal with a cc to the counselor. If he isn't doing well now, it is important to get it taken care of before the middle school transition, otherwise you're completely starting over with a new set of teachers. Here are some helpful links:

Section 504 - Civil Rights Law, Protection from Discrimination - Wrightslaw

Special Educator's Web Pages

You can DM me if you need more help. I was a special educator in the district for many years before finding greener pastures...Good luck!

[asiablue]

USAFMOM, I sent you a DM. My son also has ADHD and has struggled with the school to get him help. He is in a 504 program right now and doing better. Good luck.

[USAFMOM]

Thanks for the links. Are all schools here qualified to support these programs? I was researching my sons school to see their report card and it said 27% of their teachers are not "highly qualified", whatever that means. It sounds bad though. My son's 5th grade teachers seem clueless and treat him like he's just a lazy kid.

[ExBest182]

I have a kid with ADHD, she's in first grade.. and is struggling.. she's already had an IEP here in Los Angeles, so hopefully her school when we get there to Las Vegas will get her on the right track, I'd love more information on the 504 plan if anybody has it, I've never heard of it.

But I had the same issues with my kid, last year when she started school, we told her she had some learning issues, didn't know her ABC's, couldn't could very high (she was only 4 at the time school started) and they said no worries, we'll get her on track, and 2 weeks later, they said she needed too much attention, and made her go to half days (where she learned next to nothing) and she practically got thrown to the side, by the time they finally got her into an IEP, the year was over, and we ended up not getting it until the start of this year, worse thing about it, is she's really tall, and instead of having her repeat kindergarden, they put her in 1st grade.. because they didn't want her to be bigger than everybody else... so on top of not even being on a pre-k level prior to the end of last year, they put her in 1st grade... then they did the IEP... it's been a mess, so I'm hoping our move to Las Vegas, and having the IEP, will finally get her going.

[USAFMOM]

Well it's good she already has an IEP started. Since you are moving it could make holder her back eaiser than if she stayed at the same school. The kids will never know. I have seen some REALLY big kids in my son's grade and he is almost always been the smallest child in his classes. I wish it didn't take my son's school 4 years to finally take action, and it's only been at my request. Otherwise they just shove these kids on through. Cs and Ds are passing and that's all they have to get so they don't push any harder. They also take the kids aside (just the ones who really need it) and help them prepare for the CRTs so they pass and make their AYP. It really seems to me like that's cheating. It says they aren't ready enough for the tests without the right preparation.
From what I have read, the IEP is more work for the teachers so they prefer to do a 504. It's not as specific to their needs. I hope you have better luck here in Vegas. I don't know much about LA but our schools rank very low it seems so you may experience some of the same problems here. I here henderson has the better schools and that the NW isn't too bad in some parts. However I do have a friend that teaches in the NW and swears she will never let her kids go to school in Las Vegas.