Special Needs
- Special Needs This post has been deleted.
- I agree. The traffic girl onnNBC does this
- Special Needs Has anyone done the genesight test to see which medication is best for someone? thinking of getting one for ds, but do you think it really works?
- It doesn’t tell you what medication works best. It tells you how you metabolize the medications. It can be useful when something isn’t working to see someone is a rapid...(more)
- someone here
- so it's not that helpful then?
- There are rare instances when it’s helpful. Ask your kid’s psychiatrist. Not your kid’s psych NP. A real psychiatristZ
- the real one suggested a brain scan
- There are rare instances when it’s helpful. Ask your kid’s psychiatrist. Not your kid’s psych NP. A real psychiatristZ
- so it's not that helpful then?
- someone here
- It doesn’t tell you what medication works best. It tells you how you metabolize the medications. It can be useful when something isn’t working to see someone is a rapid...(more)
- Special Needs I know this is a question for my lawyer but has anyone switched their dc from a non funded school to a funded school and still get tuition reimbursement. Thinking about switching...(more)
- Special Needs Do any of your anxiety/adhd kids use an app to calm down? I think this could work for 12 yo ds but not sure which one. He's getting better at separating himself, going to his room...(more)
- I don't see screen time as postiive for my anxious adhd kid at all. sure he seems calm WHILE using it but the separation is awful - there's a rebound like thing. he goes to his...(more)
- You do realize that screens actually trigger anxiety and executive function responses in the brain?
- Np. I think she's talking about guided meditation/mindfulness apps, while it's an electronic device, it's not exactly screen time.
- Headspace, calm are both good. I’m using 10% happier and depending on his personality, it might be great. It has a little lesson before each meditation.
- thanks I will try these.
- Headspace has been great for my ASD child. It has also helped with sleep
- Special Needs Total brag ... 16 yo ds with ADHD who is a nightmare in the morning got up today at 645. He was downstairs at 7, walked the dog and then ate breakfast and was ready to leave at...(more)
- YAY
- excellent!
- That's great! We're those the only changes? Is he on meds too? My ds showers at night and packs his bag - but still has trouble waking up.
- Yes he's on meds and it could be a one-time thing but it was awesome. Separately, he is taking a psychology class and has a month-long project where he is supposed to change a...(more)
- Special Needs Cross your fingers that ds does well at school today - first day on new meds.
- Good luck! Which med?
- he's been on strattera. we're now adding adderall. hasn't tolerated stimulants before but strattera not doing enough for attention at school for engagement with work
- ^op: I feel so nervous about it, probably b/c I'm hopeful...
- Fingers crossed! 🤞
- ty.
- Good luck! Which med?
- Special Needs Anybody have experience with residential treatment for psychiatric disorder in teens? Not therapeutic boarding school, but diagnosis and treatment? 13yo DD on second...(more)
- Maclain, Belmont, MA
- OP: Thank you! Not getting much direction from the hospital DD is in now. Think we may need to hire a consultant to help explore options.
- are you working with your ped?
- OP: See below. Ped retired and the new one is not very easy to relate to.
- but they might have recommendation for the best place to take her. i wouldnt worry about personality right now. just see what they say about next steps
- OP: I'll give the office a call. We've only seen her once, so I'm sure she has no idea who my kid is. But hopefully she can give us some guidance.
- but they might have recommendation for the best place to take her. i wouldnt worry about personality right now. just see what they say about next steps
- OP: See below. Ped retired and the new one is not very easy to relate to.
- are you working with your ped?
- OP: Thank you! Not getting much direction from the hospital DD is in now. Think we may need to hire a consultant to help explore options.
- Westchester Medical Center has one. It’s very well known. Let me see find specific info for you.
- your pediatrician should have a list
- OP: Our pediatrician retired last summer and I don't care for the one who took her place (it's a group practice).
- we have one ped in our group who handles the psych care for kids who need it, she works with our therapist as a team, really makes a difference. we all discuss med dosing etc
- OP: Our pediatrician retired last summer and I don't care for the one who took her place (it's a group practice).
- Here’s the one in westchester...(more)
- OP: Thank you!
- sheppherd pratt in baltimore, one of the best in the country
- Maclain, Belmont, MA
- Special Needs Can you share your experiences with seeking reimbursement for a unilateral placement in NJ? just starting the process. TIA!
- Get them retarded churn out of there
- partial reimbursement in CT. they would pay the full ticket to a day school. We insisted on residential. We basically [ay the residential component.
- we are doing residential too. can I ask what your child's issues are?
- Special Needs Has anyone tried cod oil for their anxious teen? almost 15 y/o ds has not had success with meds and his anxiety is completely interfering with his life. His doc is not a fan of...(more)
- he has been to a real CBT therapist and been fully evaluated? what is his diagnosis
- yes, he is in CBT but he is sort of like groundhogs day. He takes it in and the next day it is like he never had the conversation - nothing really sticks. He is very motivated...(more)
- i would do tons of research bc idk if those oils have been studied enough, developing brains are affected in different ways by different substances. and i am not being cavalier,...(more)
- I know - I agree. I would only do it if the doc prescribes and it is medical grade. He has the double MTHFR mutation and takes prescription deplane -- I won't even fool around...(more)
- sorry, this is so brutal! just want to make sure they can get the most out of life that they want. my dd is similar, not sure she sees the benefits of her therapies but she still...(more)
- I know - I agree. I would only do it if the doc prescribes and it is medical grade. He has the double MTHFR mutation and takes prescription deplane -- I won't even fool around...(more)
- i would do tons of research bc idk if those oils have been studied enough, developing brains are affected in different ways by different substances. and i am not being cavalier,...(more)
- yes, he is in CBT but he is sort of like groundhogs day. He takes it in and the next day it is like he never had the conversation - nothing really sticks. He is very motivated...(more)
- Try CBD oil, it's worked wonders for ds.
- really? that's so great to hear. do you have a script or you buy OTC? Did a doc prescribe?
- No Rx needed, it's considered a supplement.
- I know, just wondered if you worked with a doc to start it.
- I didn't. I stubbled on the info because I was at the end of my rope.
- Do a search on it, you'll find amazing stories about it. Just try it. My friend thanked me for telling her about it, it got her dd's epilepsy to almost entirely disappear. And...(more)
- I know, just wondered if you worked with a doc to start it.
- No Rx needed, it's considered a supplement.
- really? that's so great to hear. do you have a script or you buy OTC? Did a doc prescribe?
- he has been to a real CBT therapist and been fully evaluated? what is his diagnosis
- Special Needs I am incredibly depressed and lonely. Dh just got up and walked away when I sat down and started complaining again. I have no friends and I fought with my teen daughter so now...(more)
- meds!
- Can you get something going just for you? Job, hobby, new good habit?
- I work full time and cook and clean though I do have help. Right now all my time is spent trying to help my ds pass his classes let alone do ok, and dd is also doing badly in...(more)
- Basically someone else just won a contest dc was desperate to win. It sounds stupid and whiney I know. But I feel like I have only lost in life. Everywhere I turn lose lose l....(more)
- that is very hard. honestly get on meds. it will help!
- Have tried so many meds in my life. Now I’m just old and bitter and enraged all the time. I know I am horrible to be around for my family and I feel like it is so justified.
- that is very hard. honestly get on meds. it will help!
- I felt like I hadn't handled a conversation with my dd well this week and was so sad too--I felt like she wasn't going to share things with me anymore, felt like I had given her...(more)
- I am down because I dc worked so desperately hard for 2.5 years and I thought had a good chance of winning something even if not a top prize and it would be a small affirmation...(more)
- I am so sorry. It's hard when you start measuring your kid against others. It's best not to
- Thanks. Dh gets this but I can’t.
- I am so sorry. It's hard when you start measuring your kid against others. It's best not to
- I am down because I dc worked so desperately hard for 2.5 years and I thought had a good chance of winning something even if not a top prize and it would be a small affirmation...(more)
- Teens are hard it feels like you lose them.
- Special Needs I need to vent. Being a special needs mom sucks!!! We could not do anything this long weekend because my 12 year old ASD ADHD all around pain decided to act like a brat and ensure...(more)
- I'm sorry. Can you leave him home alone yet?
- I have, but no more than 30 min.
- I’m sorry
- I'm sorry. Can you leave him home alone yet?
- Special Needs Ds tried Ritalin and it was a disaster. just tried Adderall and it seems good. anyone else have this experience? [in both cases is a time release generic version]
- Special Needs Need advice son is a junior autistic spectrum trying to figure out which would be better taking SAT or ACT? Thinking of him just going to community college but I know if he takes...(more)
- I’m not sure how to answer this because 1. I’m a college professor. 2. Have had students who were definitely on the spectrum. 3. Have a child on the spectrum. So here it goes:...(more)
- Ditto. Also prof wth spectrum students and kid.
- If gets extra time dontye act. Content easier but time...(more)
- My son does get time and a half for sat or act test
- You can also look at test-optional schools.
- Would he be open to taking a practice test and seeing if one feels better than the other?
- I didn't think of that. It can't hurt to at least ask him.
- Probably the best thing to do is to take practice tests of both before he decides. However, does he have time and a half for both? For the ACT, you actually have to register...(more)
- I’m not sure how to answer this because 1. I’m a college professor. 2. Have had students who were definitely on the spectrum. 3. Have a child on the spectrum. So here it goes:...(more)
- Special Needs How do I help my DS with dyslexia on reading/writing. Applies to SN schools but has felt like trying to win the lottery with his profile. He is medicated but comes across as...(more)
- ^^ look into CBT
- We went to a learning specialist that really helped define what we need to do to support him. some is OG, some is extra support in class (which school already gave), but because...(more)
- Which learning specialist and how did you go about the OG - hired a tutor? And is he in ms private or public?...(more)
- We went to one in NJ (the ped's and neuro's office had a list ). we found out that school had a special OG session that ended up being part of our ds's 504. And he gets tutoring...(more)
- OP here - How old is your dc? When did he start typing?
- he's 9 and we got diagnosed at 8, so he just started typing and it's helped because it's taken off the burden of writing. He has dyslexic dysgrahia so OT doesn't help. but his iss...(more)
- Thank you. This is my son - trouble with organizing, getting thoughts on paper, as well as great difficulty with spelling.
- OP - He dictates to you and then you type it for him, and then he edits what you have typed? Is that correct? What about work during school hours - does he have a SETSS who can...(more)
- oh found that out the hard way. you need to ask in a very specific way to trigger the law. and yes, for longer assignments, he dictates (but it's not good). i type without editing...(more)
- OP - I didn’t realize re: assistive tech. Did you consult a lawyer? How exactly does it need to be worded. Thank you!
- oh found that out the hard way. you need to ask in a very specific way to trigger the law. and yes, for longer assignments, he dictates (but it's not good). i type without editing...(more)
- he's 9 and we got diagnosed at 8, so he just started typing and it's helped because it's taken off the burden of writing. He has dyslexic dysgrahia so OT doesn't help. but his iss...(more)
- Does anyone know of a learning specialist similar to what OR is describing in Manhattan?
- here is one from Google - but you should get a recco from your dr's...(more)
- OP - dc’s neuropsych has failed us many times, most recently with a delayed recognition of dyslexia despite my expressed concerns that essentially eliminated my son from early...(more)
- Was it Salzburg’s Troy
- <sorry group not Troy
- that stinks. this whole process of trying to figure out what's wrong, has been so difficult, i can't even image in the Dr was not on our side. Our issues have been with the school...(more)
- Was it Salzburg’s Troy
- OP - dc’s neuropsych has failed us many times, most recently with a delayed recognition of dyslexia despite my expressed concerns that essentially eliminated my son from early...(more)
- here is one from Google - but you should get a recco from your dr's...(more)
- OP here - How old is your dc? When did he start typing?
- We went to one in NJ (the ped's and neuro's office had a list ). we found out that school had a special OG session that ended up being part of our ds's 504. And he gets tutoring...(more)
- Which learning specialist and how did you go about the OG - hired a tutor? And is he in ms private or public?...(more)
- You can hire a tutor who is trained in OG. There is a branch of the International Deslexix Association here is NYC and they keep a list of OG tutors that you can call. Their...(more)
- Thank you. I will definitely look into this. The dx is very recent so still getting up to speed.
- It took me awhile to gather information too. I see above that you are not on FB, but I think some groups can be helpful. Dds dx occurred way before FB so hard to find resources.
- How is she doing now?
- Actually great! But all kinds of things, some of which resolved themselves- stuttering, difficulty with mechanical writing, difficulty organizing thoughts in order to structure...(more)
- Great to hear! Thank you for sharing.
- Actually great! But all kinds of things, some of which resolved themselves- stuttering, difficulty with mechanical writing, difficulty organizing thoughts in order to structure...(more)
- How is she doing now?
- It took me awhile to gather information too. I see above that you are not on FB, but I think some groups can be helpful. Dds dx occurred way before FB so hard to find resources.
- Thank you. I will definitely look into this. The dx is very recent so still getting up to speed.
- Special Needs First day 10yo on zoloft. I hope this was the right decision.
- you'll know in time. good luck
- Thx
- Best of luck
- A bad decision if youbstand by and see your dc suffer. You are a good moom, best of luck
- What’s the profile? On fence with 10yo ds re meds.
- we just upped 13 yo Abilify from 7.5 mgs to 10 mgs.
- Short-term, Maybe. Long-term, most likely not. Best wishes.
- Horrible thing to say
- you'll know in time. good luck
- Special Needs My first-grader w/ adhd is struggling w/ reading. He isn't meeting grade standards, says the school, because he is about a year behind on reading level. They give a phonics...(more)
- Google Orton Gillingham
- Thx but my child gets a form of that in school and either it's not for him, or it's not working... Think he's bored of it and they do no reading of stories or books in this Orton...(more)
- have you done a full neuropsych? I also have a first grader with adhd. he does not have trouble with reading. b/c it is not uncommon for dc with adhd to also have lds, I think...(more)
- Thanks...Is a neuropsych covered by insurance? we haven't had one
- I'm actually not familiar with the particulars - I think sometimes it can be done through the school but if not people go private and it seems not to be covered and costs...(more)
- Depends on your policy. DOE and other Districts are supposed to pay for neuropsych, but you have to know how to navigate.
- Thanks...Is a neuropsych covered by insurance? we haven't had one
- Do you read to him at home?
- op: yes. he likes being read to but says reading for him is too hard and he doesn't like it
- Does he learn sight words easily?
- op: for spelling tests, yes--he seems to be doing much better consistently gettting 90 to 100 percent correct...(more)
- Then my suggestion is to stick with what you and the school is doing. It’s not fun to do something that doesn’t come easily, but often learn8ng to read is a developmental process...(more)
- Op: thx. The head teacher didnt give any books to take home for the break when asked. She also gives one book per day and children must bri g nack the next day. Can she not give...(more)
- Then my suggestion is to stick with what you and the school is doing. It’s not fun to do something that doesn’t come easily, but often learn8ng to read is a developmental process...(more)
- op: for spelling tests, yes--he seems to be doing much better consistently gettting 90 to 100 percent correct...(more)
- Does he learn sight words easily?
- op: yes. he likes being read to but says reading for him is too hard and he doesn't like it
- I dunno but I had a similar 1st grader - not on grade level at all for 1st grade. She was diagnosed with dyslexia and adhd. She hated reading. We did phonics programs and...(more)
- Np. Same exact story for my DS, except Wilson instead of OG. He's in 3rd grade now and much improved after a lot of tutoring.
- Does he know his letter sounds? Diagraphs? Ou, oi, ee, ar, or, er etc?
- yes
- Google Orton Gillingham
- Special Needs Does anyone have experience using a special ed advocate in Suffolk County?
- Special Needs Anyone have an anxious teen dd? do they refuse to go out with you? mine is pretty busy with sport and school but refuses to go to stores and has no social life. has one friend....(more)
- Is she unhappy?
- yes. therapy and meds are not optional. he's so much better now (at 19)
- what about team mates?
- yes. she was same age. she was not given a choice to go to her ped. he talked to her about options and said she had to agree to meds until she found better ways to manage it. got...(more)
- THIS... with one of my DD I thought it was just a thing but is spiraled into an EDD
- ^^ED.
- OP the thing is she is not unhappy. I'm not sure about forcibly medicating her - will have to think about that. i hear that in Junior year lots of kids become more social,...(more)
- THIS... with one of my DD I thought it was just a thing but is spiraled into an EDD
- Special Needs DS is home from his residential school (therapeutic) for a long weekend. I'm so torn because I love my son, but he's very overwhelming for me too. And DH is gone the entire time...(more)
- Tough timing for DH to be gone. Just keep reminding yourself you love him. The time will pass. Hugs
- Thanks. DH had been planning on taking him for a mini-trip but had to cancel because of work. Sucks.
- np: I am sorry. Are there other kids at hime or would you be able to do the mini trip? Is it easier with him on a trip or just easier for DH dynamic =wise, or do you have your...(more)
- He is 15. My dd does not have break at the same time as he does, so he'll just have to go back to school early, which is fine, but I'd hoped he could go away with DH.
- np: I am sorry. Are there other kids at hime or would you be able to do the mini trip? Is it easier with him on a trip or just easier for DH dynamic =wise, or do you have your...(more)
- Thanks. DH had been planning on taking him for a mini-trip but had to cancel because of work. Sucks.
- My dd is coming home too. I have low expectations and our plans include meals she enjoys, a new movie coming out . Letting her sleep in. Her little sibs are busy tomorrow so...(more)
- I have to admit that I don't totally miss my ds. Life with him is so chaotic and difficult. I love him dearly and miss the closeness/bond we had when he was little. But it's...(more)
- I'm so jealous that your school lets them come home for long weekends. Mine does just three breaks at home during the school year, each is a week plus. The christmas one overlaps...(more)
- Tough timing for DH to be gone. Just keep reminding yourself you love him. The time will pass. Hugs
- Special Needs I think my husband is on the spectrum. Very rigid, not good during transitions, and truly has no self-awareness (will say embarrassing things in front of people he doesn’t know...(more)
- yes and he finally got some testing done in his 50s
- Has it gotten worse or was it always like this?
- Always very rigid. Never spontaneous. OCD when it comes to scheduling. Because MUCH worse after we had kids. Also worse when he’s exhausted or when under a lot of stress.
- Yes. Mine actually would’ve had an ASD dx as a kid had he been a kid nowadays.
- Half my friends and family have mild ASD. Try books by Jennifer Cook O’Toole. A lot easier to get along with them when you understand how they experience the world, what causes...(more)
- I will check it out. What are some of the symptoms you see in (adult) family and friends?
- Socially awkward, intense particular interests and inability to gauge their audience re: going on about it, difficulty varying from rigid routine...
- I will check it out. What are some of the symptoms you see in (adult) family and friends?
- there's a book called Asperger's In Love
- Me too. Mine completely falls apart in unfamiliar situations where there are unwritten rules. Doesn't understand social cues. I always thought he was just very quirky, but since...(more)
- Yes though now he's an ex. It got worse with age and he couldn't deal with the dynamics and unpredictability of teens. He also deals with depression and anxiety, which I think...(more)
- Special Needs Currently in evaluation to get 12 yo dd an IEP. Have a dx of ASD and ADHD....(more)
- ^^^ I don't know what to do.
- put this back on them... "what do you plan to do about this?" "what is your policy in handling cases of bullying such as this?"
- Yes! This is exactly what you do. Sorry you are going through this.
- Can you switch schools? Class? Fresh start?
- Go to the school administration first. Ask them to address and ask what they’ll do to punish the girl who did this. Her behavior was unacceptable.
- is the child who fabricated the threat being suspended? if not, why not?
- Special Needs How can a neropsych possible be $5500? It’s insane!
- Worth every penny
- hardly, done it twice and didnt get that much value out of it
- Bummer! Maybe you need a new one.
- lol noway
- Ok.
- lol noway
- Bummer! Maybe you need a new one.
- Not in our case.
- hardly, done it twice and didnt get that much value out of it
- B/c it takes up to 6 months to see one, supply and demand
- where are you, in NYC not th case
- NJ
- So, they are unethical?
- where are you, in NYC not th case
- It’s a lot of information. I read them for a living- they’re paid per word lol m
- boring
- That's a little under market rate :(
- It's crazy. That said, the neuropsych had to see my ds a total of 5 times, speak on the phone to other providers and the school, and some things related to the DOE. They also have...(more)
- OP: In yiur opinions, is it still worth it if I am not trying to find a school or get funding?
- np= i got a formal dx from a shrink and they wrote our school and did the rest of the evaluations -- i was happy with that but didn't have heavy needs (mild ADHD)
- Are you going crazy because you can't really figure out how your dc learns? It will definitely give you peace of mind and direction. It's a lot easier to swallow if it's also a...(more)
- OP: No, nothing to do with school/learning at all really. Just a complex kid with had to define/dx smatt ring of issues that may or may not be spectrum-related and may or may not...(more)
- A good NP can really tease stuff out for you and stop you spinning your wheels and spending $ ineffectively.
- Thanks. That is kind of what I am hoping. But I am a pretty broke single mom
- A good NP can really tease stuff out for you and stop you spinning your wheels and spending $ ineffectively.
- OP: No, nothing to do with school/learning at all really. Just a complex kid with had to define/dx smatt ring of issues that may or may not be spectrum-related and may or may not...(more)
- np: I am currently trying to cheap out and have the school do the psycho-educational part. Not sure that's the right choice.
- I paid more than that, and I agree, it's a lot.
- MY atty just got DOE to reimburse me $6000 out of $6500 for a Salsberg evaluation.
- Because think of how many hours your child is tested. Then the tests need to be scored and the emulations need to be written. It’s very time consuming. If you break it down to...(more)
- it has to do with how much time is spent on the matter. Like with all professional services, it is hard for a layperson to understand how they are priced. But like with legal se...(more)
- We got two quality neuropsychs for a grand total of $30....(more)
- Worth every penny
- Special Needs My 12 year old HFA son does not want to socialize. He does not believe is important to have friends, but I so want to help him in this area. Any social groups for teens/tweens...(more)
- Is he happy without them? I'd leave him be.
- He says he is happy, but life for him will be so hard if he can’t develop friendships.
- Life won't necessarily be harder for him if he's not a social person and having no interest now doesn't mean he'll never be interested in having friendships. If you push him...(more)
- He says he is happy, but life for him will be so hard if he can’t develop friendships.
- My ds is 14, HFA as well, he is now taliking about having interpersonal experiences. Before now, no interest. If he likes a social group great. If not, let it be.
- I'd focus on getting him involved in groups that focus on his interests. What is he into?
- I agree with this.
- Is he happy without them? I'd leave him be.
- Special Needs Anyone have a situation where dc whiffed SN school interview due to nerves and school let dc come back for a second try? This school already did a classroom observation and the...(more)
- that sucks...but OTOH, what kind of SN school makes kids pass an interview to get in? When we lived in manhattan and DC was about to start a 2s program, I felt the schools that...(more)
- By interview I mean the learning assessment portion of the visit
- that sucks...but OTOH, what kind of SN school makes kids pass an interview to get in? When we lived in manhattan and DC was about to start a 2s program, I felt the schools that...(more)
- Special Needs Are there any day camps similar in population to Summit in the NYC area? Maybe NJ or Long Island?
- there is camp sunshine/camp snowflake in ridgewood, NJ
- Day camps similar in population?
- Yes
- Harbor Haven