Special Needs
- Special Needs Advice please. 14 yo with ADHD just started high school. He is very strong academically but his executive function is a challenge. He is taking...(more)
- get him a tutor so you don't have to deal with it
- medicated or not?
- medicated, though so far he has not taken his booster. He forgot to today. Tomorrow, I will call to remind him and also encourage him to set an alarm.
- I have adhd and the "smart" watches help me - I have alerts all the time reminding me to do something.
- medicated, though so far he has not taken his booster. He forgot to today. Tomorrow, I will call to remind him and also encourage him to set an alarm.
- My ADHD Ds set up a schedule,for himself to get thru his homework efficiently...he dedicated 3 hours per afternoon/ evening no matter what. If he finished early he would use the...(more)
- we're on night 2 and he has been working on homework for four hours. Some of it's inefficient work process, some really...(more)
- Set up a chart with him if he will let you
- NP: holy shit it would be such a dream if my 16yo ADHD DS would do this. He hates every moment of homework and always puts it off until 'later'.
- He did this totally on his own. We had no idea he did this or had this work schedule set up...
- Congratulations. I'm green with envy.
- He did this totally on his own. We had no idea he did this or had this work schedule set up...
- Three hours a day is insane
- Not for high school. He is in college now and does the same thing there
- we're on night 2 and he has been working on homework for four hours. Some of it's inefficient work process, some really...(more)
- CBT that specializes in Executive Dysfunction
- I have 2 kids in college. Each year of high school gets harder -or, the classes are harder. If your son starts getting stressed out by the workload, he can downgrade a class....(more)
- I always wonder if kids who do really well in school even have ADHD. I don't know any kids who do well academically with ADHD
- Special Needs Will an eval from a study, like Child Mind Institute Healthy Brain Network; count for school placement?
- Special Needs Happy post: 11 yo ds with dysgraphia (among other IEP issues) got a 4 on the ELA state test. The look on his face was priceless.
- That's awesome.
- Maybe he doesn't need an IEP. Maybe a 504 will suffice
- He has Asperger's, dysgraphia and a coordination disorder.
- I don't think you get graded on penmanship on the ELA anyway
- You misunderstand. Dysgraphia is a disorder of written expression, not merely a handwriting thing, although people with it often have handwriting issues as well.
- Special Needs HEADS UP: The bus info is on the site (OPT)
- One of my kids' info is up, nothing available yet for the other.
- They started today so tomorrow you may have the other.
- One of my kids' info is up, nothing available yet for the other.
- Special Needs Triennial neuropsych, needed or not?...(more)
- CHurchill mom - that was not my experience we had to get that review this year
- I'd never stop doing it every three years. I have three kids with them and the oldest will be applying to college this year. Glad I get them done every three years because the ACT...(more)
- Yes and colleges want to see them within 3 years to get accommodations. But doesn't need to be a full neuropsychologist-psych for ACT/SAT or for college - a psycho-ed exam which i...(more)
- IME, needed and I would make it an IEE to pay for my evaluator.
- What's an IEE?
- independent educational evaluation
- What's an IEE?
- Special Needs This post has been deleted.
- do you see this as a problem? i do not.
- Special Needs Financial Aid at language based schools?...(more)
- If you are in NYC, and are deferred by CBST, you can try getting in to Funded schools...(more)
- Thanks – how about non-funded schools though -- the ones we have to pay tuition upfront?...(more)
- Ditto what she said above. Try the funded school. We are working poor and at Churchill. It was a miracle but we got a spot and then Churchill took us as a Connors Case (meaning...(more)
- Some of the non funded schools might have financial aid but you would have to ask....(more)
- Speak to a special ed attorney that you would be using about how to make it work.
- Ditto what she said above. Try the funded school. We are working poor and at Churchill. It was a miracle but we got a spot and then Churchill took us as a Connors Case (meaning...(more)
- Thanks – how about non-funded schools though -- the ones we have to pay tuition upfront?...(more)
- If you are in NYC, and are deferred by CBST, you can try getting in to Funded schools...(more)
- Special Needs Ds' psychiatrist is too expensive. If I move to someone in network, do I just ask him to send ds' medical records?
- Yes
- The new psych will, based on a form you sign.
- Special Needs Has anyone here ever used NYC Atty Michele Siegel for their Special Ed case with the DOE? How is she? Thx
- Yes, she's great and really responsive. I recommend her enthusiastically!
- Special Needs Ds starts 10th grade tomorrow. Last year was awful. Clinical depression, failing grades, low self esteem. He is now on Prozac and doing so much better and has a much better...(more)
- Does he have a therapist?
- Yes. He sees her next week.
- ^^Any advice?
- Yes. He sees her next week.
- Just tell him to tell you. No big conversation
- And if he won't and I see grades slipping? This was a big battle last year.
- With my DD16, she seems to respond better to her therapist for these types of conversations....(more)
- Thank you. I'll go this route.
- Also, a 'formal sit down' before school starts might only seed some anxiety. Again, I am projecting my personal experience here. I would ask others to do the heavy lifting.
- You're right. I just want him to have a good year. He needs it.
- Also, a 'formal sit down' before school starts might only seed some anxiety. Again, I am projecting my personal experience here. I would ask others to do the heavy lifting.
- Thank you. I'll go this route.
- Does he have a therapist?
- Special Needs Ds, almost 15, had to get to two places today alone, without me to prompt him to leave, and he has to be on time...please cross fingers for me. I am taking a big leap of faith by...(more)
- my DD doens't have ADHD and we have same issue. i think it's jsut a teen thing too
- I think it's somewhat unioversal for boys...dd never had this problem, and I don't even know if it will be a problem. I just assume I have to micromanage his life, so this is...(more)
- Fingers crossed, good luck!
- my DD doens't have ADHD and we have same issue. i think it's jsut a teen thing too
- Special Needs This post has been deleted.
- Special Needs Need afterschool behaviorist NYC. Any recs?
- Becca Yure
- Special Needs How did you know or finally diagnose dc with bipolar? were they misdiagnosed for a long time? mis medicated?
- It's tough because there is not one med that works for all kids and it is hard to diagnose as it kind of creeps up. Even correctly diagnosed they can be "mismedicated" because...(more)
- I don't actually think he is bipolar but I saw that in consultation with a new psych he suggested trying a bipolar med (he takes abilify now) lamictal?
- lamictal is used for things other than bipolar disorder, including depression
- Just seems so extreme. Even the abilify does :(
- it's not extreme. it is very well-tolerated by most, far more so than SSRIs. it has virtually no side-effects.
- Really? He's taken Zoloft and Prozac and they worked for a few months then he started acting manic almost. Really out of control crazy behaviour and rages. All stimulants and 2...(more)
- try the lamictal. it's not a scary medication at all.
- Really? He's taken Zoloft and Prozac and they worked for a few months then he started acting manic almost. Really out of control crazy behaviour and rages. All stimulants and 2...(more)
- I would take lamotrigine over pretty much any psych medication any day. It's like not being on anything, except I feel better.
- So interesting. Do you personally take anything? Diagnosis? I myself too have anxiety, depression, easily anger etc...clearly he gets it from me poor kid :(
- I have depression and I've been on lamotrigine for about 10 years. I've taken pretty much every medication there is and either they didn't work or gave me awful side effects (or...(more)
- So worried about any med for him. 13 now in high school and surely alcohol and pot are going to be around a lot more soon. Scary to think of mixing meds. Also would like to see...(more)
- i'm sorry, that's really tough. i hope you find something that helps. you sound like a very loving and supportive parent.
- So worried about any med for him. 13 now in high school and surely alcohol and pot are going to be around a lot more soon. Scary to think of mixing meds. Also would like to see...(more)
- I have depression and I've been on lamotrigine for about 10 years. I've taken pretty much every medication there is and either they didn't work or gave me awful side effects (or...(more)
- So interesting. Do you personally take anything? Diagnosis? I myself too have anxiety, depression, easily anger etc...clearly he gets it from me poor kid :(
- He's not a very happy kid but I wouldn't say he's depressed. He is diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety so he's had years of struggle in school, making and keeping friends. Socially...(more)
- My DD took lamictal and did have a side effect so just be aware. But this is true of any med. Doesn't mean your son will.
- What was her side effect?
- And the abilify hasn't helped this?
- Abilify has helped with the rages for sure. Big time. But he's still super defiant and refuses to do anything. Forgets everything. Does what he wants and argues about everything....(more)
- I have a close relative who is bipolar. Started in late teens but took several years to diagnose. However she sounds nothing like your son. I am not saying he is not bipolar but...(more)
- Op-agree I don't think bipolar at all. I asked, he said it can help with depression etc and issues that abikify is helping with...as he hasn't responded well with sari and they...(more)
- I have a close relative who is bipolar. Started in late teens but took several years to diagnose. However she sounds nothing like your son. I am not saying he is not bipolar but...(more)
- Abilify has helped with the rages for sure. Big time. But he's still super defiant and refuses to do anything. Forgets everything. Does what he wants and argues about everything....(more)
- My DD took lamictal and did have a side effect so just be aware. But this is true of any med. Doesn't mean your son will.
- it's not extreme. it is very well-tolerated by most, far more so than SSRIs. it has virtually no side-effects.
- Just seems so extreme. Even the abilify does :(
- lamictal is used for things other than bipolar disorder, including depression
- I don't actually think he is bipolar but I saw that in consultation with a new psych he suggested trying a bipolar med (he takes abilify now) lamictal?
- i have bipolar disorder and was misdiagnosed with depression for a long time
- NP: My dh was misdiagnosed with bipolar when all he had was depression.
- crazy, risky behaviors...(more)
- It's tough because there is not one med that works for all kids and it is hard to diagnose as it kind of creeps up. Even correctly diagnosed they can be "mismedicated" because...(more)
- Special Needs Did you feel that you had an advocate or knew where to turn to ask questions as you initially went through your dc's diagnoses? What it meant, what to do about it? I feel like...(more)
- yes. until we found our social skills group and the owner then led us to our neurologist
- ^^^yes, to the second part of your post --- it's all self-education until you find the right people
- even if you had a kid without sn you should get on the internet and google and research your diagnosis. Take your healthcare into your own hands. Otherwise you are doing...(more)
- right but telling me my kid has ADHD doesnt tell me what to do about it. Of course I am going to learn about the diagnosis, but it took me a long time to just learn about what...(more)
- We had a private eval and the report included recommendations for school and home. Named books parents could read.
- I had a private eval too, but the long list of recommendations for the teachers made their eyes roll back in their heads, I think it was just copied and pasted and not tailored to...(more)
- We had a private eval and the report included recommendations for school and home. Named books parents could read.
- There's a lot of total crap on the internet, most of us need more guidance in the sn world than we are getting, especially when dx can be so imprecise
- right but telling me my kid has ADHD doesnt tell me what to do about it. Of course I am going to learn about the diagnosis, but it took me a long time to just learn about what...(more)
- No! This was the worst part. I felt like I had to educate myself and hunt down the right resources and therapies, who then don't communicate or coordinate. I feel like this is a...(more)
- Our amazing OT was a huge help...she is the one who got me on the path of seeing an atty. Our 60 minute consult with Regina Skyer was amazing. She is a Social Worker as well as an...(more)
- Go see a ped psychiatrist or a neurologist that specializes in adhd and meanwhile read up on it. There are many kinds and many degrees of severities. Most kids with adhd go to...(more)
- Dr. Martin Kutcher's website hs some good info on it - at least it did years ago.
- I found a group of local SN mom who were my life savers from practical and emotional perspectives
- Had to learn to be my own advocate. Could not afford one of those high priced educational attorneys.
- yes. until we found our social skills group and the owner then led us to our neurologist
- Special Needs If you and dh both have FT jobs and you have more than one child with SN - how on earth do you do it? How do you balance/juggle everything? We have an amazing nanny but even she...(more)
- I eventually left (and would have lost) my FT job. One SN child, another under 5. It just wasn't possible to find child care we could afford that could handle both kids.
- It's really tough. My job has some limited flexibility, but not much and my dh's job has really ramped up the intensity lately. We hired a summer babysitter to get them to their...(more)
- This is me. Honestly we just take it one day at a time. Sometimes we feel like we are drowning...(more)
- Sorry - sometimes work is a welcome respite from the home chaos.
- We get as much of the services as possible done via school. Nanny takes to some appointments, although we try to always go to a first appointment with a new person. And the...(more)
- We are the same. Services through school. Ours have learning disabilities so there isn't a physical issue requiring therapy. One sees a psychologist on Saturday. If tutoring...(more)
- ^SN is such a general term and I certainly realize that many SN kids have very complicated issues physically and neurologically that require multiple outside therapies. Could DH...(more)
- We are the same. Services through school. Ours have learning disabilities so there isn't a physical issue requiring therapy. One sees a psychologist on Saturday. If tutoring...(more)
- Special Needs For the mom who recommended therapist Tripp Evans...can you give me a phone # for him. Googled him and the number listed is no longer working. Thanks.
- Special Needs My child had a great summer and developed so much socially after attending a ms camp. We did not do any academic work unfortunately. I'm kind of worried about that now
- OFFS
- You are on the SN board.
- Socially is important. You did good
- just make sure she is on track with academics from the beginning of the school yr, its fine.
- OFFS
- Special Needs OK everyone, talk me off a small ledge. Ds, 9yo, is starting SN this year. He is here right now getting an hour long assessment before they decide exactly which class he should...(more)
- what choice do yo uhave but to trust?
- You don't have a choice but to trust right now. Go withbit
- Trust. I'm sure they hired well and remember, Einstein and Churchill were both gifted and SN. Breathe Mama:)
- She is doing an assessment - doesn't matter that she tested gifted kids. In public school the same person does both....(more)
- Special Needs Anyone have a dh with aspergers and a good couples therapist in NYC? TIA.
- Dr. Tripp Evans and I highly recommend the book "the other half of asperger syndrome." It's short and an easy read.
- Thank you!
- Did you know he had this condition when you married him?
- Nope, knew he was super bright and a good person who was sometimes socially clueless. Was diagnosed years later.
- This post has been disliked 4 times. I'm really surprised you couldn't deduce this pretty fucking quickly, ya know?
- np: WTF is wrong with you?
- We're all thinking it!
- Np-- I have a decent education including 19 graduate credits in psych...(more)
- Hoooo boy. I have no grad credits in psych. I'm just a pretty good judge of clocking people as being Aspy or not. My mom had issues with it.
- Np-- I have a decent education including 19 graduate credits in psych...(more)
- We're all thinking it!
- np: WTF is wrong with you?
- This post has been disliked 4 times. I'm really surprised you couldn't deduce this pretty fucking quickly, ya know?
- Nope, knew he was super bright and a good person who was sometimes socially clueless. Was diagnosed years later.
- Dr. Tripp Evans and I highly recommend the book "the other half of asperger syndrome." It's short and an easy read.
- Special Needs Is Riverdale Country school very rigorous academically? I have a bright DS who also has ADD and some mild LD. I think overall he would do better in a private HS....(more)
- My DD went there for a few years. It is a very wealthy crowd. Classes are small (this was middle school) and rigorous but there was also more support than DD had had at public...(more)
- i live in Riverdale. The zoned middle school he's attending has been terrible for him as classes are very large, distracting, etc.
- I don't think it would be a good fit. Kids counseled out for High School if they are struggling. I would find a gentler school for a child with ADHD.
- i live in Riverdale. The zoned middle school he's attending has been terrible for him as classes are very large, distracting, etc.
- It's very rigorous academically and very little support for SN.
- ^^for high school he would need high grades, a"s and b's, more a's, and minimum 8's I'm the ISEE. ADMISSION IS competitive at the HS level there. Getting in might be more ...(more)
- ^^fortunately, there are many more choices in NYC area to fit this profile, though financial aid may be an issue. You should look around at other NYC area privates like birch,...(more)
- This is true. Looked at it for ds who have a mild ld and was ms private k to 8 for hs and they...(more)
- >>>and Calhoun
- From mom whose DD went to Riverdale - very competitive in high school. Not aware of LD kids there (though there may have been some). Fast crowd of kids. The other schools...(more)
- >>>and Calhoun
- This is true. Looked at it for ds who have a mild ld and was ms private k to 8 for hs and they...(more)
- ^^fortunately, there are many more choices in NYC area to fit this profile, though financial aid may be an issue. You should look around at other NYC area privates like birch,...(more)
- ^^for high school he would need high grades, a"s and b's, more a's, and minimum 8's I'm the ISEE. ADMISSION IS competitive at the HS level there. Getting in might be more ...(more)
- You should move to the Westchester suburbs for a kid like that. The elite privates don't want our kids with SNs.
- I hate this classification...many private schools in Manhattan will accept kids with LD's, ADHD, etc. some have great support, some are open to working with tutors outside of...(more)
- This is true. My kid is at a ms private woth an ld and had lots of friends that have lids too. And he has a totor with kids with lads at schools of all types all across the city
- OR...I just think they are private schools and they're allowed to want who they want, it's not a conspiracy against "our kids with SN's." i just don't like the mentality...(more)
- ^^and thanks for backing me up here.
- Of course not. And plenty are open to having kids with some issues because they u der stand that they also have a lot of strengths and a lot to offer
- OR...I just think they are private schools and they're allowed to want who they want, it's not a conspiracy against "our kids with SN's." i just don't like the mentality...(more)
- This is true. My kid is at a ms private woth an ld and had lots of friends that have lids too. And he has a totor with kids with lads at schools of all types all across the city
- Where in Westchester? I thought most Westchester schools didn't support SN kids.
- Look at Pelham and Mamaroneck for starters. For private look at Masters -not sure what it is like today, but had small classes and was academic but seemed gentler than Riverdale....(more)
- I hate this classification...many private schools in Manhattan will accept kids with LD's, ADHD, etc. some have great support, some are open to working with tutors outside of...(more)
- My DD went there for a few years. It is a very wealthy crowd. Classes are small (this was middle school) and rigorous but there was also more support than DD had had at public...(more)
- Special Needs Ds has gained a lot of weight since starting ADHD meds...(more)
- Does he absolutely need the meds?
- For school he does bad impulse control. It's Guanfacine. Dr said to try strattera but the warnings freaked me out
- Why not a stimulant?
- Terrible side effects and didn't work for him
- Has he ever been evaluated using the ADOS? If Guanfacine works, and stimulants don't, you may have something going on that is not ADHD.
- NP: Not necessarily true. My adhd DD had a bad reaction to stimulants as well. She is not on the spectrum, does have adhd but gets ticks and anxiety on stimulants. Takes...(more)
- Not true and what's the difference. She. Exs to treat the symptoms not the Dc
- >>>diagnosis
- Has he ever been evaluated using the ADOS? If Guanfacine works, and stimulants don't, you may have something going on that is not ADHD.
- Terrible side effects and didn't work for him
- Why not a stimulant?
- For school he does bad impulse control. It's Guanfacine. Dr said to try strattera but the warnings freaked me out
- I was worried that ds would lose weight with adhd meds. What is your ds taking?
- Does he absolutely need the meds?
- Special Needs Can anyone talk about teen blood test results with me? ds 13 takes abilify so this could affect some of it but still...iron is very very low, MCH levels very low and his...(more)
- Does he take a multivitamin?
- no. he takes omega every day, vitamin d drops sometimes, a probiotic some days...multi vitamins are a bit of a farce, they have very little of each vitamin in them...I'm happy to...(more)
- Well my kids have always taken one and don't have messed up blood work. Not sure why you think it's a farce
- And fwiw most iron supplements are harsh on the system. The only decent one is slowFe but I wouldnt supplement without discussing with his doctor
- Do you have a sn child on medication? You don't sound like you belong here
- And it is a farce. Do 5 minutes of research or ask any reputable dr. If you need any extra vitamins you can take them separately. You never get enough in a multi
- Actually I have talked to my own dr and our pediatrician. You get a good rand it's a supplement to your diet which is the best place to be the vitamin obviously. Billy please...(more)
- Well my kids have always taken one and don't have messed up blood work. Not sure why you think it's a farce
- no. he takes omega every day, vitamin d drops sometimes, a probiotic some days...multi vitamins are a bit of a farce, they have very little of each vitamin in them...I'm happy to...(more)
- Does he take a multivitamin?
- Special Needs Anyone have any experience with the SN programs offered by the JCC in scarsdale? Are these programs worthwhile? Thinking about registering my HFA son who is entering K. TIA
- what program?
- OP: Possibly SN swim lessons and/ or a social skills group for prek and K kids. There is also a dance therapy class I might consider. My son has an aspergers profile. Not sure...(more)
- I don't know jcc scarsdale but jcc on the hudson has great SN programming and was wondering if its the same. Call and ask them what the programs look like. IME the JCCs often have...(more)
- OP: ok thanks
- JCC Scarsdale has the Towards Tomorrow SN preschool so many of their programs are geared appropriately toward this population and they have well-trained staff. My works in the...(more)
- ^dd
- OP: Okay thanks for this!
- JCC Scarsdale has the Towards Tomorrow SN preschool so many of their programs are geared appropriately toward this population and they have well-trained staff. My works in the...(more)
- OP: ok thanks
- I don't know jcc scarsdale but jcc on the hudson has great SN programming and was wondering if its the same. Call and ask them what the programs look like. IME the JCCs often have...(more)
- OP: Possibly SN swim lessons and/ or a social skills group for prek and K kids. There is also a dance therapy class I might consider. My son has an aspergers profile. Not sure...(more)
- what program?
- Special Needs Anyone know the rules for alternate bus dropoff locations-- specifically are there limits to how far away (still in borough) dropoffs are? Can I get my dc dropped off ~60+ blocks...(more)
- No limit
- the OPT will only do one alternate drop location (other than home) per week. So if you want your child dropped at two different places, one on Mon and one on Wednes, they will not...(more)
- Thanks. I'm considering it for 3 days a week to go to an afterschool program. But OPT won't guarantee anything. I can't pay for this and then find out the bus won't go there....(more)
- a thought for you: a few years ago, I needed to get my dc from school to her after school class faster than the bus would take her. I hired an NYU undergrad to pick her up from...(more)
- Thanks. I'm considering it for 3 days a week to go to an afterschool program. But OPT won't guarantee anything. I can't pay for this and then find out the bus won't go there....(more)
- OK it's been like 4 years since I did this but what I remember is this. Your child will be on a different bus no matter where the drop off is. You cannot have alternative drop off...(more)
- You DO NOT need to select an alternate drop off location twice a week. We have always done it once a week for an after school therapy appointment.