The SEN coordinator has never given my son Cinnamon Sticks the time of day. I have had to bang on closed doors for two years. I was recently fobbed off by the SEN coordinator and told to go and see an Occupational Therapist privately. Only then could any decisions be taken as to a way forward with CS and his School’s support. Which I reluctantly did!
A detailed report arrived and confirmed that CS did in fact have Audity Processing Disorder, along with several other issues. These other issues were linked to APD or possibly a result of having APD. The OC did not rule out the previous diagnosis of ADHD (which was awarded to CS by specialists at the hospital CAMS department). She said the ADHD behaviour was probably a result of the Auditory Processing problem.
I arranged a meeting with the SEN coordinator and CS’s class teacher armed with the report. Strategies were thought out as to the best way forward, to help CS in the classroom. Reposition him so that he is directly in front of the the interactive board (Why wasn’t he there from the beginning?)and some bluetack to fiddle with (to stop CS from getting distracted and fiddling).
THATS IT. A battery of tests costing an arm and a leg, a huge report and all CS gets is a lump of bluetack and a seat change!!!
I had to instigate what turned out to be a lengthy discussion with the SEN coordinator, three weeks after our last meeting, to find out what changes had been made. NONE!!
My son has had continual support at home to supplement his needs that are not met at school. This home support has been in place from the outset. The benefit of this support is that CS has always kept up with his peers and often gone further. The school simply see no need to intervene since, ‘although CS is a ‘special needs’ pupil, he doesn’t need literacy, numeracy , reading , writing or any other ‘shortfall’ support’.
I put it to SEN coordinator, ‘If I stop supporting my son at home, (after all I do have two other younger children whom also need my help), the school would probably see a decline in CS’s school work. The underlying problem of helping him with his APD is not being addressed.’ The SEN coordinator did finally see my way of thinking when i told her she simply gave the equivalent of Ritalin to her APD pupils in supporting then in areas that have declined as a result of APD, instead of tackling the problem head on and dealing with APD in itself!!!!!!
SEN coordinator tilted head down and said, ‘sadly,I think we have failed CS up to now.’
The SEN coordinator did admit to not knowing how to deal with APD by itself. CS now has to wait a little longer, while SEN does some research, to find out how the school will help him, with the aid of one to one weekly sessions.
For those who have, or work with children like CS, I will update you on the strategies used as and when I find them.
Filed under: ADHD and Information Processing Disorder, education, home Tagged: | ADHD and Information Processing Disorder, advice, Auditory Processing Disorder, coordinator, curriculum, education, learning, lessons, maths, SEN, support, teaching
Hello!
How did the appointment go? Opt for trial of the meds? I thik sometimes we have to pray & do what we think is right for our child & family. You’re a good Mom though for considering all the options! Is home schooling a possibility?
Good luck & feel no guilt—just do the best you can.
Hope to hear soon.
Kathy: I have tried chasing the hospital but have faced a brick wall… not sure why they have suggested meds and then left us hanging. I have not yet started treatment but to be honest with you, i’m not pushing either. As my son is getting older, I am beginning to see glimmers of maturity in him and constantly wonder if the delay in meds is meant to be!!!
Homeschooling has always been an option I have considered and definately the best option for my child in my opinion. the only reason why I have not homeschooled my son is because I fear that I will deprive my son of so many opportunities that school provides. Such as mixing with other children, having to cope with being organised, making friends, losing friends, speaking with adults (teachers) etc. I would give my son a strong academic base but socially I would make him inept…I do not have a large enough social circle. I am aware that there are homeschooling groups that meet up etc but my son needs to be out all the time and demands a one to one all the time… I would probably lose patience very quickly….besides, my other kids have said that if my son gets home schooled, then they too want to be homeschooled!!!! Don’t think it would work very well with all three kids.
BTW thanks for your kind words
Hello!
How are things going? Better, I hope!
I had to email & tell you–school requested a meeting. They asked that I put our son on meds…I listened & had LONG discussions with husband, my parents & other teachers. I went back to principle to explain that we decided to pull our son out of school. Main reason–when I brought up issue of him being bullied–staff told me they didn’t see any of that.. Raised a huge red flag—better response would have been–we’ll investigate or somethng to that effect. At any rate–been 2 weeks & I’ve found a great co op that has a certified teacher & nice grp. of kids & parents that meet weekly. Several other grps. that we can join for socialization—I think it will be a good thing! Our 10 year old is MUCH happier & our household is much calmer. Time will tell
Looking forward to hearing your updates! Best to you on the jouorney!
Kathy
Kathy, thank you for your comments, i am really sorry for the delay in response but I have been exceedingly busy with my 10 year old and have not had time to blog. As he is currently in year 6 we have been busy with revision and exams for secondary school places. I have some updates that i wish to share. I’ll get onto that now. hope you enjoy.
I understand your frustration….to the point where I am planning on starting a blog to hopefully help other parents in our area NOT jump into meds as a first solution. We have an 9 yr. old son who the school system recommended we “chemically calm down”; even though he has made honor roll each year. I am fortunate that I’m an occuapational therapist, however, I work with adults & peds. So, have been on a journey to take peds classes to try & help our son. Very sad to see these kids with an imbalance be labeled, rather than to find ways within school to help support & allow them to progress. Good for you for being an advocate for your child! I truly believe once we can help our own child–we’ll be able to help other struggling kids. Be strong & enjoy your blessings! Hope to stay in touch.
I recently had another consultation with the specialists at the hospital. Once again, ‘it’s time to give your child medication’ reared it’s ugly head. Unforetunately, as our son is getting older and soon to start secondary school. ‘ get to your next class, make sure you have the correct folder, pe kit, geography folder, swimmimg kit etc’ I can imagine my son spiralling into a whirlpool of confusion and chaos. I am now seriously considering giving my son a 6 week trial of medication just to see if it really makes a difference. I do feel slightly defeated but at the same time, i am wondering if I am just preventing my child from taking medication – because I don’t want him to have it, when rather perhaps I should be thinking – perhaps my son will be happier and perhaps it will actually help him. I am still waiting for a follow up appointment and will take it from there. Thanks for your response by the way.