Another school year begins August the 16th for us. My son is a young 1st grader , he will be 6 on August 23rd . But will still be five when school starts . His kindergarten experience wasn’t so great . Before he started school last year I met with the school psychologist and the teacher to provide with the all the paper work I had from my son doctors.
I had his neuropsych evaluation and information from his OT regarding SPD etc. The teacher and the school psychologist seemed like they were on board with everything. Seemed that they were understanding, and willing to help. I immediately asked for an IEP, that was one of the recommendations that was in his neuropsych eval. I was told by the school psychologist that they don’t give IEP’s out right away , they would like to observe him first.
Three weeks into the school year I was already meeting with the teacher about my son behavior in the classroom. My son is a sensory seeker seeking all kinds of input any way he can. He was rolling on the floors, laying on and bumping other kids. If someone sat to close to him he would consistently touch them . Story time was a complete mess. I created a profile for the teacher explaining SPD and how it affected my son. His therapist also wrote a letter to the teacher.
The teacher tried some things such as: having him take things to the office, sitting by himself , using a band at the bottom of the chair . She tried those things once ! When they didn’t work she chalked it up as failure and immediately suggested he had ADHD. Don’t get me wrong I’m not afraid of acronyms or diagnoses but you’re a teacher not a doctor. Long story short I took him to the doctor. He wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD: it’s his SPD along with him having the stroke that’s causing the behaviors that they were seeing . I fought the whole school year with the teacher, principal and the school psychologist for an IEP. From August -May . Finally in May they gave him an IEP!!! Once they implemented sensory breaks that accommodated him and his needs he did great!
Now another school year is beginning with a new teacher and another explanation of his needs. I’m praying she’s more understanding then the last teacher. I’m praying that they will truly meet his needs, instead of complaining of budget cuts like they did the previous year .
He’s truly a sweet kid! Anyone who meets him for the first time falls in love with him. Some times as adults before we judge , we need to understand the child’s needs . Try to understand if they are acting out from their challenges or if they’re being defiant. It takes a special person to take care of a child with special needs . As parents I’m sure you’ll agree we want what’s best for our kids. My son starts school in less then a week . I won’t panic. I’ll stay calm and do a lot of praying .
What are you doing to make sure your SPD kiddo starts off the school year right ?
Comments
Heather Finnegan
I pray that your son has a better year with a more understanding teacher! I am thankful that my son is at the school where I used to teach. He just has an SPD diagnosis, so we don’t get an IEP or 504 plan (as he is at a private school, and they are willing to work with me!). I had a chance on registration day to sit down with both 1st grade teachers, one was one of the 2 Kindergarten teachers last year with him, and chat. They are willing to take info and figure out ways to accommodate him. My son is a old 1st grader, he was 7 in June, and though it’s the SPD that causes his social immaturity, giving him a second year of Kindergarten was a great thing. Academically, he is above his class, which is a good thing with all of his other struggles. There are some teachers coming up that I am not so sure of, but I just keep praying that they are willing to make small accommodations to help him stay successful!
Blessings and best wishes for everyone’s school year!
J M
First I want to wish you all the best in dealing with the school system. I have 3 adult children and two of them were on IEP or 504 plans but I had to fight to get them. They had really understanding teachers through elem school (except for two) but it was a totally different story once we hit Jr High and H.S.!
On a positive note, I believe that once the child is on an IEP, that IEP is good for a couple of years unless you call a special meeting for changed or something. Your copy of the IEP should have an “expiration date” on it for when it must be re-evaluated.
Best of luck to you and great job at being the best advocate for your little one! I am on the path to start an IEP / IFSP for my 4 yr old this year due to new diagnosis of a couple of things ontop of the SPD.
Bek
Wrapping you in love and light. I have been there. My post comes out later this week and it is called Dear Teacher. Last year the Pre-K teacher wanted to “fix” him and though by the end of the year she had come around to realizing that “fixing” wasn’t a choice but “managing” was, the damage had already been done. My son is now proud of himself when he doesn’t use his sensory tools at school. He says, “I didn’t need them” meanwhile he is irritable and defiant and wants to continually eat for oral input. We have changed schools to one that has an appreciation that we are all “sensory beings”. But…they don’t know my son: his variation of SPD, anxiety, people-pleasing, social introvert, highly sensitive to screwing up, lovable and well-loved nature. So, all the anxiety returns — for him and for me. Wish it were easier.
He is teaching so many so much simply by being who he is. And so is your son.
Best of luck.
Genia
Thank you all so much for your words of encouragement, it really helps!!
Heather I hope your little one have a great school yr.
Bek I’m not sure why the teacher believe our children need to be fixed . If anything they need to learn how to help them with their challenges , so they can grow. I have noticed that my son eats a lot too , I might ask his OT is it for oral input . My son puts his toys, shirts or whatever he can chew on in his mouth . We started using chewy tubes , they help a lot .
JM I hope the IEP process go smoothly for you and your 4 yr old. God bless you all.