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 ?
