Help with Plan for Emotionally Struggling 1st Grader

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need to reach out to your school board member.

Um, what? As a SN parent, there is nothing a school board member could have done for me but suggest an IEP evaluation. There are specific testing procedures and timelines to the process that must be followed. Start with your school's special education department chair, not the school board member.

[Anonymous]

What you describe could be a lot of things, but a lot of it for me points to the possibility of autism. Much of what you describe points to the avoidance of non-preferred tasks. I say this as the parent of a child with autism and adhd and one with adhd and an educator of 25+ years. It sounds like they will have a lot of data to support the need for testing. This meeting (where the need for testing is determined) is called Local Screening. Once they get through that (assuming that they approve testing) they will have various school staff do the testing (psychologist, social worker, etc). Then they will have a meeting to go over the testing called the Eligibility meeting to see if the child qualifies for an IEP. I just went back and see they had the initial IEP meeting so I wonder if they’re already working through this process? In addition there is the option of private testing. They can start the ball rolling with the pediatrician but I recommend they do research on private testing if possible. We used a developmental pediatrician and it was covered by insurance. This sounds really hard, I’m sorry your sister is going through this. The best thing family do for her is continue to support her without judgment. If anyone is able to help her with testing financially that might help her get an answer sooner. Sadly, schools do have to go through a process and sometimes that can take time.

[Anonymous]

1) needs full psychology and educational testing. IEP process may provide this, but many go to private provider to get in a more timely manner or to fill in gaps in what school will provide.

2) Diagnosis from above will drive details or appropriate interventions.

3) Sounds like psychiatrist (medical mgmt) may be needed in addition to counseling.

4) Some pediatric occupational therapists will integrate emotional regulation and executive functioning along with fine motor and other needed supports. This has been the most effective piece for my child.

Advocating for child and managing all the various supports is A LOT so offer any help you can.... attending IEP, driving to appointments, etc.

Big hugs and good luck!