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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Oh, yes.  And the judgments from teachers--don't get me started.  Despite years of work on a 504 plan, then a BIP, then an IEP, the teachers still write/call about how [b]"Larlo needs to focus."[/b]  And the ones who just don't believe that there is such a thing as ADHD?  They are out there, and more common than you might think.

We made a practice of writing letters and having meetings at the beginning of the school year outlining our kid's challenges.  And asking above all that teachers not take it personally when our kid displays some of the challenging behaviors associated with ADHD and anxiety.

A key piece of advice: do not assume that the formal processes (504/IEP) at your school will translate into awareness on the classroom teacher's part.  Inform, inform--and inform again.[/quote]

Yes, I feel like a broken record.  I am aware that my son needs to focus.  I feel like I am going to scream if I get asked one more time if I've addressed it with him.  Seriously?  You think I'm not aware?  That I don't have to deal with it at home too?  It's like they think I can just say some magic words and POOF!  I wish.

I have to say I was once one of those people who doubted ADHD. I had the class and presence of mind to never say it out loud and tried hard not to judge others.  Now that I live with it daily, I know it is real.  I watch my kid struggle, hard, to behave the way he knows he's supposed to.  I see him swallow his hurt for being corrected constantly.  I've heard him apologize more times than I can count.  I've dealt with him tell me he is "bad."  And I've had to check my own urge to tell judgmental parents and teachers to go eff themselves and to learn how to have some compassion and understanding for others.  [/quote]

Unfortunately, our kids do not come with a sign that tells others of their disability.  What they should have at school is a 504 Plan/IEP to give teachers an explanation of their strengths, weaknesses, goals/objectives (IEP), and accommodations.  The reality is that the public school system falls short when teachers do not familiarize themselves with the entire document.  You also come across individuals that have their own bias and prejudgments about children with ADHD on top of their lack of understanding about your child's individual needs and the 504/IEP is not fully implemented.

My child has been struggling with this problem from middle school to high school.  She has several teachers that do not believe ADHD is a disability and they have done things detrimental to my child's self esteem and created barriers to learning that her IEP was supposed to protect her from.  One teacher actually thought her method was better and chose to ignore the IEP.

How to manage - try to educate teachers on the 504/IEP, remind the school team that positive reinforcement (5 praises for every 1 negative) is a best teaching practice, have your child keep a copy in his/her notebook for reference, and train your child on how to advocate for his/her needs.  For my child, her tutor with a masters in Special Education worked on these skills.

When an issue is repeated over and over again, correspond with the teacher via email then ask for an IEP meeting - even if your child has a 504 plan.  Bring the emails to the IEP meeting.  Talk about the problems the teacher is having and write a goal or objective for the IEP.  Your child is not a "bad" child but needs individualized instruction via special education services to teach better habits and behavior.  These are LIFE SKILLS that not only have an impact in the classroom (your child's learning and the learning of others) but also is needed beyond school.  Your child needs to learn these skills for greater independence and less reliance and teachers and staff to bring his behavior in line with classroom expectations.[/quote]

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