7 year old daughter on spectrum

[Guest guest]

I do not know what kind of school program/grade/etc your child is in. My son (10 yr old) is in a special ed day class. He has behavior issues. The first time a teacher called to tell me my son wasnt behaving himself and wasnt doing his work...so I should come and pick him up...I laughed straight into the phone. "you have to be kidding me! Do you think tomorrow he will come in and snap out of it if he goes home today!!?" I said. And the next call I made was to the principal of the school. who wonderful for me, has a background in special ed (it is a mainstream school with special ed day classes on campus). I made a formal request for a behaviorist.

I know it is different with different schools...but each child does have a right to their education. And yes, there is a fine line with the behaviors...but it can be argued that the behaviors are from the disability SO, they need to bring in a professional (behavorist) to work with student, teacher & aides.

This year, we started with a new teacher. When she called me one day to ask me to come get him because he is having a difficult day...I told her in the nicest voice I could find: I will only pick him up if he is sick. There is no way his days will get better if I pick him up...actually you will find things to get more difficult. I told her that she needed to contact the behaviorist and/or principal and we can all work together to figure out what is going on BUT GOING HOME IS NOT AN OPTION. Through/out the year we have had some highs and lows...but going home was never mentioned again. When things got rough for alittle while, I just requested an increase in behaviorist hours. And it was granted.

I also think the behaviorist work is just as important for the teacher & aides too. They follow the behaviorists plans and if it doesnt work...the behaviorist works up a new one. This is their area and they are the pros....it should help.

I would also suggest contacting your own doctor (like a developmental & behavioral pediatrician). If your child sees one regularly they should know about these changes in behavior.

This year we did decide to try medication for my son's behaviors. The first one (tenex) was terrible and made things worse. We took a break and enjoyed a few good months. When things started again a few weeks ago, we decided to try medication #2. And so far things are going great. We are still on a low dose (prozac) but it is going very well right now. This was a very difficult decision by the way...to try medication...but I felt like we had no choice.

Good luck!! Keep us all informed!!!

Randi~

mom to 12, 10 (asd) and le 8