Fwd: Ask Dr.

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From: nchaotic <Nchaotic@...>

Date: Jun 1, 2005 7:30 PM

Subject: Ask Dr.

I'm not sure I'm posting my question to Dr. correctly and if

not, hopefully someone will help me deliver this correctly for

response?

Dr -

I'm hoping for some helpful advice regarding student/school

relationship.

My son is 14 and will be going to HS in September. He was originally

diagnosed with Tourette's back in 3rd grade. Symptoms waxed and

waned - pretty manageable after a short course with medication

(Orap). Although he struggled educationally during school, behavior

was never a factor - Pretty much patted him on the head, good boy,

and sent him along to the next grade. By 5/6 grade started

hearing " he's just lazy " etc. He's always been very shy and unable

to speak up for himself even when being disciplined for something he

felt was unfair. From 4-6 grade we had implemented a 504 plan. It

may have helped had the school actually followed it.

Fast forward to middle school - 7th grade - Pretty much kept quiet

and to himself, but not much happening grade wise or educationally.

School finally agreed to CST evaluation. At the end of 7th grade he

was finally classified as OHI (other health impaired). At this time

he was diagnosed OCD, Social Phobia, Depression, ADHD. His

new " program " didn't start until last month of 7th grade and we

looked forward to starting 8th grade fresh.

He began medication with Prozac which worked tremendously with the

depression. All of a sudden this boy who had appeared to live as a

prisoner of his fears started opening up. Instead of walking on egg-

shells we were able to all relax a bit. He then had a very

aggressive (out of nature) episode at 60 mg. Although the prozac was

working for his depression, they couldn't go high enough to touch the

anxiety. He then went on to try Zoloft. He had and continues to

have an excellent response to this medication. He also takes

Strattera for ADHD.

Now that we're ending the 8th grade year, it has been a true

nightmare. Constant detentions, in-school suspensions

for " disruptive " behavior and the like. It has been so frustrating

because none of this " behavior " is exhbited at home. He is to the

point where he's pretty much given up on school and just expects to

be the " bad boy " while there. His teachers (mainstream mainly) look

at the disability as an " excuse " and expect him to toe the line,

which in turn I think adds to the anxiety, thus, leading to the

behavior?

I don't know where else to turn or what else to do. His OCD consists

primarily of " what ifs " with some hoarding issues. He eats with only

paper utensils. As an example, he has been " chastised " this year for

not participating in " popcorn " reading where the class reads aloud

and passes a bowl of popcorn to SHARE. Obviously, with the germ

issue he refuses to participate. To avoid this, he will " act up "

(i.e. speaking out of turn, refusal to read) so as to be sent from

the room.

I have tried educating school staff so many times I've lost count.

I'm in constant contact with his teachers. I don't know what else to

do. Some of the " inappropriate " behaviors he has been disciplined

relate to his tics (i.e. " flicking things " ). When I attempt to point

his out, he's already been disciplined and the point becomes moot in

the school's eyes.

Also, he will be starting CBT therapy in the next week in the hopes

of possibly relieving some of the anxiety, which hopefully might

alleviate some of the behavior problems?

Any suggestions for IEP modifcations or suggestions in dealing with

school staff would be greatly appreciated. It just seems they are

trying to shove this square peg into a round hole and it's obviously

not working.

I'm at my wits end.

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