introduction - school anxiety

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I've been lurking for awhile and thought I should introduce myself and ask for

your help. My name is Sue, mom to Norah (who just left for college) and ,

13, who has mosaic Down syndrome and is also diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety and

mood disorders, etc. (Charlyne, I'm the one who emailed you last spring, I

still have your number and I " ll call you.) has many difficult behaviors -

SIB, hits others, swears (she's very verbal) and runs - these especially show up

when she's frustrated, anxious or angry, which is often. Other times she's

delightful and very caring. While she's not diagnosed with Autism I know many

of 's behaviors are similar to the ones many of you deal with.

Last year started at our neighborhood middle school after a good run in

elementary school. The year was a disaster and we pulled her after her second

encounter with the police (handcuffs) at school in April. She would run, they

would chase, she would melt down and exhibit really nasty behavior. There was a

lack of empathy for and understanding of her disability and mental health

concerns. They thought that since she can talk like a 13 yr old she should be

able to reason and process like one, which, of course she can't. We did file

complaints with our states department of public instruction.

We are starting at a different middle school this year which has much more

experience with kids with disabilities. The staff there has been wonderful and

welcoming. We've tried two tours with the principals this week (school starts

after labor day) and both have been difficult and ended with being non

complient and melting to some degree. My husband and I are concerned about

's ability to be in a school setting. And one of schools biggest concerns

is the running and her staying safe (she's very fast).

So, I'm wondering how others have dealt with the running, especially at school.

At home the vast majority of the time we can trust her to stay in what we call

" her boundries " outside. I do think that at her school last year she got into a

fight or flight mode. After an incident she was able to talk about what she did

and how she could have made better choices. The trouble is that at the time,

she just can't make a " better " choice, I think the anxiety is just too great.

I tried to make this brief, I could go on and on.

Thanks,

Sue

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