Teachers don't believe in Aspergers and ADHD

Ashley - posted on 12/28/2011

I have a daughter who I suspect has Aspergers. The problem is it will take up to a year for to see a developmental pediatrician and she is having trouble in school now and her teachers are far less than helpful. Do you have to have a diagnosis in place to request an IEP?

Stacey - posted on 12/16/2009

i def..know how you feel..my son who is 11..just got suspended due to outbursts which where brought on due to forcing him to participate in groups during science.the teacher called and was rude to me stating that kids with adhd dont do this..i then kindly for the hundredth time reminded him that he does not have that..but has autism..its hard to look at him and see anything wrong..unless he is put in a cirumstance that he doesnt like...i feel bad and it does seem they dont understand..

Shelly - posted on 12/16/2009

Oh my, that really upsets me to hear that. I would request a meeting with the principal of her school and discuss her problem and have her evaluation papers with you and you tell them what you want done, if you have any problems when you do that then i would go over their heads to the regional office and let them know that you have proof of your childs disorder and you want her to have the accomodations that are right for her. Don't let them run over you. My sons school district has special classrooms in each school for kids with these types of problems and they work wonderfully with me and him to ensure that he gets the same education that the other kids get and i am so thankful for that. I hope everything works out for you and her.

Elizabeth - posted on 12/11/2009

Ok this conversation has me on fire!! I am a parent as well as an autism teacher. Get an IEP now! That is ridiculous that are not serving your child. I am at a public school and we have self contained classes but our concern is to get these kids back out in the reg ed classes. Our moto is the classroom accomodates to the child not the child accomadating to the classroom. It sounds like your child is not receiving Free and Appropriate Public Education- it's a law called FAPE. Contact special services now. Demand that the teachers be trained in autism. Since my school has a high number of autism due to 6 autism classes being there, we train them. It is out there and maybe they need to do that on a professional day. Sounds like she is a little over stimulated and rightfully so if she is not gettng any accomodations

Pat - posted on 12/11/2009

It is a shame, but it seems no matter which country we live in we have to struggle with the same issues when our Asperger's children start mainstream school. My son went to school at 2 years 6 months old he was in a class for children with Autism it was fantastic and in a mainstream school. My son started mainstream school half way through Kindergarten the teacher he had didn't want to teach him because she had no experience with Aspergers so she went to the union and demanded they give her an education on how to teach students with Asperger's. I had to push alot in the beginning I even said to the Principal once I no I am a pain in the butt, but I have to be to be my sons mother. The reply was you are a good Advocate for your son. Anyway a few of the teachers have been fully educated in Asperger's and have educated the other teachers which is great, and has also made it a little easier for the Asperger's children who have since attended the school and the ones who currently attend. Now my son is in high school it's back to being the advocate, not easy for him some of the teachers were not even told he had Asperger's. Please watch out for messages your children receive, a boy from my sons school was urging him to suicide.

Angela - posted on 12/11/2009

This is one of the reasons I love you my friend :) YOU GO GIRL :)

We have been exceptionally blessed and I have let EVERY great teacher Zac has had know that I TRUELY appreciate what they've done for him. Their calm acceptance and understanding of his needs and the accomodations that needed and still need to be made for him. We still have a long row to hoe ... that's for sure. He's still got 6 more years before he graduates from high school ... then there's the "real world" to deal with.

But he's got ME and I'm scarier than godzilla, frankenstein, dracula, AND the alien combined if anyone tries to hurt my babies in ANY way. And that INCLUDES their self-esteem AND their education.

Heather - posted on 12/11/2009

Kathy - AMEN! Fight fight fight and don't let them win or our kids loose!

Kathy - posted on 12/11/2009

Ok ladies....I have a son with Aspergers who is also ADD and has a Low IQ. (official diagnosis Mild MR and Aspergers)

For those who don't "believe" in Aspergers.....walk a mile in our shoes and then tell me you don't believe in it! For those teachers who think "discipline" will fix it.....get out of teaching NOW.....if YOU can't "learn", then you certainly shouldn't be teaching my kids! For those who don't like "labeling", do you have a day free to listen to all the reasons why you can't get services without a "LABEL". Society has required us to LABEL our kids in order to serve their needs. And besides.....all our kids are labeled by teachers and peers from the first day the enter school ......"the shy one", "the cryer", "the mamma's boy", "the thumb sucker", "the disruptive one", "the bossy one", "the needy one", "the bully", if you are gonna have a label for my kid....at least use the one that is ACCURATE!

For Vicki.....fight, fight, fight for what you feel is right for your child! It is your job to educate the educators in most cases! Don't let them decide your child's fate. By law, if you have a diagnosis, your public school is REQUIRED to service their needs! Period! If she has an IEP and you don't think they are making the appropriate modifications or that their approach in handling her needs is not working, you have a right to change it at any time! Complacency is unacceptable when it comes to your child's education. Let me tell you from experience, in most cases your child's teachers will think it is a burden to have her in their class, sadly. But in those rare instances when you find an educator or administrator who actually is listening and sees your child's gifts (they all do have gifts too!) and embraces her differences and is willing to go the extra mile above and beyond the IEP requirements to find the thing that "works" for her.....GIVE PRAISE TO THEM.....The ones who actually "get it" often times don't receive our thanks for what they do. I know I will get slammed for that statement I am sure, because most people don't feel that we should praise teachers for their work when they do it right because that is what they are EXPECTED to do.....my response to that......try working 180 days a year and the only feedback you get is negative! Everyone needs a encouragement, your child and the teachers who deserve it!

I'm just sayin! ....... take it for what it's worth.....I don't need any feedback from anyone who doesn't have a special needs child. I have been there and I have and am still walking the road for my son who is now 20!

Angela - posted on 12/09/2009

If you don't have an IEP or 504 in place ... get it done IMMEDIATELY. Once that's in place the school and teachers HAVE to follow it and give her the help she needs. My youngest son has aspergers,adhd and anxiety. And he has a 504 in place. So far we have been extremely blessed with FANTASTIC teachers who have all been MORE than willing to do what has to be done to help my son.



If your daughter's teacher(s) aren't on the same page or won't get on the same page ... have her class(es) changed to a teacher(s) who are. You have the right to ask that.



If she has an IEP or 504 in place already ... I'd say sit down and have a meeting to try to work out getting it enforced more and let the teacher(s) and principal know that you know your rights and that if things don't change you may have to consult an attorney. Use that threat as a last option though, try to get everyone going in the same direction by working together first. But if they refuse ... don't hesitate to contact an attorney to see what your options might be.



And YOU TELL HER, HEATHER :)

Heather - posted on 12/09/2009

Quoting Kimberly:

I'm not sure if I "believe" in ASD either. It's just a collection of symptoms with a label on it that appears to be caused by different things. What's the point? But I do believe that each kid can learn when they are taught the way that they need to be taught. Sounds like your school is not doing that. Maybe you can give them Ross Green's book, Lost at School or something similar and let them know that your child's challenges need to be addressed to have a successful school experience. It's not all about academics. Best wishes!

 

 

Any diagnosed condition is merely a collection of symptoms with a label on it.  At one time they were all unnamed - many of them thought to be curses from God or whatever Gods the individuals beleived in.  Then science "discovered' them and named them.  Aspergers Syndrome is no different.  Although each child displays a slightly different group of symptoms and varying degrees the root issues are the same. 

Kimberly - posted on 12/08/2009

I'm not sure if I "believe" in ASD either. It's just a collection of symptoms with a label on it that appears to be caused by different things. What's the point? But I do believe that each kid can learn when they are taught the way that they need to be taught. Sounds like your school is not doing that. Maybe you can give them Ross Green's book, Lost at School or something similar and let them know that your child's challenges need to be addressed to have a successful school experience. It's not all about academics. Best wishes!

Ashley - posted on 12/03/2009

I totally understand!! My son is 8 and we are battleing that as well. It is SO frustrating to go and talk to them and for them to talk to you like its something that you can control. When really he cant control it. We have had meeting all year and it still really isnt getting any better, but they are starting to listen to me more because I have stayed so persistant! It doesnt help that the Spec. Ed. Director doesnt really understand Aspergers either. Well my advise is to continue talking to the teachers, be that squeeky wheel and eventually they may come around. Also if you can have the specialist or doctor come to one of them meetings that might help. Good Luck!

Tiffany - posted on 12/03/2009

It sounds like the teachers are not educated in this issue and need to be. If they aren't wanting to help her improve in her education and she has an IEP and diagnosis...you may want to consider a different school. My son is in a Structured Learning Program and has been for most of his education. They are in a slow process to get him mainstreamed (moving him from the SLP to a general ed classroom). I know there are other schools and programs out there that will help your child and the rest of your family, just ask and/or demand. Demand if you get no where by asking.

Wish you the best of luck!!

Lisa - posted on 12/03/2009

Tell them to go to AutismSpeaks.org

Kayte - posted on 12/03/2009

Quoting Barbara:

if your child has aspergers they should be in a special needs class

Totally misinformed! my son is 8 and recently diagnosed after 4 years of testing (we all knew that he was ASD but needed the diagnosis to get support in place). He attends mainstream school and this is beneficial as he requires help with social skills (he has excellent support in school and supportive teaching staff). Aspergers children are of average if not above average intelligence and do not require  special needs classes, just a little care and attention. Socialising with other children (I hate the word 'normal') is exactly what he needs, not to be in a school or class with only others like him. The world does not consist of one type of person but many and Aspergers children need to learn that too!

Heather - posted on 12/02/2009

Do you have any in home support for her? My son has benifited so much from his in home support. It can really make a difference. His middle school didn't want to help him either. One teacher told me "there is nothing wrong with him that a little discipline wouldn't cure" what an ignorant jerk! But if they help your dughter they have to put out the money to do it. Many schools try to get out of spending that money if at all possible.

Julie - posted on 11/26/2009

Autism and other ASD are medical conditions. You can get her protected by a 504 Plan if they won't qualify her fro an IEP. I suspect they are breaking the law. You may want to see if you can get an advocate to help you through the system. Good luck.

Linda - posted on 11/25/2009

Quoting Barbara:

if your child has aspergers they should be in a special needs class

That's not necessarily true.  My son has Asperger's and is the regular classroom full-time.  He has an IEP that his teachers follow.  Luckily he doesn't need many modifications but he does get the ones he needs.  All children with disabilities have different degrees of need and meeting those doesn't always mean that the child needs to be in a special needs class.

Barbara - posted on 10/29/2009

if your child has aspergers they should be in a special needs class

Tracy - posted on 10/28/2009

Go to the school alone and talk to the teachers or head about your concerns, you have to fight all the way I had same thing with my son but there is more training available for teachers and class helpers. If you are not being listened to then make the school she is at listen by speaking to the head or going to LEA routine is very important to these lovely children and what happens at school has fall out at home my son is 19 now but have plenty of memories of the struggles I had with schools not believing in Aspergers and making me out to be the mad one he is well adjusted but still likes routine.

Chantelle - posted on 10/28/2009

I would request a meeting with the school principal and try and get them to support your child and understand her needs. If this does not help matters then I would definately try a new school if this is possible. Some teachers remain very ignorant of aspergers/asd and why would you want your child around someone like that anyway.

Denise - posted on 10/27/2009

request a meeting with guidance,teachers principal,and all special ed teachers that are necesary,school psychiatrist etc...tell them you want them to help your child/504 plan should be inplace,or some sort of protocol to follow for extra help/need that you want for you child. do not take no as an answer.

Heidi - posted on 10/27/2009

I completely feel your pain. I have an 11 year old son. We tried 4 years of public school. But the anxiety of being there was to much for him to handle and we felt his learning was being impaired. Our school district told us flat out that he didnt have Aspergers. After 3 evaluations, we gave up on the school district trying to help. We pulled him from regular public school and now charter school at home. To keep him social he attends Boys and Girls Club, volunteers and bowls in a league. These help to keep him around other children.

Shila - posted on 10/26/2009

Quoting Vicki:

Teachers don't believe in Aspergers and ADHD

It is some teachers opinions that there is no such thing as aspergers. When they talk to me about eloises 'strange' ways at school i.e not joining in group activities, not wanting to speak in front of the class, rocking when she feels upset or uncomfortable in her environment, they dismiss Aspergers. Even though they have had a copy of all of Eloises hospital assessments, they carry on treating her the same so nothing improves, so frustrating! What worries me is that she goes up to juniors school next september and i know its going to be tough for her, she has not been prepared for it at all.

Kristin - posted on 10/26/2009

By law, you can request reasonable accomodations to help your child in school. Search for disability laws for children and you can read everything there is to know on the matter. You would be surprised what rights your child has. I've had to do it for my child and myself. Keep your head up, but get all the info you can to know where you stand. It seems so frustrating like nobody cares, but the truth is people are so not informed on these matters. You almost have to educate them! (lol) In these areas we become the teachers or so it seems, anyway. I hope this helps you out. Take care.

Lisa - posted on 10/26/2009

Hon, if you child has teachers who are dismissing her special needs and she has a IEP it's time for you to call a meeting and address the issue. If she doesn't have an IEP it's time she does. You can call an IEP meeting at any time and they have to meet with you. Your child has a diagnosed neurological disorder and if they don't think it's causing her behaviors they need to be educated. I don't know how close a relationship you have with your child's pdoc (psychologist, psychiatrist) but if you have a long term relationship it would be great if they could attend the meeting with you. My son's pdoc has attended multiple IEP meetings, both in person and on the phone conference call. She is his #2 advocate. I am #1. They will balk when it comes to having extra expense, but if your child needs it they have to provide it.

Melanie - posted on 10/26/2009

have you got an IEP (individual education plan) for your daughter (I live in UK, different if in USA) and is your daughter statemented? A statement of special educational needs may be needed for your daughter if she is not coping within the mainstream school environment which it sounds like she is not. All schools should be fully aware of the special needs of each child and in place an IEP to support your daughter whilst she is there, sadly it sounds as if the teachers have not been trained in Autism awareness although the SENco (special education needs co-ordinator) should have the adequate training so should be advising. Please feel free to contact me for any info.