ADHD child and school bus issues

Melissa - posted on 11/20/2011

Janel, I am sure Christina's Doctors are well educated and know what to look for. There are several different medications out there and we need to be very careful about advising people regarding side effects. The best thing we can tell mom is to listen to her Doctor, and to follow instructions. I work closely with children who have ADD or ADHD, who are old enough to verbally express how they feel being on meds. Vs. how they feel being off the meds. Every child tells me the same thing, once the right medication is found, they feel better on the meds. and their grades are going up. I don't think anyone is forcing meds. on kids, if your child broke their leg would you with hold medical attention. ADD and ADHD are chemical imbalances that if gone untreated can affect a person’s life forever.

Janel - posted on 11/20/2011

http://www.drugs.com/pro/focalin-xr.html
Please read about the side effects of this drug....
Besides severe risk of sudden death (if there are any heart abnormalities), and stunting his growth, moderate increase in average blood pressure, blurring of vision, Focalin XR should not be used in children under 6 years of age, since safety and efficacy in this age group have not been established. All of it is nasty stuff. You don't have to drug your child - and no one has the right to make you.

Christina - posted on 11/20/2011

Tomorrow I have a follow up meeting with the bus driver and the principal.....this should go over well

Dee - posted on 11/15/2011

I'm a school bus driver...a special needs school bus driver. Where I work, the rule of thumb is...the parent is always right. Your child's bus driver should NOT be getting on your case....period. Her job, what she was hired to do, is to transport your child to and from school...if there is an issue with that student on the bus..then the driver reports that issue either with a write up slip sent to you, the school dept. and the terminal she works out of....a meeting is set up, if necessary and the school dept is notified. It is up to the school dept to access your child's needs and decide on whether that child should be transported by a 'school to home' bus or whether your child needs to be transported by a Special Needs bus. Once that decision is made and your child is being transported according to their needs...the driver, whether a big bus driver or a special needs driver, needs to act accordingly which means that driver needs to "LEARN how to deal with it". Every child is special...whether they have issues or not...each child deserves a place where they feel they belong...and this bus driver your child has, does not sound like a good one. You have every right to dispute this driver from transporting your chiild...IF there is conflict between the driver and your child....the School bus company then decides what comes next.

Kathie - posted on 11/15/2011

You need to use the "L" word. Every child is entitled to a safe ride to school and back and every parent should be able to be confident that their student is safe on the bus. You need to speak to an attorney in your area, or some kind of legal aid if you qualify. I drive a school bus and know that sometimes children with special needs can be challenging, but never does that give a 12 year old or a 16 year old the right to harm a child, especially a 5 year old. Instead of calling the superintendent, you probably should have called the police.

Christina - posted on 11/15/2011

Kay- He is on Focalin 30mg XR and according to the Dr he has a rapid metabolism so it was wearing off way before it was suppose to so he gave him a booster at 12 of Focalin 15mg XR and although he just started that this past weekend he seems to be alot calmer in class and the bus(we hope so far). I have tried to change his diet he gets no added sugar, and definitely no red food dyes. I have also told his teacher that especially with this medication he is not to have ANY sugar at all UNLESS he is celebrating a party or birthday at school I dont want him to feel left out b/c of this. I will look into the remedy tho thank u

Kay - posted on 11/15/2011

I have not expericed this problem--Is your child on any medican for ADHD? 6years agoe were daughter told my her Kid teacher she thought our daughter was ADHD so we did the testing and they of cousrse put her on drugs(solution for everything)--it changed her peronality so we took her off and told the teachers that they would have to deal with her. We found a product through Native Remedies--it is all natural erbs and it works well for my daughter who is now 10. It is called Focus Formula and they all so have a product called Brightspark that they recomand to work with. web site is www.nativeremedies.com here is a code for $5 off an order if you deceid to try pip1c8d (not sure if it is still a good code but worth a try)

Heather - posted on 11/15/2011

Wow Debbie really? Mute is this nifty button on most electronic devices that remove the ping/bleep/bam sounds from games, mobile phones even tv sets. Are you even serious? keep flaming people for stating the obvious which is... some of us are trying to give helpful suggestions to re-focus a child who has issues on the bus, instead of removing his main mode of transportation to and from school. P.S. Kicking a kid from a bus who has a proven disability is considered at worse being discriminatory at best... picking the favored just so you don't have anything to worry about as a driver. Learn to accept those who do not fit your mindset of the normal so that later in life you are not disappointed by finding out you're the oddball.

Christina - posted on 11/15/2011

Debbie you sound like you are one of these bus drivers who only care about the almighty buck. As much as I dont like my sons bus driver I would hate for you to be the one to drive his bus. You keep talking about 72 kids and how distracting it is maybe YOU chose the wrong profession if you cant handle it...just sayin!

Tammi - posted on 11/15/2011

Better check the law for a child with a 504 or an IEP it's mandatory

Debbie - posted on 11/15/2011

Riding a bus is a privilige not mandatory!

Tammi - posted on 11/15/2011

A good driver can block out what's necessary in order to keep all student safe. It's called pick your battles I also agree with getting an IEP or 504 always request it in writing that's traceable then they can not be kicked off more then so many days a year they can transport them in a bus alone if they have to but they have to transport them good luck

Debbie - posted on 11/15/2011

Sorry heather, I've never heard of the mute button. My dad alway spoke one time and I obeyed. We weren't brought up with a mute button. It may work on your children but I don't think it will work on 72 children.

Heather - posted on 11/15/2011

you do realize debbie there is this nifty little function called a mute button? No sound comes from the electronic device and the driver is not distracted unless she/he has the inability to focus on driving which means she/he really shouldn't be a bus driver to begin with. GOD I love that mute button!

Debbie - posted on 11/15/2011

Sure right behind the bus driver so he can distract her and endanger 70 other kids lives..Some of you parents need to get a grip on life, or drive a school bus full of children. Most of the parents posting here can't even deal with their own children but expect a bus driver to while driving down the road. This is not a classroom it is a moving vehicle.

Tammi - posted on 11/15/2011

as a bus driver and a parent to several special needs and adhd foster children I feel for you Maybe the school has failed to train the driver of your childs needs. try to give him something to keep him busy on the bus electronic games are great for these kids the driver just needs to anounce one stop before his that his stop is coming up next. also try giving the driver printed information on ADHD and see if it helps good luck and please dont feel like all bus drivers are like that some of us drive because we love the kids others drive for the money That should never be...

Kiona - posted on 11/15/2011

This was really helpful because I'm going thru the same thing

Angelique - posted on 11/15/2011

I haven't had issues with the driver but children were constantly telling the afterschool program things my son was doing and sayin on the bus. Transportation never called me, so I spoke with his intervention specialist at the school she talked with the driver and supervisor and told them he should have had certain seating arrangements. Does your child have an IEP for his adhd? If so the school district has to accommodate him even on the bus. I would definitely find out about the teasing and speak directly to superintendent don't deal with the driver anymore. the superintendent can ask students about what's going on. I would find out thoroughly and file a complaint.

Tanisha - posted on 11/14/2011

Get the your dr to start the paper work or call early childhood intervention they deal with getting IEPs and 502

Elizabeth - posted on 11/14/2011

My son was having the same issues with his bus driver. The bus driver just recently ended up getting fired. After getting written up 3 times by the old bus driver, he got a good behaivor certificate from the new bus driver after 2 days. All I can see is keep fighting and being your child's advocate!

Julie - posted on 11/14/2011

Suggest your child sit in the very front row directly behind the Driver ... where he can be kept track and not bullied.

Amanda - posted on 11/14/2011

This may seem outrageous but our local tv station will report on stories like yours. The belief being that they can to help the community when no one else will. If you really feel you have no where to turn, check out one of your local stations to see if they do the same. Good luck!

Ann - posted on 11/14/2011

go and see the head techer and ask for you r child to be brout in with you as it cant go on as your son miet not want to go to school if you dont sort it

Heather - posted on 11/14/2011

Christina don't let another person's ignorance get the better of you or your current mood. Those who have been exposed to or even experienced a hectic day in the world of adhd know it exists and won't ever try to say it doesn't. Just let the ones who are not educated on the subject be mute ignore them. They are just out to inflame you and turn your request for help into a huge argument. Chin up hon, things always work out in the end keep your hope going and remember to request in writing a IEP evaluation, so that they can get his needs met.

Christina - posted on 11/14/2011

Wow, well not everyone has the option to stay home yes my focus is my child but If I do not work I can not provide if I dont provide then I will be on welfare are you will criticize that too...ADHD DOES exist and until you have a child with it PLEASE do not tell me it doesn't. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE ENCOURAGING COMMENTS I APPRECIATE THEM....TO THOSE WHO DONT I SUGGEST YOU RE-READ MY ORIGINAL POST!

Stephani - posted on 11/14/2011

If your son actually has a diagnosis of ADHD then you need to schedule an emergency IEP to get the problem resolved. Their is many different options but they will only be offered to you if you if you bring this up in your IEP. Some of the options that may be offered is a bus aide, a special seat belt that straps him in etc...But it has to be outlined in the IEP. Once it's in the IEP it becomes "law" and they will not be able to suspend him from the bus if they are not following the IEP and they are forced to continue trying different options until they can find one that works. I hope this helps some.

Ashley - posted on 11/14/2011

I have not really had an issue since my kid started his drugs a year ago. I am a firm believer in drugs and nothing else works for my kid. Bottom line. Beofre he started them, he was in kindergarten and every other day I got a phone call from the school telling me what he did.. And he actually got suspended for a day can you believe that? from kindergarten of all things...its the teachers and principals job to help the kids and teach them what is appropriate and what not in school.. after that I let the principal have it. When I was in school, we did something wrong, we had to sit in the hallway or watch everyone else do the project or whatever as our punishment, not kick them out of school...schools have changed to the bad. But he got his drugs and i have not had a problem since. I had one issue this summer thou with the bus driver when he let my kid off at the wrong stop..He better be lucky he still has a job. But everyday after school last year my son would come home and tell me how all the kids on the bus are mean and like to start fights with EVERYONE. Thankfully we moved across town and hes the first student on and first student off for a 10 min ride.. I know that when my son got let off at the wrong stop, i called the bus company and dealt with the boss there. My issue was solved FAST. Did you try calling them? And I know that teachers can be a real explicit and crap but hold your ground and fight for your kid. If ya want, i have NO problem telling people where they can shove it..I do it all the time when it comes to my kids. I dont care who the hell they are, if they need to be told off and in not a nice manner i will be the first one to do so. On the 22 when i have conferences for my son I will be doing just that. oh you could also try talking to the school counslor. I know that where my son is now, one of my old High school teachers is the counsler there and if i have probs which im beginging to i can go to her since i already have a relationship with her..she would be able to help.

Janaye - posted on 11/14/2011

Another option is private school. Of course, I'm prejudice in this area having taught in private schools for so long. Many times they are better equipped to deal with kids and the teachers often have more patience since their classes aren't so large. And it is affordable. Where I work, by brown bagging lunch and skipping the high prices latte at the drive thru on your way to work, you can pay for private education for your kids. Our cost is about $12 a day.

Michelle - posted on 11/14/2011

I had the same treatment with my son and still do. From the day I had my son I knew there was something wrong but doctors social workers and schools didn't help me at all they just told me he is a problem child it took 17 years for him to hit me and go to court for the courts do do any thing and then he was told his has adhd as well as altisam and we found that out 6 months before he turnt 18. The way school teachers talk to the child or there parents make me sick they think they know all about children and there problems and say their there to help well there not my son is now getting all the help he needs now no thaks to schools doctors or social.

Janaye - posted on 11/14/2011

Unfortunately, you arguing with the bus driver will most likely result in her taking it out on your child. However, your little one does have ways to protect himself. Get a recording device of some sort and put it in his backpack and a note to remember to turn it on before he gets on the bus. Also, if his ADHD is flaring in the afternoon, check his lunch. As a teacher for 16 years, I've had students whose ADHD was affected by sugar, caffeine, etc. My own son was thought ADHD until an illness led to the discovery that it was actually a rare food allergy. Above all, try to stay calm and get to the bottom of things. As a parent, you also have the legal right to a conference with your child's teacher, principal, AND bus driver all at the same time to see if a compromise can be reached.

Lynn - posted on 11/14/2011

When your child is injured remember you ALWAYS have the right to CALL THE POLICE when the school doesn't function,don't wait ,do it right away !

Angie - posted on 11/14/2011

I am floored by some of the ignorance that was posted. Clearly they are uneducated. To say "no such thing"? I am an educated mother of three boys. And I know the difference between what is or isn't ADHD. Is this just something that people decide to say it isn't real? And a good dr doesn't just throw a child on drugs. There is extensive behavior examinations. It is not to just sell you drugs...

Amy - posted on 11/14/2011

I have been through this same thing with my 5 year son! So so sad. Being his 1st year in scholl and 2 week of school he was kicked off the bus! My son has severe ADHA & ODD! The bus was a nightmare! I quit working my job 6-2 and working other hrs just to take him and pick him up! Thank GOD I have a husband that pays all of the bills!!!
I am so sorry! I have been in your shoes.. The only thing you can do is Pay someone to take him A friend or other parent.. Get him off the bus IF anyway you can!!

Lynn - posted on 11/14/2011

To the person who posted bus drivers are 4 steps up from a Carni , obviously ,YOU have NEVER driven a bus and think you are above it .



ADHD certainly does exist and only because you may -or may not- have it ,you don't understand.



So just remember you've not learned all of life and we are here to help and encourage each other the best we can in being a MOM with a kind heart never cutting anyone down for their occupation.



By the way , I've known retired people from professional occupations who have take a job driving school bus for their retirement supplement so they could live better. You never know WHO is behind that wheel ..please be kind.

Lynn - posted on 11/14/2011

Hello Christina , I understand how you really want your child to be safe on the bus and you want him to be happy.
I think if I were you , I would consider asking to see the bus camera monitor if they have one and I'd view it without prejudice on anyone else's child but I'd focus on my child's behavior . ADHD is not an excuse for misbehaving . Neither is another child's behavior . As an ADD person who's had adhd children AND my mom was a BUS DRIVER that everyone loved,especially the kids , I know there can be problems too. At one point my Mom was very sad because of a young persons repeated inappropriate behavior ,she had no choice but to radio the school to come and get him . He simply was everywhere,anywhere he wanted to be and driving needed to her focus. Perhaps you can see even someone who REALLY LOVES children can sometimes be frustrated when he or she cannot focus on traffic to keep ALL the kids safe from harm . I hope you can find a way to show your son the right way to handle problems by viewing the camera film and if there's not one ,ask why not ? Only THEN will you know what needs to happen . I am surprised the driver has not already suggested this but go to her boss and if that doesn't work,the Superintendent .It's time to get this settled . Remember your son will someday be in this world without you and now is a very important time to help him as much as you can . Best Regards,Lynn

Doris - posted on 11/14/2011

A 504/IEP might be good to have as well.

Doris - posted on 11/14/2011

My son has ADHD and we were having issues with the bus driver in the afternoon as well. I always blamed my son and punished him when he got suspended. After a few months into his 8th grade year I found out from other students and parents of those students that my son wasn't doing anything and the bus driver was always on his case. The last straw was when he got suspended for an incident that he wasn't even there for. I went to the principal of the school who contacted the bus garage and we didn't have any problems after that. Maybe you need to schedule a meeting to find out exactly what is happening on the bus and see if everyone can come up with a resolution. Maybe it's just a matter of who he sits with or maybe it is just the bus driver giving him a hard time. The only way to find a resolution is to figure out exactly what is happening. Maybe ask if the other kids could get involved to either vouch for your son or confirm what is happening. Otherwise it might be best to make other arrangements for your son. No reason to have so much grief over it. Just do what is best for your child.

Heather - posted on 11/14/2011

Also I almost forgot about IEP's, request it in writing look up the federal laws. I do believe that it is federal that within 30 days of a written request for an IEP on a child they MUST follow through and give it irregardless of what they think. If they refuse you can sue the hell out of the school district. I do believe it's a federal statute and you even have the right to request an idependant evaluator do it, so that those you feel are ignoring his issues are not in control of what is determined.

Heather - posted on 11/14/2011

I can honestly say there are people in the educational system that just should NOT have thier jobs. They lack the care, understanding or tact necessary to carry them out successfully. Truth is you have a child who is ADHD and in just about every state and county that is considered a child with special needs. If they do not accomodate his needs then they are immediately in direct violation of the federal laws. I would highly suggest you get in touch with whoever is in charge of your Disability Department in your state or better yet, contact the educational department of your state and find out what the law and code is for children with special needs and the busing system. In a lot of cases kids who cannot handle the roudiness (I'm being nice with it) of the regular bus are put on special buses that are less chaotic and have drivers who are sympathetic to the needs of the children they drive.

The part most people do not understand is that a child with ADHD does not have the ability to slow down enough to understand what's happening around him and will immediately become a ball of reaction to his evironment. So if kids pick on him he will become that which is happening to him, unruly and disrespectful. Nothing else will matter at that point. I'm highly suprised you have not spoken to a disability law specialist, as this happens in many places and it takes someone who knows the laws to force them into action. I'm sorry you're going through this, it's tough to raise a child add a special need to it and it makes it extremely hard. Good luck! I hope you find the people you need to sort the situation out for you. Oh and a good word to use on the educators is... permissable bullying on a child who is different. Sometimes they change thier entire perspective hearing those words.

Laural - posted on 11/13/2011

@ Carolyn Tootie -- I quit my high-paying job at a Fortune 50 company when my chidlren came along. I figured I'd do a better job raising them than anyone else. I am home schooling for the same reason. They will get a much better education with me as the teacher, versus the public school system and the ridiculous bus situation.

Janel - posted on 11/13/2011

1. There is no such thing as ADHD. It's made up to sell people drugs. 2. Bus Drivers are about 4 steps up from a carni - make other arrangements for your child.

Carolyn (tootie) - posted on 11/13/2011

you have bigger issues than the bus driver. You mentioned in another post that he is repeating kindergarten. Your son is not succeeding in the public school. You should look at other options. Public school isn't for most boys ADHD or not. I quit my job at a fortune 500 company to homeschool my son because he wasn't doing well. Now he has done a 180. It will get to the point that your child will dread school he may already and this will only add to his behavior problems. The poor bus driver and her 20,000 dollar a year salary doesn't mean she has to deal with a bunch of crap. How you put your son on a bus where he was beaten up at the age of 5 is beyond me. Mine would have never gone back. Your son needs help I know you have to work as you posted but you also made a commitment to raise a human when you had your child.

Laural - posted on 11/13/2011

My sister and I had to deal with bullies on our bus. One year, we had a wonderful bus driver who reserved the seat directly behind her for us. We no longer got picked on. Perhaps this would be a good solution for your son. Also, going to an organic diet, with no artifical colors and flavors can sometimes help with ADHD.

Danielle - posted on 11/13/2011

Wow! How unreal! Can't believe some of u are so cold to a mother looking for support for her son who has behavior problems. A few things u can do. If he has an IEP you can request transportation accomodations (ie bus monitor or small bus). You can ammend this in the IEP. 2nd if he is on meds talk to prescriber about a medication with a longer lasting effect for afternoon. If bus is issue who ever is watching him must be having issues. If he's not on meds maybe u should consider. 3rd set incentives for good behavior. 4th make sure he has good structure and activities to burn energy. This kid has every right to transportation as he does an education. If School administration is being rude and not supportive call Th DOE (department of Education? File complaint. However make sure u do a check up from the neck up. Make sure you have done everything to be supportive to son and school.

Danielle - posted on 11/13/2011

Wow! How unreal! Can't believe some of u are so cold to a mother looking for support for her son who has behavior problems. A few things u can do. If he has an IEP you can request transportation accomodations (ie bus monitor or small bus). You can ammend this in the IEP. 2nd if he is on meds talk to prescriber about a medication with a longer lasting effect for afternoon. If bus is issue who ever is watching him must be having issues. If he's not on meds maybe u should consider. 3rd set incentives for good behavior. 4th make sure he has good structure and activities to burn energy. This kid has every right to transportation as he does an education. If School administration is being rude and not supportive call Th DOE (department of Education? File complaint. However make sure u do a check up from the neck up. Make sure you have done everything to be supportive to son and school.

Danielle - posted on 11/13/2011

Wow! How unreal! Can't believe some of u are so cold to a mother looking for support for her son who has behavior problems. A few things u can do. If he has an IEP you can request transportation accomodations (ie bus monitor or small bus). You can ammend this in the IEP. 2nd if he is on meds talk to prescriber about a medication with a longer lasting effect for afternoon. If bus is issue who ever is watching him must be having issues. If he's not on meds maybe u should consider. 3rd set incentives for good behavior. 4th make sure he has good structure and activities to burn energy. This kid has every right to transportation as he does an education. If School administration is being rude and not supportive call Th DOE (department of Education? File complaint. However make sure u do a check up from the neck up. Make sure you have done everything to be supportive to son and school.

Angie - posted on 11/13/2011

My son has ADHD and I have problems with him on the bus constantly. The principal has called and even suspended him off the bus two days. He just can't sit still and can't sit quiet. They have moved his seat up front too. The principal said she is looking into doing some sort of behavior chart etc that will go back and forth. This may be helpful, bcuz ADHD kids also need to know when they are doing good and making good choices when they are impulsive at times, rather than only getting notes home when misbehaving. This has helped bcuz then he is recognized for his good choices daily.. Which is a much better response than the negative reports.. Just a thought..

Kristy - posted on 11/13/2011

Had the same problems with mine. I ended up going to the supervisor of transportation. Call the school and ask for the #. Or ask the bus driver. Good luck

Lisa - posted on 11/13/2011

Have you asked if the buses have cameras? Our district has cameras with sound on all of the buses. When I had an issue with a bus driver, I called her supervisor and he was able to review the tapes to see how the driver reacted in a situation. The tapes could also reveal how your child is behaving on the bus (especially if he is seated right behind the driver).

Kerri - posted on 11/13/2011

You should look into getting either an IEP or a 504 plan if your child has been diagnosed with ADHD. Often districts will have separate bus that these children can ride on with an aid that supervises them. This is something that the school district has to provide by law if it is designated within the IEP. However often a child won't have an IEP or 504 in kindergarten. It is worth looking into though.