Friday, October 28, 2011

A call from Jazmine's Teacher and some research

This morning I received a call from Jazmine's 2nd grade teacher.

She informed me that Jazmine is struggling at school and is not improving in any of her subjects.  She told me she thinks she has a learning disability.  I reminded her of the conversation I had with her at our Parent and Teacher Conference that I thought she had ADHD( whenshe told me she did not think she ADHD, but that she was just not getting it). 
I know my children better than anyone and know she struggles the same way Bailey did when he was in her class in the 3rd grade.  The only difference between Bailey and Jazmine is that Bailey is not Hyperactive.  When I would try to teach him at home he would keep telling me that he just didn't get it , that he didn't understand and he would go off in space and then star crying like a baby none stop.  To where Jazmine is hyperactive and can't sit still or anything.  She so unorganized in everything she does.

Anyway here are some of the symptoms I found and she has ALL OF THEM.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The person with ADHD who is inattentive will have 6 or more of the following symptoms:
  • Has difficulty following instructions
  • Has difficulty keeping attention on work or play activities at school, work and home
  • Loses things needed for activities at school, work and home
  • Appears not to listen
  • Doesn't pay close attention to details
  • Seems disorganized
  • Has trouble with tasks that require planning ahead
  • Forgets things
  • Is easily distracted
The person with ADHD who is hyperactive/impulsive will have at least 6 of the following symptoms:
  • Fidgety
  • Runs or climbs inappropriately
  • Can't play quietly
  • Blurts out answers
  • Interrupts people
  • Can't stay in seat
  • Talks too much
  • Is always on the go
  • Has trouble waiting his or her turn

What causes ADHD?

People who have ADHD do not make enough chemicals in key areas in the brain that are responsible for organizing thought. Without enough of these chemicals, the organizing centers of the brain don't work well. This causes the symptoms in people who have ADHD. Research shows that ADHD is more common in people who have close relatives with the disorder. Recent research also links smoking and other substance abuse during pregnancy to ADHD. Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead, can also be a factor.

I am not a doctor but I know my children better than anyone and other than ADHD I really don't think she has a learning disability.

I made her a Doctor's appointment for next Tuesday afternoon to see what he says.

Her Teacher wants to her her tested for learning Disabilities and I am fine with that.  I think she should be tested, but I also know that if she in fact has ADHD and if she is not medicated that testing her is not going to tell them anything as ADHD is a Chemical imbalance and testing her on her learning skills is not going to give the true answers as to what and why she is struggling. She not only struggles in school she struggles in everything she does or tries to do.
With already having a child with ADD I already know the signs with school work to the simplest task.
I am sorry for posting about all of this but I know from my last post that my children are not the only children out there with these same issues.  I know that once my son started his meds. all his problems where GONE and he did a complete 160 in school and he was like a totally different child.  He, as his Teacher told me, Soared in school and all this classes and subjects.

I am just hoping that everything goes good Tuesday and we can start giving her what her brain needs and is lacking so she too can soar in school and not struggle so hard which in turn will take a lot of stress off me and our family and lets not forget little Jazmine herself.   

I never believed in giving my kids meds. but there has to come a time when you have to realize you have done all you can do and it';s also not their fault they it.  

I will keep all of you updated on what we find out and if she starts to improve.  Fingers crossed and a little prayer to go with it.

Thanks to all of you for listening to me and for all of your input for those of you dealing or have dealt with the same things.

Hugs:)
Angela

11 comments:

Geneviève aka Muscade said...

I understand what you just say Angela. I don't live in the United States so I don't know how this happens in American schools. I myself am a teacher for students with learning difficulties and I can understand your cry of the heart.

My only question before the evaluation to the difficulties, why not wait for the results for the ADHD. Here in Quebec, we ensure that students have done all the tests before making such an assessment ... but maybe I misunderstood ... sorry, I'm not English. In short, I hope all is well.

Hugs
Genevieve

Shazza said...

oh my goodness Angels, keep fighting, sounds like she has it indeed and as you say you know her better than anyone x

KarinsArtScrap said...

well I see angela you have a lott on your mind, hope it's get better for you and for your children.

greetings karin

Berry said...

I really hope the doctors goes well for you on Tues, they must listen to you as her mother, you are certainly not neurotic and know what you are talking about. It is sad that so many teachers do not really take into account the views of parents, there are some wonderful teachers out there who do work alongside parents to ensure the child gets the best care and education possible but this is not always so.
You only want what is best for Jazmine so keep on until she gets what she needs not just for her but for all of you.
Sending you good luck wishes
Hugs Rebekah xx

Ink Art Designs said...

Hi Angela,
I'm an integration aide and see these symptoms often. Thanks for putting up such an easy to follow and read look at what it is all about...half of the problem is the lack of understanding. All the best to you and your family.
((hugs))
Dot x

Debra James said...

Hi Angela, I hope you have some luck and after the testing for Learning difficulties! they listen to you,her MUM.... who else knows their children better.I also had a child( 28 years old now) with ADHD so I know where you are coming from.
Understanding,Knowledge and just believing that ADHD is a medicial problem still has a long way to go unfortunetly and I can say this as I am an assistant in a Primary School, although it is getting much better then I had all those years ago.
Keeping my fingers crossed you all have a good outcome, xxx

Alexandra Lundgren said...

Angela- my oldest has this with the hyperactivity. One thing that really helped him, even after meds but before too (the meds for the hyper part of it are a bit harder to get lined up), was to use and exercise ball to sit on when doing school work. It forced his body to be working to keep balanced and so his brain wasn't as distracted by that. You are right, you DO know your child best. Does your Dr. have an eval form the teacher can complete that would let him start the meds if she won't right the letter. Maybe the I'll do the testing you want if you let us try the meds like I want talk? HUGS!

Kate said...

I am so sorry that you have to deal with this not once but possible twice. I hope everything works out my friend. Let me know if you need to talk. I hate to say it but some Teachers now a days just don't have patience with kids they think all the kids have ADD or ADHD.. URGGG!

Big Hugs to you sweetie and try to enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Vicky said...

Hi sweetie so sorry you having education troubles teachers never seem to listen to parents anymore when of course we know our children better than anyone else in the world.
When my youngest was in middle school they kept complaining that he still didnt know his colours even tho I told them constantly that its not he doesnt know them...he is colourblind. After 4 years I ended up taking a letter in from his optician.
I know its not the same hun as its only colours he struggles with but having a disabled daughter as well I know too well the struggles a disability of any kind brings. The one they should be thinking about is your daughter & the effect this is having on her. I really hope all settles & you get things sorted hun. I am sending you huge cyber hugs & I will keep you in my prayers & thoughts hun.
Take care

Lotsa hugs Vicky xxx

gobeagirl said...

Hello my friend. I wrote you a not already, but the internet kicked me off, so I am sorry if you are getting this twice. I know that you know your children better than anyone. I feel the same way. Each child is different, and as Mom's we just know. I think you will make all the right decisions for your little one. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, so that you can get to the right decision of how to help her. I don't like having disagreements with my kids' teachers, but sometime when it comes to your kids you just have to stick to your guns. I hope I am making sence. Take care. Hugs to you all. Lisa

Sue Jones said...

darling, you know your children better than anyone else- teachers can pick up signs for various difficulties but are NOT qualified to diagnose! I Have three children with various problems and i also work in a school. Go to your doc and keep at him until he gets your child tested for what ever your think you need - keep at him until it happens - there is sometimes a waiting list.
I live in uk and things are a lot slower here.
My oldest Daughter has ADD/ASD/OCD and dyspraxia. My son has ADHD/OCD/ASD/Tourettes and nocturnal epilepsy and youngest has type 1 diabetes and moderate learning difficulties.
Let me know if i can be of any help xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx