To parents of elementary kids - question

chasetwins

I know this is more of a fitness / diet forum site however I kind of need a broader range of people to possibly help me. I posted on FB hoping my some of my "real life" friends (LOL) could help me but an old school mate responded like she is Miss know it all and it pissed me off so I am hoping I can get an actual answer / advice from normal people.

My child's principal called me this morning and recommend one of my girls have a core evaluation done by the special ed department. She stated that my child's fidgeting is excessive (I admit..it is LOL) I was working with children when she called and ended the conversation confused..what are they saying - what does the core evaluation entail - what does it mean? Has anyone had one done? What do they do (with child or parent) ( I vaguely remember something mentioned about bands on the chair ?!?!)

First history to hopefully help you understand before responding :

Child is a twin now age 8 - full term healthy pregnancy - sister had 4 seizures first at 11 month old which she witnessed (traumatized them both!) - both girls began to be behind in a lot of areas (I am a child care provider so I am up on my developmental stages) - She had a single seizure at age 2 - Sister began exceeding in things well before her and is still ahead of the game. She is behind in reading but excels in math. Does well in spelling so long as we study every night. Very creative but not in a scary way.
Doctor suggested previously that maybe have her tested (months ago) to see if she has any ADD - ADHD but doesn't believe she has it full blown. (during the doc visit while I was talking to her my kid never stopped moving which I guess is why she suggested it) She is just very active and never stops (her mouth doesn't either LOL) she sleeps the least in the house. Last to fall asleep - first one up and nearly bounces out of the bed.
Husband's side is loaded with all sorts of mental issues from personality dis orders - bi polar - adhd - add etc the freaking list goes on.....
Mine is clear - all body / heart related issues no mental (besides your normal crazy!)

So thoughts??? i just do not know what this occupational therapy / core evaluation thing is all about.

Thanks guys - if for anything but allowing me to post here to vent

wineplease

My daughter has dyslexia. Her core evaluation consisted of being in a room with specialists. She answered questions, read some things for them, looked at pictures, etc. This was done when she was in 1st grade.

I also have a 13 year old son with autism. His core evaluation was much more detailed. He had a panel of people/specialists and his entire evaluation was video taped. He went through the regular academic type evaluations plus many social geared tests.

I see no reason not to allow her to be evaluated. Many people fear their child being "labeled", but I've found nothing harmful by getting a diagnosis. These diagnoses actually help the child, parents, and school in helping educate the child the best way suited for their type of learning difference.

the_journeyman

Really? Worried about fidgeting? I can't be still as an adult.

JM

Colombianchick29

I work in a therapy department, and we provide OT
You would most likely see a neurologist. they will *kitten* and follow the child for some time before giving you a formal diagnosis. Once they child is diagnosed, which can be a wide range of things like ADD, ADHD, even autism spectrum ( can be high functioning )
Once you are diagnosed, it is easier to find services to help with every day life. Its not a bad thing I promise! Occupational therapy is therapy that helps you either regain normal day living functions if you have had an injury, or also, helps you with sensory issues, triggers, fine motor, selff help skills, writing and much much more.

My advice would be take the principals recommendations, and also take her to your pediatrician. They can set you up with a specialist that will help you and guide you to & through the services your daughter needs. I am not a clinical staff, but I do work int he office and see what goes on , on a daily basis.

Colombianchick29

My daughter has dyslexia. Her core evaluation consisted of being in a room with specialists. She answered questions, read some things for them, looked at pictures, etc. This was done when she was in 1st grade.

I also have a 13 year old son with autism. His core evaluation was much more detailed. He had a panel of people/specialists and his entire evaluation was video taped. He went through the regular academic type evaluations plus many social geared tests.

I see no reason not to allow her to be evaluated. Many people fear their child being "labeled", but I've found nothing harmful by getting a diagnosis. These diagnoses actually help the child, parents, and school in helping educate the child the best way suited for their type of learning difference.

^ EXACTLY!

SassieChik03

I have step-daughter in elementary school. If this issue arose with her, I would request a meeting with her teacher and the principal (and obviously her father and biological mother) to discuss in detail what behaviors are presenting in class and what indicators are showing through her class assessments. I would prepare a list of questions in advance, especially regarding the core evaluation and including any anxiety I had about it. I think it's best to understand from the school's perspective what has led up to this suggestion from them before you take the next step to have the evaluation done.

zephtalah

It is up to you. You are the parent. If you feel it would be beneficial than do it. If you don't have the answers the questions in order to make that decision, call them back at a time that you can focus and listen to their concerns and what the evaluation would entail. My eldest would be one of the children that would be encouraged to get medication for his high level of energy and distractability. We have chosen not to go that route. We also homeschool so it is not an issue with a school teacher. I understand in a room of 20-30 children it would be hard to teach if half of them are bouncing off the walls and being highly distractible. However, it is up to you. A lot of children develop asynchronously. That doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong. I wouldn't make a decision about labeling vs. non-labeling until you are sure what you want. Also, since there are people on your husbands side who deal with various mental issues talk it over with him and get his take on it. Best wishes!

LavaDoll

it could be that she needs a diagnosis of some kind.
but maybe not.

maybe she is merely bored, and not challenged. she may be well beyond what they are offering in terms of work in her class, and fidgets out of boredom.

or maybe she needs help learning how to center and focus, with meditation exercises geared towards children.

there is so much over stimulation in this world now, all the time, from every area, maybe she needs some quiet to learn how to listen to her own thoughts. i find that being silent and still need to be practiced. a few minutes each day, morning or night, can do wonders for children and adults.

also, what kind of diet does she eat?
look for additives, excitotoxins, and research how diet can impact children's moods and behaviors.

either way, no matter, what, evaluation, diagnosis, etc., remind her that there is absolutely nothing wrong with her, and she is loved all the same. self esteem affects everything.

momwhosbusy

Once you are diagnosed, it is easier to find services to help with every day life. Its not a bad thing I promise! Occupational therapy is therapy that helps you either regain normal day living functions if you have had an injury, or also, helps you with sensory issues, triggers, fine motor, selff help skills, writing and much much more.

My advice would be take the principals recommendations, and also take her to your pediatrician. They can set you up with a specialist that will help you and guide you to & through the services your daughter needs. I am not a clinical staff, but I do work int he office and see what goes on , on a daily basis.

^^^This^^^ my oldest had the testing done and they diagnosed ADHD...none of my other kids do BUT 2 of my younger brothers (They're 14 yr. old twins whom my parents adopted) have both had extensive testing. Both have varying levels of cognitive impairment. One WAY more severe than the other, 1 has aspbergers, the other doesn't...testing helps to define the services they need. My younger sister also has had testing and they discovered learning disorders and ADHD and her education plan that was in place all through elem, MS, and HS, was able to follow her to the college level and helps her to succeed where otherwise she would struggle much more than she needs to.

These tests make it easier for parents and educators to meet those needs! They're not difficult tests and usually quite fun for the kids when they're young! You'll be doing your kids a HUGE favor if you do this and they find things that can help her to learn things easier.

chasetwins

See and I was worried about posting this on here...you guys ROCK !! I not only got the EXACT answers I was looking for but also reassurance (which is important too!)


I want to note - I am not concerned about her being labeled all though I do believe too many are quick to jump to label kids as ADD and ADHD these days. I myself do NOT believe she is any of those. I was more concerned on what the heck they were going to do for and with this so called evaluation.

Anyone can label someone but in the end it is my decision to believe it or not I guess. However I KNOW she struggles and hates school for this reason so if I can get even a little bit of help in this area..it would not be a bad thing. Her and her sister have chemical sensitivities however her sister is FAR worse. I know what most of them are and they have become second nature to avoid as much as possible..., after removing those.. I just always thought she is just a hyper one My oldest did not bounce off the walls as a child but she does now at 19 haha

Thank you all TONS!!!!!!