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[LittleMissMickey]

As a teacher, I also think you need to let the teacher know. Most teachers keep up on these things and know there stuff, therefore you shouldn't run into any problems with DS being treated any differently.

Teachers are always accomodating the students in their classrooms, yes, but this will allow the teacher to think back and find special things that she may know have worked. Teachers try different things. I have worked in classrooms where teachers used music as a concentration tool, but for lots of students with ADHD this can be very distracting. That is just one of many examples of why the teacher may need to know.

It is unfair to your child to try to change dosages without a doctor's advising you to do so. Many children have such a hard time adjusting to the meds that adjusting them is a very serious thing. I would only go with what your doctor says on this one.

I know that it can be hard for parents, even though I am not a parent myself. I do think that while it is difficult for a parent, it can really make your child's life (and the teacher's life) a lot easier in the classroom if everybody is on common ground.

Good luck and have a fun school year!

Ashley

 

[momof2OH]

Some kids who have mild ADHD or a similar disorder, might not have symptoms that require the school to know about it. Also if they don't require meds at school. But there are many kids who take meds at school or might need some type of modification in a school setting.

It's definently a personal decision to tell or not. Like others have said, it's medical condition and I don't hide it from anyone, including the school. They know about both of my kids. One in 8th and one in 10th. Both of my kids have IEP's. They both learn what everyone else is learning in that specific grade, but things are modified for them. They still have to follow all the rules as every other child. I personally think it's best to let the school personel know ahead of time what's going on and what might work in a particular situation if it should occur. Because with ADHD or similar, you never know what can or could happen in a specific situation.

 

[momof2OH]

Sorry to those of you who have seen this poem before, but whenever the subject of ADHD comes up, I like to post it again. I hope you enjoy it.

Through The Eyes Of A Child With ADHD

Please tell me you love me, for I need to be accepted in your eyes.

Please let me know when I have done well, for I need to know that sometimes I am like other children.

Plese share some of your thoughts with me, for my intelligence is not impaired.

Please learn all you can about my problem, I need understanding as well as discipline.

Please bother to correct me and keep me in line as much as necessary. I cannot steer myself.

Give me your patience, beacuse although it takes me longer, I need to succeed just like all the other children.

Please make time in your day for me. I need to feel that attention and affection are things you want to give me. I will not go away if you pretend I am not there.

Remember that I am a complex person with many traits that are right and fine. Please help me to see those things in myself. You are my mirror.

Please so not abouse me; for, although I need a firmer hand than most, I feel lost and alone when I see rejection in your eyes. I have no motive, and all I can do is say, "I am sorry" over and over again.

Please remember that I love you, for you stand beside me day after day in this confusing and frightening world. You are the reason I am not alone.

-Author unknown

 

[Pinnie]

Originally posted by cruisnfamily
Why do you need to know? What could happen?

If my child were taking heart medication, insulin, etc that would obviously be a completely different story.

Not that anybody asked but the reason we didn't tell the school is that the doctor recommended against it. He said we were not required to tell the school and there was "no reason for the teacher to know". He said we'd get feedback anyway if the medication wasn't working and if we don't hear anything, no news is good news.
Would you not make adjustments for a non-ADHD child if they were needed? I'm not trying to make anybody "play guessing games" I just want him treated like everybody else. I don't want any special accomodations for him, he doesn't need them.

A couple of years ago, a student at one of our schools was hurt on the playground and needed immediate attention. One of the FIRST questions the paramedics asked was, "Is this child on any medication?"

Also, some children with ADHD have problems with fine motor skills and their handwriting may not be the neatest. I would be able to make adaptations for the child IMMEDIATELY from day 1 in my classroom for him, I can call in the TC for special grip pencils, textured lined paper, etc.

If I am aware a child has ADHD, I can tone down both visual and auditory stimuation so the child can focus better.

And YES, I would do this for ALL children, but having a "head's up" on it will save a few weeks of precious time.

Trust me, teachers are trying to work WITH you to insure you child has a successful year. With NCLB standards that are now in place, we want to EVERY child to succeed. Please work WITH us and not against us.

pinnie

 

[shortbun]

Been reading this thread. My DS is not on any meds and has
no disabilities. Both nephews are though and I can understand
why parents might want to stay mum about mild disorders and
meds. Some grownups pigeon hole children into categories and
I would not want that for my child. Some people reject the idea
of an IEP for the same reason.

 

[tkd lisa]

Both my kids are ADHD, and I always let the teachers know. I fully agree it should be in a conference, not an open house (although I understand the one case where no one was at the open house so they brought it up). We usually ask for an appointment at the open house. Then we sit down with all the teachers and work out our communication strategy, as well as discuss our child's IEP and 504 accomodations. Our kids are both in middle school this year, and since the middle school teachers have many more students than elementary, we found out that you can't assume that each teacher knows what's in your child's IEP.

Both my kids are on once a day meds now, so they don't take it at school. But last year, my DD had an allergic reaction to the med she was on (strattera). Luckily, it happened at home, but if it had happened at school, if the teachers hadn't known she was on meds, what would they have told EMT? ADHD is not something to be ashamed of. I have heard that somewhere around 20-40% of the average classroom contains students who have been diagnosed with ADHD, so your child is not likely to be truly singled out.

It's obviously a personal decision, but that's my opinion.

 

[Kallison]

I would make sure he has an IEP. This really helps in middle school when they change classes every 45 min. Then every teacher knows.

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

My oldest DD has epilepsy, and I hand out notes to her teachers in advance. I do talk to them as well, but the notes give them something to refer to since the beginning of school is so hectic. I normally do this during the meet the teachers day (which is tomorrow).

My note starts: DD1 (KB) has epilepsy. It is mild and controlled by medication (given at home). She should be allowed and encouraged to participate in all kindergarten activities.

I add more information including a request for notification in case of a seizure and my work, home and cell phone numbers. For the past 2 years of pre-K, the school has been awesome. She is in the same school this year and has some of the same teachers. The official diagnosis and her medication are listed in her main files in the office.

I would encourage you to work with the school.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by Pembo

Thanks for all of your input. DS is mild adhd and does not have a 504 or IEP.

Pembo....I've hijacked your thread I didn't mean to I'm very sorry! I guess I just have some strong views here. I'm going to sign off of here and start my own thread on this topic.

 

[Pembo]

cruisin - it's ok!

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

As a former first grade teacher and mom of an active son,
I think it's important to let the teacher know any
medical/social/emotional info that would help him/her make decisions that are best for the child. I think a teacher will be more patient and understanding if she knows the child's history. Let's face it, with active kids, certain behaviors can't be helped and it's easier to overlook little things and pick your battles with the big issues that are most important.

The expectations are not lowered for an ADHD child (or any child for that matter), they're just a little different in some situations. When I taught, I made sure that my students that had more difficulty with concentration or sitting still were able to get up and take a few short breaks or run an errand for me from time to time during the day. The little things can make a big difference.