SID emotional issues

by Bev
(Grand Haven,MI,US)

My grand child has sensory integration disorder. Her Mother has also been told she may have autism. Everyone tells her what her daughter may have but nothing seems to go farther than that. Her pediatrician put her on 50 mg zoloft. School stated she did not meet criteria for a 504 or any help in any way. Her writing is illegible. She is constantly teased about her penmanship by her peers. She has been humiliated by teachers because she has trouble bouncing a ball. She has "odd" movements like rubbing her fingers. She talks loudly and asks too many questions, she is told this by her teachers.




She is in fourth grade and the bullying has now carried to the playground. She has become the person in the class that every one teases, calls stupid, and tell her that no one likes her, and the list goes on. She asks what is wrong with her, because no one likes her.

My daughter doesn't feel comfortable approaching the school again because they made her feel as if she shouldn't have bothered them by asking for testing. She is also concerned if she tells about the bullying, the kids will only find another way to ostracize her.

My grand daughter has no self esteem, confidence, and says she doesn't fit in anywhere. My heart breaks that she just get pushed along with out help. My daughter does not have a lot of money to try and get more help.

Is this a typical situation that results when someone tries to get help for their child?



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Dec 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bullying
by: Stacey

As one who was relentlessly bullied as a child, I would say you first need to do whatever it takes to get her out of that toxic atmosphere into one where she is more accepted. It is the worst thing for a child & can take a very long time from which to recover. Best wishes fr you all...
Jun 28, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		504
by: Anonymous

Hi,
I have a son who is 8, that is diagnosed with Adhd combination type and also ODD. After reading more about SPD, I think he may also have this. I have had a really rough road getting him the help he needed. Doctors, schools, there was no help to be found for a long time. Then it finally happened for him because I had to really push the school system. For some reason they dont want to help these children who need it so much. If you want a 504 meeting keep pushing til you get one. WRite a letter to highest people on the school board and request one. That is what I had to do.
Good luck,
Bobbi
Jun 10, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Don't Give Up
by: Anonymous

Have your daughter ask the doctor for a prescription for an OT evaluation for sensory processing disorder for your granddaughter. Ask the Dr if he can recommend an OT who is familiar with SPD. If he can't go out and find an OT.

Talk to your GD and explain that she is not strange and only that she has SPD. In simplest terms -her senses sometimes send wrong signals. Many, many others have this and live wonderful happy lives. Your GD can work with an OT to help in many ways- especially to desensitize and de-stress. My DD's OT really helped build self esteem cause she has SPD and really could relate. So when you find an OT- talk to her about ALL issues, especially coping skills and self esteem. Also go to the library and get as many books on SPD. They will help you and your daughter.

Handwriting tips- write on a slant board (use a binder) and find a pencil that feels OK. Pencil grippers are great- Explain to your GD's teacher that she will need more time to complete written assignments. Then try to move her to keyboarding aka typing as soon as possible. Also if printing is hard- move to writing. Have your GD take little rests if she gets tired of holding the pen or pencil. Work with the OT to get more tips.
Explain to your granddaughter teachers that she may not test well if she gets fatigued holding a pen or pencil. She should have help in writing down assignments from the board- maybe her teacher can do this. My DD in 4th grade, had a teacher who wrote down all her assignments in her homework assignment book. This helped us and we could actually read what was assigned. Later in middle school and high school teachers should give written copies of assignments to your GD.


On getting help from the school, if the SPD is affecting your GD's grades, they have to help. Be tough but be polite. Do your homework on what is required by law. And see if you can find an advocate in the school system or maybe another parent with a child who has special needs. Ask the school what is the plan for your GD and what is the completion date. If you are not satisfied with any of their actions you may be able to appeal to the school board in your district. Also if no help in from the district, maybe peaking with your state representative about the situation may help to get some action.

I think you are wonderful for helping both your GD and daughter. Being there for them is helping them.
Jun 09, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Good Advice
by: Anonymous

Thank you for your good advice. My sister is an O.T. who tests and develops plans with children with S.I.D.. She came to Michigan from Idaho to try to help. We also used an advocate. Nothing motivates the school. My sister said that the rules in Michigan are more restrictive than ones she works with in Idaho.
Bev
Jun 09, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		hi
by: Anonymous

Grandma I hope you keep searching for some help for her! My son is only now going into 1st grade, but if he was in that situation there is NO way that I would stand back and let him be treated that way! I know your daughter is trying to do her best, but it is our job to protect our kids especially when they can't. Maybe she should talk to the doctor and get a diagnosis and if her ped. won't help then find a new one. I don't know the laws where your at, but if you get a medical diagnosis she should be able to get the help needed at school, but she may have to force the issue. Sometimes it feels like your alone in the battle, but remember we are fighting for our children. Some of the schools just aren't educated on SPD and we have to teach them! Good luck and I will say a prayer for your granddaughter that God would help her!
Jun 09, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Keep pushing
by: Bonnie

So I forgot to see where you were located but my thought as a parent and an educator is keep pushing the school to do what they need to do. I have worked with many different kids that if we had quit after the first round of testing they too would have slipped through the cracks! Not acceptable. I am sad that the school made the mom feel stupid for asking in the first place but she IS the expert on her child so she should walk in head held high and keep pushing till she is satisfied. What does the school suggest is the issue or what do they suggest be done?

Also I am not sure what testing she had done but after when they went over the results did your daughter sign saying she agreed with the results? If she doesn't agreed she can mark that she doesn't and by law they are required to keep testing. In some states you are able to transfer schools with in the system even though you are not zoned and some states even have private schools that you can transfer your child too with the bill being footed my the county. Obviously there are restrictions but you should check into the options if you are not satisfied with the current environment and services that are being provided at her school.

Don't give up as your granddaughters life could depend on it! I understand the not wanting things to get worse by intervening too much but at the same time you don't want to do nothing and then wish later you had! Good luck! Check your states department of education website for parental rights as well as the special ed department. Often you can just call there and talk to someone who would know what you should do next. If that doesn't help search on google or yahoo for advocate groups in your state and county. They often know what to do as well! Again good luck!

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