So DS is kicked out...and it hurts (xposted) - Page 3

[pixiewytch]

Linda, thanks for your suggestion. He was getting services through public school with an IEP when he was in preK there but our scholarship to a private school means that we have opted out of "the system" and pretty much are on our own. I even called some resources last week to confirm that and they advised that I put him back in public school. So that is pretty much where that stands.

Amey, we have an appt with the ped this week to get a referral to the OT as you described. She is super thorough, almost to the point of it being an annoyance so I'm a bit worried that she might make us jump through some expensive and superfluous hoops to get this OT. Since we have zero mental health benefits, the OT route is definitely more feasible for us.

I'm really glad to hear it is working out for your child as well.

[lorelei]

Pixie,
Glad to hear your eval went well and you're getting some answers- finally!
I do hope that your DS will be in first in the fall, he really is a smart and sweet kid.

Hugs to you, and I'm sending good vibes your way that Xenu doesn't jinx your ped appt.

Are you still up for Wednesday?

[WaldorfMomsCoach]

Alternative Treatments

Just curious, in addition to a formal evaluation. Have you considered alternative health evaluations or treatments too?

[pixiewytch]

We have only sought alternative evaluations so far. First we went through a chiropractor for vestibular issues. Then we went to an anthroposophic doctor which turned out to be pretty useless for us. I know there are many more alternative avenues to seek but they all cost money and none are covered by insurance so it is hard for me to narrow in which ones to see. After all, so far we haven't seen a lot of improvement from alternative avenues.

[mamasaurus]

Pixiewytch - I saw your post and just had to respond.

I could write a novel - I have been in the exact same position as you are with a 5yo DD in a Waldorf school. I ended up pulling her out after 6 weeks.

You are not a bad parent. Your son is not a horrible kid.

My DD ended up being diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and sensory issues. Yes, we had to pay out-of-pocket for this - first went to our family doctor for a referral to a children's psychologist. I have to say - I'm not big on alternative evaluations/methods when there is a serious issue going on. I say get the official diagnosis from a doctor, and then try the alternative methods afterwards.

You say you had an IEP going on - well, that may be the only way to get back to free help - public school.

I know how it feels to be in love with a Waldorf school, and then have to leave it. It's really heart-breaking. But it's more important for your son to be in the right educational environment.

I understand your emotions. I pulled my daughter out 7 months ago, and I'm still angry and bitter about it all. Not as much as I was 7 months ago, but the hurt feeling is still there. But it too shall pass...

[pixiewytch]

Mamasaurus, thank you so much. I do think we did things backwards, that we should have got a diagnosis first and then went the alternative route. Now we are taking baby steps to that. The OT doesn't think it is a good idea to go for a diagnosis yet because he may be overdiagnosed....I'm going to try the OT first (as soon as I get referral from ped) and then if that doesn't help, we'll go to the psychologist. I'm glad to know I'm not alone though.

I have so many issues with public school that I really don't think I will be going that route, even if it does mean free services. Here in Florida at least, all of the curriculum goes toward standardized testing and it is an education the absolute antithesis of what waldorf stands for. We would probably homeschool instead.

[mamasaurus]

Pixiewytch - I hear you on the public school thing. We never would have considered public school. But we are at the point now where we are considering a virtual charter school (public school) so we can get the IEP services, but still do most of the work at home, and then supplement with other homeschool curriculum. I've been looking at some Waldorf or "waldorf-inspired" curriculums.

I really, really, really, really, really understand what you are going through.

[naturally]

hi, this thread just caught my eye - my daughter is in a waldorf school as well w/sensory issues - i had an aba come out and observe her at school, and they were able to make suggestions as to how to help her function better in the class. you might be able to get one out to your home and see what kind of strategies they have that can help your child. the ones that i have met are so kind and patient with the children, much like the waldorf teachers.

also, on a completely different note, homeopathy of houston has been a huge help in healing these issues, so we can reduce the amount of interventions.. www.homeopathyhouston.com we do phone consults, it has been so helpful!

[Rose-Roget]

Hi, this thread just caught my eye. I didn't see the original post for some reason (just the title and some replies), so I may be saying something that has been addressed. I think federal law states that children can receive free IEP services through their local public schools, whether they attend the public schools, private schools, or are home-schooled. So you may have some options about where to send your son and it is the responsibility of the school district's special education team to provide services...

Best of luck with everything.

[pixiewytch]

Hi, thanks for your response. DS has an IEP and has been through the public school system. We decided a long time ago that public school here in Florida isn't a route we are interested in, even with free special needs services, but yes, they are available.

[royaloakmi]

I didn't have time to read this whole thread, but I'm sorry for your situation.

FWIW, we had our son's sensory stuff evaluated by the public school system, then formally diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist. We proceeded with OT (which we did have to pay for out of pocket.)

I didn't do anything remotely "waldorfy" (chiro, homeopath, anthro dr) to treat his sensitivities, but OT did wonders and he is now able to fit in quite well in his Waldorf class (and, ironically, is considered one of the "easier" kids in his class). Oh, and our home life is SO much better.

The time it takes to get a proper diagnosis and go through with treatment seems like forever, but once you begin to address things they start to get so much better.

Good luck to you!

[yarngoddess]

I just wanted to send you HUGS, GOOD VIBES and LOTS OF HEALING VIBES too- I read this thread, and hope you and your family are doing OK today.

Finding answers is never easy, and the real answers may not be what you expected. Have you ever thought about finding someone else in your town that has gone through this?? and kinda picked their brain for ideas? My step sister is severly handicapped- and her mom was the one that "wrote" the rules at the school dist. to get the help she needed and still Home schooled. Maybe something like a charter (at a later date) might help you help your son.

I also wanted to gently remind you to take GOOD care of YOU! You are fighting a big battle, and you don't want to get burned out. Even something as simple as a bath with "smell pretty's" (as my kids say) can be the turning point for stress. If you don't take care of Mommy, who will? Hugs, and Love!

[pixiewytch]

yarngoddess, thanks so much for the kind words. As we speak I am finding ways to work on myself that may help benefit DS and his moods in the long run. I do think it is all intertwined.

Royaloakmi, I am thrilled to hear that OT has worked wonders for your child. I must admit being a bit skeptical that crashing on the floor and sitting on swings is going to do a lot of help but at this point I'm open to anything. Out of curiosity, how long did it take for you to see real results? We just got started last week and school starts in a few months so I'm just wondering.

[straighthaircurly]

We also have been through some of what you are experiencing. We had to pull our son out of daycare before we got kicked out because of excessive, seemingly random aggression. Fortunately soon after I learned about SID/SPD and was able to get a referral from his ped for an OT eval. Our insurance didn't cover OT services for SPD but they did cover services for his fine motor delays so the OT was able to work in Both fine motor and SPD activities into each session as well as teach me things we could do at home. It took about 1.5-2 months for us to start to see the difference. The OT was wonderful, so patient. She had initially thought he would only require about 6 weeks of therapy but he was so resistant initially that it took us 6 months. We still have rough patches and I am prepared to head back to OT again if the adjustment to K doesn't go well this fall.

So hang in there, you are doing such a great job advocating for your son. Huge hugs to you.

[pixiewytch]

Thanks for sharing. OT sounds very promising for us then!