School wants us to admit my 6 year old son to a psychiatric hospital

[CW&M Mom]

didn't read everyone's responses,
but as a mom to two special needs kids,
I will say this.

Take what the school says as an alert.

Now, get a second opinion,
maybe even a third.

Maybe all your boy needs is a diagnosis from an accredited doctor/physician
(not a guess or a hunch by a teacher)

THEN
armed with a diagnosis
perhaps the school will be required by law
to help your son
with an Individualized Education Program
to fit his individual needs.

Relax if you can.
Take a breath,
then think through what is best for your son.

It may be necessary for your son to get some help, psychologically
but IMO,
he is requiring more attention than the teachers can give him
and he simply needs more help in specific areas.

My best to you!

I agree with this as well

Go ahead and request an evaluation for special ed services NOW. You can get the form in the office, ask for it and sign it. That will get the ball rolling.

[Jen1]

The guidance counselor talks to him without us every day and has him draw pictures on how he feels. I am not comfortable about it because I don't know what she says to him.

that needs to stop right away. sounds like they are trying to trap him.

[CW&M Mom]

I'm pretty sure technically they don't have the legal right to talk with him without you there, when you tell them "you may not talk with him without me there."

[lbrown1618]

MY DD's school didn't even want to SAY the word "ADHD" for fear of being sued. I'm completely in shock the school is doing all this.

[CW&M Mom]

MY DD's school didn't even want to SAY the word "ADHD" for fear of being sued. I'm completely in shock the school is doing all this.

yup

[AmyRD]

MY DD's school didn't even want to SAY the word "ADHD" for fear of being sued. I'm completely in shock the school is doing all this.

I will clarify the ADHD came from the psychiatrist at the hospital they urged us take him too the first time that was a complete waste of time but is not a diagnosis yet.

Not too many things I will defend them about but wanted to clarify that detail

Also, my ds is getting good grades and as per the school "he is a very intelligent boy" so would he still need special education services since he cannot focus on what is going on and sit still in the classroom?

[foodie]

Your son could be diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) which is a form of ADHD. He could be highly functioning with AS with some tendencies of ADHD. You should go to a clinical psychologist which is higher than a psychiatrist. A psychologist is a medical doctor and can diagnose more accurately.

Perhaps an Individual Education Plan (IEP) should be developed with tools for me to use. Google the above info and if needed, PM me since I have written IEP(s) professionally.

You should get an outside opinion too. Your medical insurance (if you have it) should cover the evaluations, doctor visits, tests, etc. and be under the Mental Health benefit of your medical insurance's policy.

Alot of the symptoms you wrote about could be AS. One of my quads was diagnosed at 3 YO with AS on the mild spectrum. He is highly intellectual and was not getting the proper curriculum and so we had him independently evaluated and went through the public school's Early Intervention program. Even if you cannot or do not have insurance for an outside evaluation, see your county school's Early Intervention program. Check out the NCLB (No Child Left Behind Act) for details.

We got him diagnosed correctly and the school and the private psychologist and other independent tests concurred that he had AS and needed some social skills (small) help and we put him in a private school and he is excelling not only academically but socially. He is mainstreamed and only uses the Resource Teachers when needed. His IEP will carry him through college until 21.

PM for more info and/or questions.

Foodie (Katie)

[IntoTheMystic]

Also, my ds is getting good grades and as per the school "he is a very intelligent boy" so would he still need special education services since he cannot focus on what is going on and sit still in the classroom?

Yes, but I would recommend NOT starting the IEP process until you have a DX or at least some answers/recommendations from a mental health professional (not someone at the school!) that you trust.

[IntoTheMystic]

Your son could be diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) which is a form of ADHD.

I just want to clarify- Asperger's Syndrome is not a form of ADHD.

"AS is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one of a distinct group of neurological conditions characterized by a greater or lesser degree of impairment in language and communication skills, as well as repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior. Other ASDs include: classic autism, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS)." Source: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/detail_asperger.htm#179663080

(Mods: Hope that's okay to post a link- if not, please delete)

[IntoTheMystic]

You should go to a clinical psychologist which is higher than a psychiatrist. A psychologist is a medical doctor and can diagnose more accurately.

Sorry to be a stickler here, too, but according to WebMD, "Psychiatrists are medical doctors and psychologists are not." Psychiatrists have their MD, while psychologists may hold a PhD or a PsyD. In most states, psychiatrists can prescribe drugs, while psychologists cannot.

I am not advocating which type you need to contact, because honestly I do not know.