Dysgraphia and getting a diagnosis HELP (long)

[lewdyan1]

twocjsmom

You stated that perfectly...thanks

 

[HopperFan]

Here is another good link about special education law......."Parents, advocates, educators, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, up-to-date information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities." I got it from a social worker at the Marcus Institute, a wonderful facility in Atlanta. You can sign on for e-newsletters. Really a wealth of education information.

 

[twocjsmom]

Thanks Dyan!

 

[buzzlady]

twocjsmom - thank you for the great informaion.

Although my DS does receive OT, there are no modifications made in the classroom. He is unable to copy notes from the blackboard legibleley. Of course this effects his ability to study. I won't even go into his writting assignments. What I am really looking for is the modifications in the classroom. I don't care about the label/diagnosis.

 

[mickeymousefan]

Hi...... I also live in NJ and my daughter has a language disorder called apraxia. She had received OT and speech therapy from Early Intervention and now her services will be picked up by the school district (she turned 3 yesterday). Your school district should have a child study team that can evaluate your child and determine approriate services.
I am not sure where you live, but have you tried to get an appointment for neurology at The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. My child has had 2 major surgeries there and most of her specialists are affiliated with the hospital and it is a wonderful place. They have a reputation for being the best in the country.
Good luck.....

 

[agnes!]

You sound like a good & concerned mom. Don't give up, you ARE the world expert on what is right/appropriate/good for your child.
I would make an appointment with the school's principal, your child's teacher, the lead teacher (at the school for the grade your child is in) & *anyone* involved in your child's education at the school at their *earliest* convenience. Re-arrange your schedule if you have to, but GO *whatever* the first time is that they ask you to show up. Then I would walk in there with your husband, I'm not kidding, go with your DH! This will make a huge difference, he really must be there. Don't go by yourself, you'll feel outnumbered & at least for me, sometimes when I'm outnumbered by so-called experts, it is easier for them to treat me as if I'm being 'just a mom'.
If you have to, get a friend to come along, make sure whoever shows up on your side wears business attire.
Get that appointment *now*.
Also, sounds like there might be issues with your child's teacher being unwilling to accomodate your child's situation. Maybe talk to some of your friends with kids in the same classroom - how are their kids doing? Regardless of where their child is in the learning spectrum, do they notice some problems with their kids as well? Perhaps they could contact the school with their concerns about this teacher...

Hope that made sense,
agnes!
PS - Post here when you get some answers. And best wishes!!!!!

 

[DISNEYWORLDBORN2SHOP]

I have 2 sons with dysgraphia. Both of my children were diagnosed privately as they attend parochial school. My insurance company will not pay anything as it is considered a learning disability.

My oldest (12) was diagnosed by an OT and attended therapy for a year but there was never any significant improvement in his hand writing. He is very bright and seems to remember everything he hears in the classroom and can figure out his own handwriting so we discontinued the OT.

My youngest (10) was diagnosed by a child psychologist. We brought him for a total academic evaluation ($400) as he struggles in school. He was referred to a speach and language therpist who specializes in dysgraphia. I have seen some improvement but I think some of it may be due to his age and his own compensations as the psychologist suggested would happen. He does qualify for 504 plan but since he attends parochial school it is not as extensive as it would be in public school. He writes his own homework, notes, etc. and I am given copies from the teacher so I can read it. I do think he has benefited from having to continue to write. It makes him try a little harder than he would on his own.

The best thing we have come across was through the OT and it is a handwriting program called "Handwriting Without Tears" . You can purchase it online and work on it at home.

 

[SueM in MN]

another resource:
www.pacer.com
PACER is Parent Advocacy Center for Education Rights. It is based in Minnesota, but is a national resource. The website has links to local advocacy groups and other resources.