test results for caleb

boyohboyohboy wrote: We had scheduled some testing with an independant dr(psychiatrist) today to address the issues and diagnosis that the school had made on caleb. They (the school) had said he is ADHD, also had anxiety disorder, as well as impulsive disorder. We were told that social services would be called in as well as they recommended we take caleb to our primary dr and they would send along their recommendations and he would be medicated appropriately. I am so thankful that I am not a parent who takes what the school says at face value, or my son would be needlessly medicated right now.
The dr today spoke at great length with caleb and also myself, 2hours, is what the time span was for calebs interview (compaired to the 20 mins the school guidance councelor observed caleb) He was given the cullen test(forgive me I got that name wrong, I know someone here mentioned it to me also) He was asked lots of questions. I reported to this dr the entire story as I told you all here, about what they have done, and in the past week, have talked with in ear shot of caleb and other students, caleb has been under the impression that he is going to be removed from our care, and in his head he determined that would happen in the middle of the night. He also was sure he was going to be medicated and turned into a vegetable (as per his friends). The teachers were talking about him and he heard some of the conversations and some of the other kids did as well, so his time at school has been filled with anxiety and dread. HE repeated exact conversations for the dr today. Caleb is depressed, and anxious now because of what the school has done TO him. He isnt sleeping, which I didnt know, but he confided into the dr today, that he is afraid of large arms taking him from the house, and things he knows are not something to be afraid of, he is scared of because he can see them turn into things scarey. so he is to afraid to come out of his room and run to our room, because these giant arms are going to get him. The dr said caleb is processing it the only way he knows how, and that it could be his fears of being taken away and hearing what he thinks he does from the adults at school. They have created so much more harm in him

OUr dr has suggested caleb cont. one on one therapy, to help increase his confidence and self worth. I am going to do that.
we meet with the school on thursday. I swear its taking everything I have right now not to go in their with guns blazing! I was told today that caleb has issues with our relocation here from a yr and half ago. He hasnt dealt with that move. I knew that, and had called when he was in the end of kindergarden and asked the guidence counselor to speak to him and help him, they dropped the ball, I asked in first grade for some help fostering good friendships in his school, never received it, I called this year two weeks ago, and asked for help because something was going on in that school that wasnt ok for him, asked again for some help with his socializing and confidence. Instead what they gave me was some over confident guidence counselor who thinks she is a dr, who ripped my family apart with her diagnosis. She and the other teachers have made caleb feel dumb and broken (his words) for the past week for nothing.
I am refusing, all meds. I am asking to have his school record cleaned up. There is no reason for this to be in it. I am asking for him to be moved to a new school at the end of this school year. I am afraid a move before then will validate his feelings of not being wanted.I am asking he be tested for advanced placement, and if he doesnt qualify then he needs some more challanging work then what he is giving. Our current pysch dr offered to write up a care plan to help caleb stay in his seat and be more respectful to the teacher, with positive behavior modifications. He said our school will more then likely rebell against outside help, but if they refuse then I am going to the super intendent of schools and the school board.
I feel good for caleb, he is ok, and he is going to get some help with the issues I knew he had a problem with , but couldnt get help with before. I also feel better as caleb said he really liked this dr and he felt that he was on his side. I think caleb is in agreement to the school change.
although it has to be done with care. you should have heard caleb asking the dr if the dr was going to give him meds, and if the dr thought he was ok. The dr was so kind and soft spoken and told caleb that he was fine and didnt need any of that, the relief that passed over caleb was visable even to the dr.

I cant tell you how relieved I feel, but at the same time, I am so full of anger. I realize I should go in the school meeting with a bit more reserve to get what I want done, but honestly I need to vent my frustration with them, and point the finger where it needs placed. I cant let them get away with it.

I cant help but think about the other kids we know who have been put on meds at this schools request..these poor kids.

thank you for sticking by me in this.

luvmykids replied: Oh wow, Stacey! What an incredible relief for you to have a professional tell you your son is OK!! I'm very relieved for all of you but especially Caleb, how awful for a child to hear things like he's heard about him from people that children his age think of as right all the time!

I think the continued help for him is great too, and will help him greatly down the road. I hope you're able to move him to another school and give him a fresh start.

Good job mom, KUP how it goes with the school!

coasterqueen replied: Wow, well I'm glad you got a good report on him and he's doing well and doesn't need medicated. I'm glad he will be getting one-on-one counseling as well.

As far as your requests to the school for help on socializing, etc - are you participating in the school as well, so that he gets other opportunities with socializing? I ask, because that is where a LOT of socializing goes on in our school district. The kids play on the playground at recess, but outside of school is where they get the most time together for socializing, play, building friendships, etc. It's hard, especially working full time, but we try to set up play dates and attend as many school functions as we can so they get all that. Maybe try joining the school PTC.

boyohboyohboy replied:
we have tried repeatedly, but caleb hates any sports, he isnt sporty, kinda clumbsy, we suggested karate and he refused. we attempted scouts but were told that there were very few leaders here in this town and if he was to join then his dad needed to join as a leader, well thats impossible as he works second shift.
we are working now on some things thru church.
I asked caleb if he could do anything, for fun outside of school what would it be, and he said MATH! I know, nerd, but thats his thing. He doesnt get that from me!

so we are still thinking what else he could do.
He is kinda young yet for music here, at least they dont offer it.

MommyToAshley replied:
The church group is a great start!! Do you have any friends with kids around the same age? Maybe just set up a casual playdate? What about joining a bowling league?

As for his test results, I am sure you are relieved. I'm glad you got a professional opinion. Sounds like the school was very unprofessional in how they handled the entire situation. A new school and a new start may be exactly what he neeeds. Maybe you can arrange for him to meet some of the kids at his new school before he starts so at least he will know someone when he starts.

my2monkeyboys replied: I'm so sorry you're all going through all of this... someone really should be put in their place. Maybe after the new school and things have settled down you can really sit down with all involved and hash it out.
As for socializing, school time really doesn't help with that much, as you see. The only time they really get to talk/play/get to know each other is at recess, which doesn't last very long now-a-days. After-school functions, church groups, local library events... these are the times that really help foster social time. Once he finds even one buddy he likes, have little get-togethers at your house for them, and maybe even invite a child or 2 he doesn't really know yet, but maybe his buddy does. Also, if there is a park nearby go there every nice moment you can... you're bound to run into some other kids he hits it off with.
As for sports, maybe you could go by one afternoon and just watch a soccer or baseball game. That may spark his interest if he sees others having fun out there. If not, maybe you could talk to the school (at a pto meeting perhaps) about starting a math club. I'm sure there are other kids that like that kind of thing.
I hope y'all find something soon for him to enjoy, whether it's a sport or just fun time. I know you're thrilled to know he doesn't need medication, though!

jcc64 replied: I'm so happy to hear that you have found compassionate, professional, appropriate care for Caleb. What a relief you must feel. I hope you can work things out as smoothly as possible with the school situation, though honestly, I do believe the school sounds like it's acting in a highly unprofessional, borderline illegal manner. I implore you to check your state regs regarding mentioning diagnoses and/or meds to parents, and know that info before your next meeting. All you have to do is hint at a lawsuit, and mark my words, their tune will change quickly.

boyohboyohboy replied:
I tried to google education laws in pa, and school laws in pa, and havent found anything useful. Is there another way to google it?

BAC'sMom replied: Try this

http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/se..._education/7237

MommyToAshley replied: I was just reading some information while trying to do some research on what different test scores mean, and I thought of Caleb. Did the psychiatrist do an IQ test? Often times, children that are gifted are confused with those that have ADHD. And, they sometimes have trouble relating to other kids because their thought process is different or they have different interest. Another clue was that they have problems following classroom rules. The gifted child isn't always that one in the classroom with the highest grades or the perfect role model for other students. If I were you, I would have him tested and it could give you and his teachers some insight on how to best help Caleb succeed.

boyohboyohboy replied:
I havent thought of caleb as gifted, but we work with him during the summer pretty hard and he reads well above his age but its only because he works at it.
I have asked for placement testing to be done at the school, but dont know if thats the same as you are describing.
The dr yesterday didnt do any type of test like that.

cameragirl21 replied: glad to hear you got good news, Stacy, and the staff at Caleb's school seem like they really have a lot to be desired.

luvmykids replied:
I think that may be different...it might depend on the school though and how thorough their placement testing is. Our gifted program regularly tests kids who've been called "difficult" or "disruptive" and I think it's an entirely different type of test since the focus is on determining if their thought process is out of the box rather than where they might be in the box, if that makes sense.

coasterqueen replied:
I was thinking more along the lines of what outside things the school promotes. Like our school has family fun nights at different places in town (once a month). There are PTC events, breakfasts, etc. Then there are just the playdates I set up with other mothers so our kids can play together.

julesmom replied: When you do talk to the school, have your dh or someone else go with you! They will be more careful of what they say if there is a witness, other then the parent.

That is wonderful that you found such a good psychiatrist!

MommyToAshley replied:
I agree. It is a different kind of test. The placement test you described is probably a standards test which tests their mastery of skills that are taught in school. The IQ test is different in that it tests their cognitive ability... their ability to reason. No matter how much you work with them on the skills, it should not change their IQ test scores. I started reading about IQ scores out of curiosity about a score Ashley received and have found the subject to be interesting.

Many parents have gifted kids and don't think of ever testing them as being gifted because they receive average grades in school. And, some of the kids that get great grades don't have the highest IQ scores, they just have the skills necessary to succeed. A high IQ doesn't necessarily mean that a kid will succeed in school, either. But, if your child has a high IQ and is struggling in school or socially, then it can give you some insight as to what to do to help. This may or may not be the case with Caleb, but I think it is worth investigating. There were just some flags that made me think of Caleb, including his prolonged interest in one subject (math).

There are many different IQ tests, but not all of them are reliable. An IQ test administered by a psychiatrist is considered the most reliable.

Kirstenmumof3 replied: Wow I'm so sorry to hear this! That is a lot to take in for such a little guy! I'm so glad you didn't listen to the school and took things one step further. It's also great that he likes the doctor and will continue to get help. I also like that you want to transfer him to another school. He has a wonderful mommy!

my2monkeyboys replied: Why didn't I think of that! I have a younger cousin who was CONSTANTLY getting into trouble... nothing serious, but it was happening almost daily. They put him on a med for ADHD, but still were having some rough patches. His mom finally took him to an outside dr. who ran some tests on him, and what do you know, he was in 7th grade but the dr. said he could have sailed through 12th grade easily. So, they put him in a different school for a fresh start, bumped him up 1 grade and had him in Gifted/Talented classes. Now he needs no meds and is doing so much better.
Whether this is the case for Caleb or not, I don't know, but it's worth looking in to.

~Roo'sMama~ replied: WOW Stacy, I'm sorry he's been going through this! I hope they'll realize how wrong they've been and will be willing to work with you now! You must be so relieved to have gotten such a good report today... it sounds like the dr you talked to is wonderful. Good luck tomorrow!