I had a retired teacher that seemed so helpful at first on yahoo answers. We even emailed and she gave me some advice but then she dropped me so to speak. I am financially burdened. I have been divorced for 7 .5 years, 5 of which no child support and now I have to stay home because I have to be home for kids in afternoon. I have teins 9.5 and twins 8. I need help w/ one of the 9 year olds. i am desperate for advice and help. He has had suicidal tendencies and possibly homicidal ones as well. He has gotten alot better and has learned to control his temper alot better but the school issues are hurting him. I cannot afford a private tutor and I can't do it because of having my other children. Is there any help out there? Could he somehow fall under any category to receive any financial assistance, ssi, disability, or financial burden grant for me? My other 3 children are in a gifted program so it is difficult for him and he has very low self esteem. Yes, we've done counseling, etc.
2007-03-13 20:31:57 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
You have many separate issues that need to be dealt with.
1. Why are you not receiving child support? You must contact an attorney or the state office that deals with this issue to have this dealt with immediately.
2. You should apply for SSI for you son with disabilities.
3. You should find a community service that will allow you respite care.
4. If your son is threatening suicide, he should be under the care of a licenses professional IMMEDIATELY. Do not allow them to just give him meds. He should have counseling on a weekly basis. Insist on your son receive the appropriate treatment.
5. Consider that your son may have a disorder other than ADHD. There are disorders which mimic ADHD and many doctors without experience and knowledge miss it. Some of the other conditions include autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and some other emotional disabilities. Sometimes kids who are very bright but also have learning disabilities appear to be adhd. That he has petit mal seizures is very interesting. Is he on medication for them? Some medications for seizures increase inattention and ADHD symptoms in some kids. Obviously I am not a doctor and am not giving you medical advice other than to research his medicines and contact the appropriate professional.
6. If your son has an improper program at school, or his program is not being implemented, than you should call for an immediate meeting of his IEP team and ask questions. If necessary, you should call an advocate for the disabled and ask them to represent you.
7. Afternoon child care---you should be able to arrange afternoon child care for your children. They aren’t that young. Are there no after school programs or Boy and Girl clubs?
8. You state that you cannot tutor your son because of your other three children. Eight and nine year olds are certainly old enough to be told to go into another room and find a quiet activity while you work with their brother.
9. T ell us what city, state you live and I’ll try to find some links for you.
2007-03-14 07:34:14 · answer #1 · answered by meridocbrandybuck 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, well, first off, you should call a resource hotline. Like in Hawaii we have Aloha United Way (211) and they'll give you the number. If your son is a special needs child, he may be eligible to have someone watch him for free provided by the state if he fits the requirements. Possibly autistic? ADHD and tantrums are some of the symptoms. Look on the web for autism resources that way you can find out if your son is autistic. The Department of Education can help get him evaluated. Schools do have a lot more answers than most people on here can give. States usually have resources available to help get him help. Call your local PATCH office to get a sitter for the kids afterschool that way you can work. Sometimes schools have free tutoring sessions after school, talk to his guidance counselor.
If you don't get child support, you need to call your child support office to ask the status of your ex husband's payments. If you can find out if he has a job, you can get his wages garnished. If he's getting money under the table, you can report his employer because that's against the law. Also, because there is back pay, if it exceeds $5K then his license will be suspended until he pays it back. Oh and he won't be able to leave the country. Your children are also entitled to his tax return. You can ask that medical and help for childcare is given. And you can ask for a modification of payments since you are not working. You will be entitled to a bit more.
I can't help you with the low self esteem.... just reassure him he's a valuable person in your life. Check if he qualifies for disablity for his seizures. Good luck
2007-03-14 07:19:31 · answer #2 · answered by ash 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Surely your son has an IEP (individualized education program) written. It is your right to DEMAND whatever services he needs to be successful in school. That could mean a private tutor, a full-time paraeducator, etc... With the "no child left behind" act, schools are particularly sensitive to making sure that kids do well on assessments. Having said that, the administrators are not going to lay out all of your rights to you on a platter. They would rather not deal with you because it is going to cost them a lot of money to take care of your son's needs. As long as you are not making a fuss, they're happy. Make an appointment with the special education coordinator in your district. Ask them to plainly describe your rights and then demand that they be fullfilled. Oh yeah, your gifted children also deserve accellerated learning opportunities and enrichment under the same "no child left behind" principle. Gifted kids also get the shaft because they do well on assessment tests and administrators take an " if it ain't broke..." attitude. Hope this helps.
2007-03-14 09:54:10 · answer #3 · answered by Midwest Maven 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would make sure he as an up to date IEP and then go to the teacher. She may be able to help him and if not she may know of some rescorces that can help you. You migh also want to look in to an advocate. They can help you find all of the recources that you need. They are there for the special needs child and their family. I don't know what state you are in..but for my students(I teach special ed)I have huge binders full of all of the recources in my state. You can also contact DDD in your state and they might be able to help you. As for the SSI...you will need the most current IEP and go down to the social security office. They can help you. I do know that if you have more than their allowed money in the bank...you will be denied. It is not fair... but I would try and then get an advocate.
2007-03-14 14:17:51 · answer #4 · answered by alybr 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about the financial stuff but you need to talk to his teacher.Many schools have programs already set up for kids to get extra help if they need it.
2007-03-14 03:42:20 · answer #5 · answered by rebel_gurl002 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋