I'm so glad I've found this message board! Hi, I have a 6-yr old daughter who was diagnosed a year ago with SPD, Non-verbal learning disorder, and an anxiety disorder with OCD features. I'm happy to say that after a year of grieving over this, trying to get DH to understand it all (he still doesn't, but is getting better) and trying to find help, I'm finally starting to really see the positives, and I'm not spending most of my time worrying about future trouble. DD is currently in language therapy, OT and seeing a pysch for her anxiety and to help with social skills. We are fortunate, in a way, that we qualify for our state's children's health insurance plan, especially since her school says she doesn't qualify for assistance from the school system. I also don't understand why it is so hard to get help for these kids.

Oh, I've got to go. My 2yr old monkey just woke up! One quick question, how do you deal with the effects of a special needs kid on your NT (neurologically typical) kids? Lily's involuntary reactions to sensory problems seems to be turning into Elena's learned behaviors! Should I ignore this and hope that it will go away?

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

Sensory Processing Disorder, with an official diagnosis should be reason enough to warrant special services. That is actually what got my son into Occupational Therapy. I would contact the principal and the district. Someone is not helping. Also, check with your state's school board and the resource teacher. I don't know what state you're in, but I would definitely push this one. You have a good question on the NTs, and it's a new one for me, because my baby is only one. Anyone else?

Welcome. I hope you can find some help here.

I'm in the Char-Meck school system in NC and I was very clearly told on more than one occasion that because Lily does not "show a need" in the classroom that she doesn't qualify for services, and that a diagnosis isn't enough for the school system to help Lily. Because Lily's OT is fully covered by her insurance, i didn't push it. My main concern was about the NLD and providing preventive therapies. You have no idea (well, maybe you do) what I went through just to get a pragmatic language evaluation done. It took more than 2 months after my request, before the evaluation was actually completed and another month before I got the results. Again, Lily didn't qualify. After taking Lily to a private SLP for evaluation, I found out that the particular test the school did on Lily is basically useless and not the preferred test of most language pathologists! With this type of LD, Lily is not going to show an academic need until 2nd or 3rd grade. This school system is most definitely reactive and not proactive. Which is why I'm considering trying to get her into a charter school or even (gasp!) home schooling.

Hi Monkey's mom - I am in NC, but I live in Wake Forest (Raleigh Area) and have wonderful help with our school system, I am sorry you are having struggles. I am not familiar with your diagnosis, but I found a few NC-based links that might help:

Exceptional Children - free parent support for NC parents of special needs. Check out their library listing for help and resources. Maybe you will find local support. I just noticed they are presenting a speaker in your area TONIGHT on special education in schools. (check workshop opportunities.
http://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/index.shtml

Family Support Network of North Carolina promotes and provides support for families with children who have special needs
http://fsnnc.med.unc.edu/

Good luck. You are your child's best advocate. Educate yourself on your rights, and keep us posted on your progress.

__________________
Debbie

"Watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves." --Benjamin Franklin

You definately need a parent advocate. I'm wracking my brain as to who you call to get one for the school system. I know if you can have one sit with you while doing your child's IEP. Anyone out know how to contact one? We currntly don't have one but our case worker talked about an advocate before.

Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health www.ffcmh.org some where there should be a link as to who to contact for your state. They are a wealth of info and are great for advocacy.

You guys are great! Your suggestions sound like they will be very helpful. Thank you!

To you moms who helped her with the resources in this posting, a big THANK YOU!! You are doing exactly what I was hoping we would achieve here. We are soooooo lucky to "know" each other. I think Mommysavers has the best members!