My Soap box of Discontent post !

Pardon me while I get on my soap-box of discontent~

Yesterday, I had a meeting with our local school district-- to determine if Shane should receive an IEP -or a 504 plan for his kindergarten year next September.
I was very lucky to have his current teacher be available to go with me.

However, I was disappointed to find out that the school district doesn't think Shane is in need~
Both his teacher Laura and I were --not pleased to hear the school districts findings.
They (the school district) came out,to his school-- back in March and tested him, they only saw him just that one time, and they didn't even observe him in the classroom!
Later that day Shane had a really tough time -- he wouldn't eat snack (which is VERY unusual) and getting on the bus was a three person job--- he cried the whole way home! --- But, all this is immaterial according to the school district!

At this point the school district is possibly willing to create a 504 plan for Shane, but only after I get a medical diagnosis-- of ADHD, or Bi-Polar,--- I don't even know if Sensory Issues would qualify.

I found out that I am at the mercy of our neighborhood school principal ! Apparently each school creates it's own guidelines for what language the 504 plan has in it and what would terms or jargon qualify.

I have already put a call into a Developmental Pediatrician--
I just wonder if I should try to take my bright,sweet -- if a touch obnoxious 5 year old to see a psychologist,or a psychiatrist?

I searched on the internet-- and here is some things I found--- I cut and pasted the information below from, http://bipolar.about.com/cs/kids_diag/a/red_flags4.htm


A study conducted by Demitri Papolos, MD, and Janice Papolos indicates that over 80% of children who have Bipolar Disorder come from families with a history of mood disorders and/or alcoholism on both sides of the family. And yet, even when a strong family history of this is present, professionals rarely consider early-onset Bipolar Disorder. Many children who actually have Bipolar Disorder have been diagnosed with ADHD. Why? Because the official guidelines for diagnosing Bipolar Disorder found in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) outline criteria based on classic adult symptoms. When the last edition of the DSM was published, very little was known about how Bipolar Disorder presents itself in children.

Below are some symptoms~

Very Common

• Separation Anxiety
  
• Rages & Explosive Temper Tantrums (lasting up to several hours)
  
• Marked Irritability
  
• Oppositional Behavior
  
• Frequent Mood Swings
  
• Distractibility
  
• Hyperactivity
  
• Impulsivity
  
• Restlessness/ Fidgetiness
  
• Silliness, Goofiness, Giddiness
  
• Racing Thoughts
  
• Aggressive Behavior
  
• Grandiosity
  
• Carbohydrate Cravings
  
• Risk-Taking Behaviors
  
• Depressed Mood
  
• Lethargy
  
• Low Self-Esteem
  
• Difficulty Getting Up in the Morning
  
• Social Anxiety
  
• Oversensitivity to Emotional or Environmental Triggers

Common

• Bed-Wetting (especially in boys)
  
• Night Terrors
  
• Rapid or Pressured Speech
  
• Obsessional Behavior
  
• Excessive Daydreaming
  
• Compulsive Behavior
  
• Motor & Vocal Tics
  
• Learning Disabilities
  
• Poor Short-Term Memory
  
• Lack of Organization
  
• Fascination with Gore or Morbid Topics
  
• Hypersexuality
  
• Manipulative Behavior
  
• Bossiness
  
• Lying
  
• Suicidal Thoughts
  
• Destruction of Property
  
• Paranoia
  
• Hallucinations & Delusions

Less Common

• Migraine Headaches
  
• Bingeing
  
• Self-Mutilating Behaviors
  
• Cruelty to Animals

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
As much as I want my son to have behavior support in the classroom -- I don't think that he meets many of these...."symptoms" but then I am not a Doctor--- I happen to be, Just a Mom!

Aggghhh...

And so I wait, for appointments, and pray that that the diagnosis -
- we receive is enough to help my dear son be a successful student!

edited to add: I got an appointment!!!!! YIPPPPPEEEEEEE!!
however, the appointment is not until July 10th!