A free newsletter by BJ Madewell
DIAGNOSIS ADD ADHD Now What?
Published 10th, 20th & 30th of each month
PLEASE SEE DISCLAIMER AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT!
MARCH 30, 2003
THE DOC IS OUT
A recent repeat of an ongoing problem has prompted me to write about the lack of communication between doctors and educators.
My case load the last 15 years has been riddled with ADDers. In my current case load of 26 elementary age students, 8 of them are diagnosed ADD/ADHD, on medication and "under a doctor's care". It is critical, according to papers written on the treatment of ADDers that there be close communication between parent, teacher, and physician.
HA!
Recently, I was contacted concerning behavior issues of a student whose name and other identifying information will be manipulated here to mask his/her identity. My primary IEP related goals with this 4th grade boy are to monitor his behavior, provide emotional support, and monitor implementation of a behavior plan. His history includes running away from school, being disrespectful to peers and adults (even to police officers), refusing to comply with simple requests (such as picking up his glasses), work completion issues - etc. Additionally, he is in foster care.
Benjamin*, has been on medication for ADD/ADHD for about 3 years. This year, up until Christmas, things were pretty smooth for Benjamin. His work was generally completed on time. He was USUALLY on task and earned passing grades (including a couple As). His behavior plan was scaled back from daily rewards to weekly/intermittent rewards.
During Christmas break, Benjamin went to the doctor for a med check. The doctor recommended a medication change. The foster parent questioned the need since Benjamin's work habits, foul moods and grades had improved. Well, you know what happened, right? The medication was changed. Rarely do lay persons argue with doctors, figuring the doc "is in." I was not contacted about this pending medication change. Nor were any staff that works with Benjamin.
Gradually Benjamin's school experiences deteriorated. The staff working with him noticed subtle changes, but nothing definitive was noted until ..... grade card time. Ben's above average grades fell dramatically, his deportment grades also fell. The foster parent was contacted. Through discussion it was determined that the parent was also noting differences in behavior.
In mid-March, a loud, verbal (almost physical) confrontation with a staff member was serious enough to convene the team to discuss Ben's needs and consider an alternative behavior plan. The foster parent was anxious to participate in this change. It was discovered at that time that Benjamin's medication had been changed/adjusted just prior to the noted behavior changes.
WELL DUH!
Ben's behaviors have caused him to be removed from some of his general education activities to work1:1 with a para professional due to inattentiveness, anger, and work completion issues. His negative, sneaky, inappropriate behaviors have cost him a number of friendships he had strived hard to establish.
Staff had no communication from the doctor concerning the effectiveness of the initial medication. No sharing of information between the doctor and school staff occurred. Had staff been contacted, it is safe to assume, Ben's behavior issues would have been more closely monitored.
We are supposed to be a team of adults, working together to enhance the school experience for Benjamin and others like him. BUT ... we can't play on the team if not informed of changes that impact "our game plan."
OTHER WAYS THE DOCTOR IS OUT:
Educators are frequently called upon to complete questionnaires to determine
ADD/ADHD tendencies. RARELY is feedback
given upon completion of the survey. Parents sometimes
inform teachers but frequently choose not to for whatever reason.
In the 30+ years I've been a special educator, I have RARELY been contacted by a doctor for any information concerning an identified ADDer other than filling out a questionnaire prior to diagnosis. In my experience, once diagnosis has been made, doctors RARELY contact school personnel to determine if medication given is helpful. The doctor's roll appears to me to be one of filling out a prescription and changing the prescription periodically on a whim. Are medication changes made to receive kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies? I highly doubt it but do wonder sometimes why doctors do what they do.
DOCTORS NEED TO, IN MY OPINION, "GET ON THE TEAM"
IT'S YOUR CHOICE
Strive to connect teachers. parents and doctors as part of a child's educational team.
PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE
When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops I've taken AND GIVEN during my 30+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students - sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights.
Some information is acquired from the INTERNET. Be aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate. Use your own judgment. This information is not intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer, psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist. Consult your child's (or your own) doctor for additional input.
Editor: BJ Madewell
Wichita, KS area
316-733-9532
FAX not available
Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
