5 year old having trouble in school

[Jaydensmom1]

My son who is 5 years old is having alot of trouble in school. He is in Kindergarten.  My son cries and whines alot when he is at school..they tell me he screams so loudly that the teacher is unable to conduct class and has to move him to another classroom. He is not agressive towards anyone..but now he is having severe tantrums ..falling on the ground..kicking and screaming. He DOES NOT behave this way at home...we are at a loss to understand why he is behaving this way in school. When he was in preschool he had some of the same issues and they asked us to see a specialist because they believed he may have ADD or ADHD..the doctor never actually saw my son. Based on the evaluations submitted by both the school and myself and husband he concluded that there was nothing unusual in his behavior. Now things seem to be escalating and they are talking about "writing" him up at school and possibly sending him home. I guess my question is basically what should we do???? I should mention that my son was born at 28 weeks..2 pds 8 oz and does have hydrocephalus and a shunt but is testing above average at his school. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated..

[William L. Holcomb, Ph.D., BCBA-D]

Since your question is “…what should we do?” here’s what I would do (and these things should be all done as soon as possible):  speak with the appropriate person at the school (start with your son’s teacher; and he or she may refer you to a school psychologist, social worker or special needs department).  Explain that you want your son to receive a screening for any special education needs and, if there are any indicators of specific areas of difficulty, a full CORE Evaluation.  After you speak with the school personnel, put down in a letter to the school what you discussed (when you met, your request for an assessment etc.).   Let me add that I mention putting your request in writing in order to help keep things clear for you and the school and to document the request.  I want to emphasize that I have often spoken with parents who seem to develop an adversarial relationship with their school system before there has been a chance for the school to address the parents’ concerns.  I think speaking with the appropriate personnel at the school before requesting anything in writing helps to keep everyone working together as a team.  The until such time as the school gives you a reason to believe that they are not acting in your child’s best interest, assume they are following through on their mandate to provide your child with an appropriate education.  At the same time as meeting with your school, talk to your child’s pediatrician and ask about a referral to a pediatric neurologist.  I suggest this based on the history that you have provided.  I will also add that I am not sure what doctor you saw that used the checklists alone as a basis for concluding that there was nothing wrong with your son.  Checklists are commonly used in diagnosis of ADHD, but they are only one part of a comprehensive assessment.  

[harmony1962]

Please do like to good Doctor says. I did not find out what the real problem was until my son hit the 7th grade. He started really having problems in the 4th grade. Banging his head on the desk, fighting with the teachers. It was a nightmare. Now He is 17 and a straight A student. He is writing a book and is the star in the choir. They have so many great ways to help children in school now. Special classes but still like everyone else. I am so greatful that I had a teacher that careed enough to have my son tested. I would have gone on thinking he was just a bad boy. Now that the blinders are off for myself and my son we have a great realationship. Don't take NO for an answer. My son has Asperger's and it is had to diagnosis sometimes. There is hope and help out there.
Do what ever it take to find it. You won't regret it.

[Jaydensmom1]

Thank you so much for answering my question. I guess I was really having a hard time finding a plan of action..and now I have one ..so thanks