School says daughter has problems, but pediatrician & therapists don't

[DLS22574]

I'm at my wits' end.  My daughter is fairly well behaved at home, but since 1st grade has had behavior problems at school, and they've gotten much worse this year.

Her current classroom is small and crowded and my daughter has been complaining endlessly at school that it's very noisy and she can't concentrate.  She's been moved to different seats and it hasn't helped.  She's allowed to leave the classroom when she gets too overwhelmed, so she spends a good chunk of time outside the classroom so she misses a lot of the lessons.  The teacher is exasperated by her behavior and wants my husband and I to find a solution to it.  I told her that she is sensitive to noisy environments and hates crowds but we don't know what to do about it.

She's on a IEP for her behavior problems and last year her IEP team said I should tell her pediatrician that she has behavior problems in school and that she needs a referral to a therapist because they think she has mental issues.  When I told the pediatrician about my daughter's problems in school, she didn't think they were a big deal and told me she doesn't need a therapist.  When I told the IEP team what the pediatrician said at this year's meeting, they were livid.  They told me at this meeting that I absolutely have to find a therapist for my child, that she has severe mental issues and that she wouldn't make it in middle school if I didn't. (She's in 4th grade right now.)  I've contacted several therapists and most wouldn't see my daughter because they didn't think she had any mental problems, and that seeing her would be a waste of their and my daughters' time.  They said it was the school's responsibility to resolve the issues.

Right now I don't know what to think, and I'm panicking because the IEP team expects me to line up a therapist but no therapist will see her.  I don't want to tell them that no therapist will see her because I'm very afraid of their reaction (I find the IEP meetings very intimidating.)  I'm still looking for a therapist.  I was wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation.  Thanks.

[Emily_MHManager]

Hi everyone -

All opinions are welcomed here, as long as they are respectful of others.  It is actually beneficial to members if they can hear varying opinions, as that will help them make an informed decision regarding a plan for evaluation, treatment, etc.

Please remember to keep them respectful and on topic.

Emily

[margypops]

I would go with the answer Annie posted  and also stillamommasgirl ..you specialmom also had some great input when you are not fixed on every child having sensory disorder..I am aware some do have I just dont think all have ..good luck ...

[margypops]

Also if a normal answer is put forward about a childs behavior it has been shot down with a huge long diatribe about sensory disorder or adhd ..as I say folks look for your self .

[margypops]

No not all the time in 4 years I have been here on this forum  most parents I have seen come for information about there childs behavior and now it has in fact become one of disorders ..add ADHD ,even though there is a forum for that , and recently 'non stop sensory disorder.' Members have only to scroll down to see ...well maybe Med help should change the catagory  ...Its not about information its about drilling into parents their children have something wrong with them ...most time they dont ...

[margypops]

The child behavior forum has turned into a sensory' disorder forum anyone interested not long ago it was really simply about kids with problems.... scroll down and see how many posts are now full of disorders particularly Sensory ..Look for your self ..maybe America is just full of children with disorders .and there is no other normal ,natural reason .And this is my opinion which I think we are allowed on Med Help.....

[margypops]

I still agree with all you have said here I do not believe for one minute every child has a 'disorder ' we see so much of it on here , it maybe that there should be a' disorders forum" I do believe it allows parents to free them selves from feeling guilty, so lets get a label on everything ..go with your gut DSL ..you will be glad you did ..