Daughter entering first grade and struggling ... No help at school

by Bethany
(Canton, MI)

Hello everyone. I am a mother of three girls - 9,6,2. My oldest and youngest daughters have a severe food allergies, asthma and allergies.

My middle daughter has multiple health issues, including asthma, allergies, kidney problems, weight issues (caused from steroid use and an endocrine disorder), GERD and eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) which is a food allergic reaction within the esophagus. However, her health is well maintained and looking at her you cannot tell she is sick, even when she isn't feeling well. We have a great team of physicians and a good handle on everything. But when she began experiencing problems in school I attributed it to all of her health issues and worrying (she always worries about her sisters and I know about herself - but she keeps it in).

She started off around the same level as most Kindergarten kids. Math and numbers are not a problem, she is very mature and holds conversations like she is much older - her vocabulary is amazing. She is well behaved and gets along with other children. She has missed some school due to all of her illnesses but not enough to hurt her. As the other kids progressed with words and reading, she remained behind. Even the common words (the, at ,we)were hard for her. I read to her daily, we use flashcards and other word games. I would think she got a word, the- for example, and the next day the word would look foreign to her.

I have asked the teacher repeatedly for help and she just said we need to work harder. So we would work harder and it would always end with my daughter crying and saying she is stupid or going to fail or that her friends are smarter. I felt terrible.

I have asked for her to be tested and the school refused. My insurance won't cover it because they say it is the school's responsibility. I am at a complete loss. I am afraid that when she enters first grade she will fall even more behind and it will be even harder to catch up.

I don't know what else to do. It breaks my heart to see her struggle and I am so afraid of how this will effect her (academically and emotionally) as it continues.

I looked at this website because after I talked with some other parents they suggested a processing disorder. Does anyone have any advice or comments? I thank you for your help!