What if this was YOUR child / what would you want me to do?
by ANONYMOUS
(FLORIDA)
I'm also brainstorming a plan to provide continued services for one of my little ones (preschool) with SPD. He just got a private diagnosis Friday! I'm tempted to push for ADHD label, just to get continued services. In Florida, his Developmental Delay label expires when he turns 6. No IEP or services/accommodations after, unless there's a recognized label. Is there a better way? With ADHD is he only able to get a 504? With a 504, can he still get OT? I know a 504 has fewer legal rights... would/could that impact him? Is a 504 "good enough" to get him what he needs (theoretically)?
My next question is: he's in constant motion, mostly bouncing... to the point where it's very disruptive to the routine and the environment that I work so hard to create for my other children with a variety special needs. He starts bouncing, running, yelling... and before you know it, the other children join in (what a powerful reinforcer for all). He seems to only get more active the more bouncing/active he gets. If he's bouncing to fulfill his need to self regulate, why doesn't he progress to the calm alert state? I have provided acceptable times/places to bounce and I don't see much difference... the bouncing around the room hasn't decreased; except when I make him/time out :( . I hate putting him in time out, even as a last resort. I realize I need the time out, but that's not an option. I tried to teach him to "take a break" on a bean bag chair. He still saw/verbalized it as a "time out!"
He's cognitively typical/possibly gifted. Definitely academically bored in my special needs classroom. He is the brightest, most adorable, happy kid you ever met... with great self esteem so far. I want to give the next teacher more tools than just time out. When he starts bouncing, I remind him "we bounce on the trampoline, on the Hippity Hop ball, outside, etc." I play classical music throughout the day. I provide a variety of sensory activities often, for all of the children. I'm trying to implement a sensory diet (weighted turtle, weighted backpack, ankle weights, beanbag blanket for nap time, lots of bear hugs, fidgets, wiggle seats, etc.), but don't really have the expertise. I have done hours and hours AND HOURS of research and reading and can't seem to meet his needs while meeting the needs of my other children. Many would say that my other children are suffering, because the majority of my time and energy are being spent on this one child.
Please, Please, Please give me ideas. I only have seven more months... and then he goes to someone who may have never heard of SPD.
