We had the meeting today and covered several things. Charlotte's teacher aid expressed concern over Charlotte's inability to focus on any one thing. She wants to change the subject, she is very fidgety, and tries to do a lot of things at one time. The aid asked us if we had ever talked to the pediatrician about ADD.
We have talked to the pediatrician about Charlotte's lack of focus and he told us to bring her back as she works through school if we or the teachers express any more concern. He said it is very common in children who were exposed in-utero to drugs. Charlotte's teacher also recommended we talk to the pedi and ask for a diagnosis because it will give the teachers the ability to do more to help her be successful. The teachers brought up the possibility of medication for ADD, but we feel strongly that it's a last resort. We plan to make an appointment with the pediatrician and go from there.
Her teacher also recommended the occupational therapist come into the classroom to work with Charlotte on fine motor skills, specifically hand writing and cutting. We went over Charlotte's history with developmental delays and how the adoption took place and agreed to the OT working with Charlotte.
We did ask about Charlotte's reading in the wrong direction and for right now the teacher isn't concerned. The teacher asked about Charlotte's need to constantly snack. We let the teacher know that we encourage Charlotte to be aware of her hunger cues because her behavior deteriorates very quickly if she gets even a little bit hungry. The teacher said she just wanted to check that it was normal for Charlotte to need to snack frequently and sometimes kids with ADD or developmental delays will fixate on food because it’s something they can control.
Overall it was a good meeting. I worry about how much harder life is for Charlotte because of someone else's poor choices. And just when I think I'm learning to forgive her birth mother, I get so angry all over again. Charlotte is a fighter and a resilient little girl. I know we are giving her everything she needs to be successful. I know she couldn't have a better peer model than Cooper. It still doesn't make my anger any less.
3 comments:
It really is hard to manage anger at things out of our control, things we can't do anything about, things we can't influence. But it sounds like you are doing everything you can to move forward, and that's all we can do. Sounds like you have a couple of great kids.
Hi Salina,
I so understand your angry, I saw so many of my students struggle because their moms used drugs/alcohol while pregnant. Then it was usually a grandparent or other family member that ended up raising the child. Luckily Charlotte has you two as her parents. It also sounds like she has a supportive teacher too. Couple do things, if I may. I agree with the teacher, reading right to left and even reversing letters and numbers is common. It has to do with a section of the brain that is continuing to mature. Hopefully, the teacher recommended you point to the words (several ways to do this, using a pointer, your finger, etc) as you read and have Charlotte do it to. It helps develop the directionality and help with sound to word/letter abilities. There are tons of other tricks too! As to the ADD, I agree with you 100%. There are so many behavior techniques you can use. If Charlotte's attention issues aren't effecting her school work I would avoid drugs. Charlotte is still just a baby and has lots of maturing to do. You'll see tons of change in the next 2 years. Again, tons of behavior tricks you can use and the teacher can at school too. Hang in there, I know this is frustrating, but with your love and direction Charlotte has a great future!
Warmly,
Cheryl Colazas
I feel your pain friend, you're definitely NOT alone in this area! Charlotte is amazing and will have such an amazing story of resiliency. If you ever need to vent, I am here.
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