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My daughter had some trouble at the beginning of school, stomping her foot, giving the teacher dirty looks. So off to the therapist. They did testing. She had been in therapy before when she was in foster care but had stopped because things really improved. Anyway things got bad again as soon as she went to the therapist, then calmed down again. I'm confused by the whole thing. I've seen her other friends behave much worse outside of school. The teachers did assessments, and they agreed she was depressed, had conduct issues, anxious, hyper etc. Except for the hyper no behaviors I see worth getting excited about. So I've decided to give the ADHD medicine a try. We are going to the doctor soon. However, I had to get the write up from the person who did the testing. It said her diagnosis was ADHD and reactive attachment disorder. The therapist only met with her alone maybe two hours. Personally I agree with the ADHD and some attachment issues but not putting in her medical record RAD. I see no more depression in her than other children. So the therapist wants the school to have the write up, including the test results. If I were a teacher and read that I would be terrified of her. So that is my question, what do I do about the write up? I'm okay with parts like she has difficulty with verbal instructions etc. But I'm not okay with RAD label and making it sound like she is ready for the psycho ward. So back to the point, do I have to show the school the entire write up? Can I just tell them the important parts she said. I know people are thinking I'm in denial but I really think everybody heard adopted foster and went overboard. I want the teachers to know some issues but not a new diagnosis of RAD after like two hours. Her previous therapist just said some attachment issues. I discussed it with her and she didn't see any serious issues and she saw her for years.
I would only share with the school what you are comfortable sharing. I have been told by a few counselors to "watch the labels" when it comes to school because it can come back to bite the child. What kind of doctor are you going to soon? Can that doctor write the information you need & you share that with the school? IMO - I don't think the school needs to know about the RAD diagnoses. Also, if you don't agree with the RAD diagnoses, I would get a 2nd opinion.
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Only share what you feel is relevant and what the school needs to know to help your DD. I have shared with the school some things about my DD but not all, because I know that there are other things they would use against her.
when they did the eval form for the therapist the school counselor wouldn't let me take them to the therapist myself. She was real pointed that they wanted to mail them. Like I wasn't going to see them later or alter them. Anyway how exactly do I tell the school. Just write it up myself or something? I thought they wanted me to give them a copy of the test results and the write up from the therapist. That is what the doctor is requiring to put her on the ADHD pills.
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Would you be able to use the pediatrician's diagnosis of ADHD with the school to get the accommodations you need and skip the therapist's report all together? I think your gut on this is probably exactly right and instead of finding accommodation and compassion you might find judgment and labeling. It's the best reason for paying for your own testing - it's yours and you don't have to share!
Teachers are not allowed to tell you your child is depressed, etc. They are only supposed to put behavior related facts on the assessment forms.
I would not tell the school any of the diagnosis made in that 2 hours session. Go back to your original therapist and get a second opinion.