Warmly,
Amy Price
SENG Executive Director

hmm interesting. we are lucky in that we have only a $100 deductible which we have already me. My son gets OT at school and I wish I could say it helped. He wore a weighted vest yesterday and still was completely distracted, unable to focus, or sit still. His teacher basically begged me to try medications. I am so torn. I know that in the case of basic brain chemistry, like in depression, the medications are a necessity.

I can sympathize about the hefty co-pays. For us to go out of network, we’d have to pay over $1500 for a deductible and then have a 45% co-pay. I was also recently told that while our insurance would cover the other 55%, they only cover 55% of their customary charges. So if the place charges more then we need to cover the difference. At least this is what the latest rep told me. It’s crazy. I’m still waiting to hear whether they’ve been able to work out an in-network rate with CHOP or the neuropsychologist. I can say, though, that CHOP said they would try to work something out with insurance. If your insurance doesn’t have comparable services in-network you can try requesting they cover out-of-network providers at the in-network rate. The worst they can do is say no. I just learned this recently, so thought I’d share.

Yes my son has similar behavior at home. LIke you, we quasi home school and as he concentrates he will sometimes actually wiggle MORE as he struggles to figure something out. Unlike your son he has a fast processing time, so he gets bored if teaching doesn’t go fast enough. He loves self paced learning for that reason. We use a lot of online learning sites for that reason.

I honestly don’t know where I fall on the ADHD diagnosis. If he has it, then it is on the impulsive/hyperactive side, but I do see lots of development in his executive functions this year, so part of me thinks it may be a maturity issue.

Does your son have ADHD behaviors at home or just at school? Is he able to focus better when he is challenged? I was initially very reluctant to even consider ADHD for my son. However, his inattentive behaviors have increased dramatically this year both at school and home. He now seems to shy away from challenging work as well. Whatever his diagnosis may be, I know we need to do something.

I recently finished reading Parenting Children with ADHD. I plan on copying a page and taking it with me to the pediatrician that mentions other issues that can cause inattention. Some simple blood tests can rule many of them out. Hopefully some homework on my part can minimize the chance of a misdiagnosis.

C’s grades are very good, but it’s mainly due to the work being so easy for him. It doesn’t require much sustained attention or effort. If he were given challenging work then I think his grades would tank. Supposedly our district will challenge him next year with a GIEP in place. I’m not sure I really believe it, but wonder how C will manage in that kind of environment if so.

Were there any specific things you did for your boys while you were waiting for for them to see the neuro ped? Were they already receiving services? It’s hard to imagine waiting a year to get any answers, but it looks like we may not have a choice. Your post at least makes me hopeful that the 504 will help!