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My name is Alisha Leigh (pseudonym).  I am an everyday mom trying to live up to my own expectations by doing what I can to help our children.  I’ve thought about how I might best accomplish this and decided an  “Open Letter” might be one answer.  With a flick of your mouse, you can help also – and it won’t cost you anything more than the time it takes you to send an e-mail.  Your child or immediate family may not need help but your neighbor’s child, your niece/nephew, your grandchild, your friend’s family or the child living in another city or country might.  Whether the child has asthma, allergies, must use crutches to walk, has a neurological disorder, emotional problems, diabetes, is out of control, needs health insurance  -- whatever, there's important information in this letter.  So whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, bachelor, teacher, truck driver, doctor, clerk, counselor, lawyer, clergy, Senator, librarian  -- no matter what your station in life, I ask that you forward this letter to your friends and family.  It might also prove beneficial to forward it to your local newspaper, television stations, State Representative, Senator, and/or Governor.  There are things in this document that could  help many, many children if parents, caregivers and teachers just knew where to start.  Click here to e-mail your government representative.

If perhaps you’re feeling this doesn’t effect you  because you have no children or your child(ren) is okay , you might want to rethink your position.   Sorry – but this is a fix-it-now or pay later deal and if you live in the United States you either pay taxes directly or indirectly.  Click to see just one
example.

I’m not a medical doctor, psychologist, lawyer or other expert – I'm a mom who struggles to help my ADHD/ADD child.  In this regard, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time searching for answers  –  only part of which you’ll find referenced in this letter.  It’s my hope that by sharing this information it will raise public awareness as well as be instrumental in lending a helping hand toward finding “a place to start.”  There's something here for everybody.

There's a lot of information below.  I'd suggest you pause here for just a moment and scroll down the page to get an overview.  Don't let it overwhelm you.

In particular, the information contained herein pertains to children that have a medical problem, emotional problem, developmental delays, ADHD and/or other neurological disorder. It can help guide you to getting the school district to "listen to me!"  The information regarding Federal law is of course applicable throughout the United States.  My family lives in Texas, therefore, some information pertains to Texas residents only, however, a review of these sites may give you a direction to go in using keyword search functions to track down similar regulations or programs in your state.  My child has ADHD, therefore, I have concentrated my research on this disorder and you’ll see that reflected.  However,  if you follow the links below and on the
library page, you’ll find direction to information on various learning disabilities, bi-polar, dyslexia, Tourettes, ODD, etc., and who to turn to for help.
Do You Know">Do you know:
There are parents that can't hold a job because they can't find a day care center for a special needs child?

Or because they have too many phone calls at work related to their child, or too many appointments to keep with the doctors and school officials?

“Special education” in schools is not just for mentally retarded children?    "Special" help is available for children with all types of disabilities if the child qualifies?

ADHD does not present in children the same way?  Symptoms can range from mild to extremely severe.

Brain imaging may indicate variances for many disorders?

Federal (IDEA, Section 504, ADA)and state laws are in place which mandate schools to evaluate children at no cost – but many times children fall through the cracks if the parents or caregiver isn’t knowledgeable of the laws or doesn’t keep good contact records and persistently follow-up with the school district?

Your child may be eligible for supplemental income?

The earlier the child gets treatment, the better chance of a good outcome?

There are many types of learning disabilities?

Children with high IQ's fail in school because they have an undetected learning disorder?

Learning disorders and neurological disorders many times co-exist?

Parents can request via the school district that their child be evaluated -- you don't have to wait for the teacher or school counselor?  There's no cost to the parent.

If the parent disagrees with the school evaluation, the parent can request an evaluation be conducted by a source outside the school district?  (IEE)

Your child may be eligible for low cost insurance?

If you're a teacher, you can be held personally liable for not following an IEP?
Child advocates can help you navigate the system(s)?

Allergy to a food dye, milk product, or other food can cause your child's behavior to mimic a neurological disorder?

Many adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are diagnosed after their child(ren) is determined to have the disorder?

Not all people have the "Hyperactivity" part of ADHD?

Sometimes people have to give up custody of their children to the state in order to get treatment for the child?

If your child requires more than traditional parenting skills due to being strong-willed, ADHD, ODD, etc., there are behavior management techniques that can help the parent regain control?

There is a difference between a tantrum and a rage?
~~Step One – Rule Out a Medical Problem~~

Something’s not right with your child – what do you do?  First, take the child to the pediatrician for a thorough check-up.  And insist upon a thorough exam.  That means blood work to check for vitamin deficiencies, check for sugar diabetes, perhaps an MRI, etc.  Talk to your doctor.  If your gut’s still telling you there’s a problem and the doctor is insinuating it’s a “parental problem,” move-on --you’re wasting valuable time.

If your child needs medical care or prescriptions administered while at school, this site might prove beneficial: 
Reed Martin Health Team
~~Learning Disabilities~~
What is a Learning Disability?

Learning Disorder On-Line (Assessment).              

Learning Disorder On-Line (Articles-Info).

Is your child developing normally?

Early warning signs of learning disabilities.
               
National Early Childhood Technical Assistance System

Assistive Technology for Infants & Toddlers.
Click on "Promising Practices" then FAPE 12.
 
List to get Help for Children from 0 to 3 years old –- scroll down the page and click on your state.

Early Childhood Intervention for Infants and Toddlers.    

Help for children ages 3 –21 in Federal Law clarified for Texas.

Pediatric Neurology.
              


.
ADHD
: A Place to Start


.
ADHD
: A Place to Start
There are parents that can't hold a job because they can't find a day care center for a special needs child?  Or because they have too many phone calls at work related to their child, or too many appointments to keep with the doctors and school officials?

“Special education” in schools is not just for mentally retarded children?    "Special" help is available for children with all types of disabilities if the child qualifies.

ADHD does not present in children the same way?  Symptoms can range from mild to extremely severe.

Brain imaging may indicate variances for many disorders?

Federal (IDEA, Section 504, ADA) and state laws are in place which mandate schools to evaluate children at no cost to the parents – but many times children fall through the cracks if the parents or caregiver isn’t knowledgeable of the laws or doesn’t keep good contact records and persistently follow-up with the school district?

Your child may be eligible for supplemental income?

The earlier the child gets treatment, the better chance of a good outcome?

There are many types of learning disabilities?

Children with high IQ's fail in school because they have an undetected learning disorder?

Learning disorders and neurological disorders many times co-exist?

Parents can request via the school district that their child be evaluated -- you don't have to wait for the teacher or school counselor?  There's no cost to the parent.

If the parent disagrees with the school evaluation, the parent can request an evaluation be conducted by a source outside the school district?  (IEE)

Your child may be eligible for low cost insurance?

If you're a teacher, you can be held personally liable for not following an IEP?

Child advocates can help you navigate the system(s)?

Allergy to a food dye, milk product, or other food can cause your child's behavior to mimic a neurological disorder?

Many adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are diagnosed after their child(ren) is determined to have the disorder?

Not all people have the "Hyperactivity" part of ADHD?

Sometimes people have to give up custody of their children to the state in order to get treatment for the child?

If your child requires more than traditional parenting skills due to being strong-willed, ADHD, ODD, etc., there are behavior management techniques that can help the parent regain control?

There is a difference between a
tantrum and a rage?
Do You Know?:
   .
~~Testing and Evaluations~~
If your child is having problems in school with academics or behavior, the school district is required by law to evaluate the child.  The parent, teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, or principal can refer the child if there is a suspected problem.  The evaluation(s) are conducted by the school district at no charge to the parent(s).  Children need specialized services or placement for success in school depending in part on learning difficulties, behavioral and emotional difficulties,  medical disorders and school programs, handicaps,  and related issues.  Also, see "Dealing with the School District:  Do You Know Your Rights?" section on this site for additional information.  If you prefer and/or need input from other professionals or entities:
Children’s Hospitals are typically an excellent evaluation source.  Don’t get worried – it doesn’t require a hospital stay.

There is sometimes confusion regarding the terms
"assessment" and "testing." While they are related, they are not synonymous.

Screen for potential early development problems with this
checklist.

Assessing Children for the Presence of a Disability.

You can learn about
performance based testing at this site.

Functional Behavioral Assessment.

Keeping good records about your child is vital.  And don't forget to send correspondence via Certified Mail when dealing with school districts or any other entity for that matter if you will need proof it was received.  I've been known to e-mail, then send a fax to alert the recipient to check their e-mail, and also send the document by certified mail.  Why?  It speeds up communication and I'm creating a paper trail to circumvent the response, "It must have gotten lost in the mail -- we never received it."
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~~Dealing With the School District:  Do You Know Your Rights?~~
There are many truly dedicated teachers, principals, school counselors and other school district representatives and officials -- I know, I've met some of them.  But  there are some that have been misinformed, haven't been properly trained to recognize problems, and/or may be under pressure from "management" to look the other way when they suspect a child needs to be referred for evaluation.  When your child's not getting the help s/he needs in school, what's a parent to do?  Educate yourself, make a plan, then implement it.

In my opinion, there are several reasons children do not receive the attention at school to which they are entitled -- some of which are listed above.  Unfortunately, many times it is solely a question of school district budget, i. e., money.  Somebody's child will be sacrificed.  Will it be yours?
Children in the United States are entitled to a Free and Appropriate Education.  It’s the Federal Law and State Law.  See Wrights Law.com and Reed Martin.com.

Click here to familiarize yourself with
Federal Laws.

Schools must dispense medications to ADHD and other disabled students.

Don't assume your school district is in compliance with the law.  See
Special Education Study and reports on IDEA compliance.

Click here to read about this outrage:  School Board Attorneys Plot to Destroy Parent Advocacy.

Do some school districts retaliate against the parents and/or child for pursuing legal rights?  Absolutely. 
Click here to read about it.

Basic Differences between Section 504 and IDEA and a Side-by-Side comparison.

Special Education in Plain LanguageParent's Guide from US Dept.of Education.

Has Your School Ever Said That Your Child is "Merely 504."

IDEA Partnership.   Check out their litigation log

Special Ed 101 -- On-line Questions and Answers.

Your state has laws governing special education also. 
Click here to locate your state education agency. 

Texas Education Agency – see
Title 19, Part 2,  Chapter 89 and 101.

U. S. Department of Education.

Office of Special Education Programs.

What should the parents of an ADHD child expect from the school district? 
Click here.

Use Section 504 even if your child has an IEP? 
Click here for guidance.

Here are
some classroom accommodations available for the special needs child.

If you don't read anything else read "Keep a Journal." It doesn't have to be fancy -- a three ring binder with loose-leaf paper will work.

Don't be intimidated by the school officials: Learn how to
recognize gatekeepers and why schools develop one-size-fits-all (OSFA) programs.  The Special Education Survival Guide by Pam & Pete Wright:  Learn "10 Reasons Why Schools Say No!"   Check out From Emotions to Advocacy.

How [many] principals view students with learning disabilities.

Referral for Full and Individual Initial Evaluation.

Can't get started writing that letter to the school district? 
Click here for a sample.

Time-Line for Notices for school notices in Texas.  Every state has them.

Every teacher that comes into contact with your child should have the proper training.  This information (click then scroll down the page) speifically refers to autism and
school staff, but it is also applicable for an ADHD student. 

Best Practices:  Most professions require individuals to exhibit a minimum level of expertise and competence in their work.  Minimum standards are usually identified as something  like "best practices" or "professional standards."  I was not able to locate anything of this nature as it pertains to school districts' standards for ensuring personnel involved in the special education sectors use due diligence in assessing the needs of children.  I did locate best practices for academic procedures.  Click on the following site and look to the left side of the screen to review
your state's best practices.

You've followed all the protocol, all the procedures and the school district continues to ignore your child's needs?  The
EDLAW center maintains a list of attorneys nationwide who will represent parents of children with disabilities.

"Invisible Disabilities" in the Educational System, by Margi Nowak, Ph.D.

Most schools and school districts are on-line.  Get the e-mail address for the teacher, principal, or special education coordinator to speed up the communication process.

A guide to the terminology: 
Acronyms and Dictionary of Special Education .
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Do You Know?
Step One
Learning Disabilities
Evaluations
School District
Dealing with the
Testing and
~~On-Line Support Forum For Neurological Disorders~~
Need a lifeline or "a soft place to land?"  Have you reached your breaking point and need to talk to people that really understand and have "been there, done that?"  This is the place for you: conductdisorders.com. You don't have to do this alone.

You can help defray the cost of maintaining the
ConductDisorders website by clicking here and purchasing products from the Amazon.com shopping basket located on the left side of ConductDisorders.com screen.

Links to disorders such as Bipolar, Autism, Asperger, residential treatment centers, Tourettes, fetal alcohol syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Residential Treatment Centers.

And Fran -- many thanks and many blessings!
On-Line Support
~~Teachers and School Counselors -- Don't Let the School District "Lead You Down the Garden Path"~~
Read about:  Teacher's rights.

"You never can tell what type of impact you may make on another’s life by your actions or lack thereof. Consider this fact in your venture through life. Please think before you act.
Things are not always as they appear to be."

Is your school district out of compliance -- you can be held personally liable. Failure of staff to implement the IEP as written could lead to
legal liability for those staff.

How Can Teachers Complain Without Facing Punishment?

More
Information for the Educators.

Teaching Students to Self-Manage Their Behavior.
Click here then on
FAPE-20.

Teaching techniques for learning disabled students.
  Also see Library.

Students Who Learn Differently.
And for all you dedicated educators -- bless you; you do make a difference.
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Disclaimer: The information and direction to web sites contained herein is educational and not intended to be legal or medical advice.  The information is not a substitute for discussion between patients and their doctors nor clients and their attorneys.  References to all information and opinions should not be considered an endorsement.  You are hereby advised to fully investigate all options in order to determine a course of action or treatment that may be most appropriate for a specific situation and/or individual.


Copyright 2001- 2004 Alisha Leigh.  Use of the material contained herein is unrestricted as long as it is used for educational purposes and I am notified by
e-mail of link usage.  I would very much like to  know how this information is being used.  Reciprocal linkage to your site is requested.


This is my first attempt at designing and authoring a website.  If I have inadvertently infringed on your copyright, please let me know and I will make corrections.
the Garden Path
Teachers: Beware
Reality of ADHD
~~The Reality of ADHD~~
Maybe you’re an expert on ADD/ADHD and you have all the symptoms and terminology down pat.  But do you “really” know what it’s like to have this disorder?  Do you “really” know how this disorder affects families?
   .
My Child Has An Imaginary Disorder by Krista Jensen-Short.  This article could have been written by thousands of parents.

Dr. Edward M. Hallowell – excerpt from
Driven to Distraction.

How are We Different?  How Different are We? by  Bob Saey.

Lynn Harris: 
Things I Know.

All-American track star shares his story of many ups and downs.

Tom's Story. Click on Success Stories then Tom's Story.

More real life ADD stories.

The many faces of ADHD. 
Click here for new perspectives weekly.

Dr. Russell Barkley on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD).

What's it like to be ADHD? from earthlink.net.

ADHD Similations by Pediatric Neurology.  Similations of dyslexia, dysgraphia, tics or compulsions are also exhibited on this link.
~~ADD/ADHD – What is it?~~
Basic ADD information.

Attention Deficit Disorder:  Beyond the Myths, US Department of Education.

Myths and facts about ADHD.

New Research Unlocks Mysteries of ADHD.


ADD is more than not being able to pay attention and/or being overactive.


ABC's of Learning Disorders and ADHD.


Use this ADD test on this site as a
screen.

Guidelines for Parenting Your Attention Different Child.

ADHD is not over-diagnosed.


Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by Karen Durbin

Do children outgrow ADHD?

Is it ADHD or  bipolar?

Brain images of various disorders.

Talk to your child about their ADHD disorder.


Talking to Your Children About Their Attention Deficit Disorder.

For Kids Like Me, With ADD.

ADD information for teens.

Family Issues about ADHD.

Up to 70% of juvenile offenders may have ADHD  – 
many of these individuals were either not diagnosed with ADHD, never received treatment, or treatment had been discontinued after puberty.

Need some ideas of where to start with
behavior management?
The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene, Ph.D. and The Defiant Child by Douglas A. Riley are books setting out behavior management techniques.  The Voucher System and 1-2-3 Magic are also excellent tools.

Parents of ADHD children (nor children with other disorders)
are not “bad” parents.

Home Survival Basics by Martin L. Kutscher, MD.

Explaining ADHD to others by attitudemag.com.

ADHD and Co-Existing Disorders by chadd.org.

ADHD in Adults.  How bad is it?


CHADD's
Current Research Studies.
Sincerely,

Alisha Leigh
A parting quote:  Parents need to fill a child's bucket of self-esteem so high that the rest of the world can't poke enough holes in it to drain it dry. Alvin Prince
Do you expect a paraplegic to "walk on command?"  Do you expect a child with heart defect to "run faster?"  Certainly not.  Do you expect the ADHD child to "sit still, listen -- pay attention!?"  Sure you do.  But s/he can't do that consistently everyday anymore than the paraplegic can "walk over here.”  What do I want for our children?  I want "in the best interest of the child" to mean exactly what it says -- make decisions predicated on the child's best interest.  I want an opportunity for them to be all they can be without unnecessary struggles.

I hope this letter has given you a place to start looking for help for your child.  At the very least, I hope it’s food for thought.  There’s much, much more information available than what is contained in this letter.  Don’t take my word for it.  Research and read.  And remember  -– you will be your child’s best advocate.
~~Closing~~
Perhaps you've just learned your child has ADHD, and you are on an emotional roller coaster ride.  Perhaps you've scanned this letter and felt an overwhelming sense of fear, frustration, or what next? -- Maybe felt, "I can't do this."  Consider yourself normal.  Parenting a special needs child is a challenge, but you can do it.

On the up side, it is easier to deal with a problem if you know what you are dealing with.  Now you can begin to sort things out and make a plan.

Listed below are some tips I've learned along the way:

1. Accept that there is a problem, whether or not you accept the diagnosis.  Denial will not help you or your child.

2. Do not expend energy grieving that your child is "labeled."  No, it's not fair but grieving will not make things better.  Take some time to pull yourself together -- then get on with parenting your child.

3. Be prepared to feel guilty about the time you spend parenting your ADHD child compared to the time you spend with other family members.  Be prepared for backlash you may get caught-up in as a result of other family members feeling neglected.

4. You will have to look deep within yourself to find patience.  Patience dealing with your child, patience waiting for appointments, patience waiting for test results, patience when working with the school district, patience, patience, patience.

5. In general, all children need structure.  ADHD children require more structure, routine and consistency.

6. Behavior management plans do not work overnight -- many times it takes two to three months to see results -- sometimes longer.  Many times the "plan" ends up being a little from this one and a little from that one.  Make clear, age and developmentally appropriate rules and consequences for infraction of those rules.  Your child must know your expectations.

7. It is critical that all caregivers in the household be on the same page when it comes to disciplining your child.  If one parent perceives his/her spouse to be very lenient and the other has the opposite perspective, it's time for the parents to compromise.  If it requires that you have a family meeting and put rules and consequences on paper -- so be it.  Behavioral expectations and consequences for violations should be as consistent as possible between caregivers.  Remember "structure, consistency."  And yes, this is easier said than done.

8. In my opinion, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is somewhat of a misnomer.  It's not that ADHD children do not pay attention, it's that they are bombarded with information.  Their filtering system does not work correctly.

9. It's not unusual for an ADHD child to do well one day, and not so well the next.  If you think your child can perform well in school today because s/he did yesterday, you are mistaken.

10. ADHD children are very sensitive to their environment.  The more noise, color, people, clutter, movement, the higher the difficulty level staying focused.  Guard against over-stimulus.

11. ADHD children generally do not transition well.  I've found it helpful to give my child "lead time."  For example, rather than saying "8:00 p.m. -- bedtime," it works better if I give some lead time by saying, "bedtime in 15 minutes…bedtime in 10 minutes…bedtime in 5 minutes."

12. Many people you meet will think they know a lot about ADHD, but actually they know very little.  Some people do not believe there is such a thing as ADHD.  It is these people that inadvertently add to our burden.  They have no concept of the disorder, choose to have no more than a cursory knowledge of ADHD, yet tend to shout the loudest and have the strongest opinion that "it's the parenting.  I could straighten him out in a week."  It would be so wonderful if that was the case, but it is not.  If your efforts to educate them fall on deaf ears, print a copy of this letter and give it to them.  If that doesn't work "maverickmom" has some excellent advice in my opinion:  Tell them to blow it out their socks.

13. It is our job as parents to teach our children to function in this world to the best of their ability.  In this respect, do not let the ADHD "label" cripple them.  Keep your expectations high and teach them to adapt the best they can.  As a parent, it's difficult to walk the centerline of teaching responsibility while addressing potential limitations.

14. This day in time everyday living is a challenge.  Throw in an ADHD child, the extra time required to parent a special needs child, problems with health insurance, the extra financial strain, perhaps an uncooperative school district, the additional stress within the family unit and you have a formula for a full-blown crisis.  Do not forget to take care of you.  You can't adequately care for your child(ren) if you're mentally and physically falling apart.  Do something special for yourself from time to time.  Join a support group, call a crisis hotline when necessary, go see a movie, go shopping, and/or see a counselor.

15. There is still much that is unknown about ADHD, but treatment has come a long way by comparison to yesteryears. There is reason to believe that ADHD treatment will improve as research advances.

16.  Unfortunately ADHD/ADD rarely travels alone -- it appears to be the norm rather than the exception when there are no accompanying disorders such as an auditory processing disorder, learning disorder, bi-polar, non-verbal learning disorder, sensory integration disorder, etc.  And just because your child makes good grades in school doesn't mean the child does not have a co-existing disorder.

17. Trust you instincts.  No one knows your child better than you.
~~Parent to Parent~~
There is negative media coverage constantly about over-diagnosis, over-medicating, and dangers of medicating children.  While I’m a big supporter of the freedom of speech and everyone’s right to an opinion, I’m equally as adamant that the media be held to a very high standard.  The media should take their responsibility very, very seriously and not display their “facts” with a hidden agenda.  Every time I read or hear this type media,  or hear a doctor say they don’t believe there is bipolar disorder or ADHD, I feel physical pain.  Each time I wonder how many children together with their families are condemned to years of unnecessary agony because of them.  I wonder whether they realize there are some people that need nothing more than a vague insinuation to latch onto someone else's position to convey merit to their own.

Several articles are contained within: 
The Flip Side.

Several articles are contained within: 
ADHD Back in the News.

Schools' Backing of Behavior Drugs Comes Under Fire.
~~Negative Media and Comments~~
Is This Your Child?: Discovering and Treating Unrecognized Allergies in Children and Adults by Doris J. Rapp.

On-line ADHD E-Book by Martin L. Kutscher, MD.

Driven to Distraction:  Recognizing and Coping With Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood by Edward M. Hallowell, MD.

New Skills for Frazzled Parents: The Instruction Manual That Should Have Come With Your Child by Daniel G. Amen, M. D.

Raising Children Who Refuse To Be Raised by Dave Ziegler.

The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, 'Chronically Inflexible' Children by Ross W. Greene, PhD.

From Chaos to Calm: Effective Parenting for Challenging Children With Adhd and Other Behavioral Problems by Janet E. Heininger Ph.D., Sharon K. Weiss, Sam Goldstein.

My Brother's a World-Class Pain: A Sibling's Guide to Adhd-Hyperactivity by Michael Gordon .

Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to See and Heal the Six Types of ADD by Daniel G. Amen, M.D.

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas W. Phelan Ph.D.

The Voucher System Behavior Management Program for Home by Gail Brewster.  There are separate programs for school, home schoolers, and managed care.

Pediatric Psychiatry Pamphlets
by Dr. Jim Chandler.

Reserved...




This is not a comprehensive list of recommended readings -- please refer to the section below for additional suggestions. 
~~Read, Read, Read~~
In Texas, health insurance may be available for your child at a cost of $0.00 to $18.00 per month (pre-existing conditions accepted) through TexCare Partnership. Is it available in your state?

This site has specialty centers for homeschoolers, grandparents, children with special needs, learning style survey and much more.

Your child may be eligible for
Supplemental Security Income.

How to
apply for Supplemental Security Income.

Health and mental health care for children.

Can you imagine the heartache of
"Families Face Giving Up Custody to Obtain Mental Health Services for Their Children?"

IDEAdata.org presents the most
recent State-reported data available collected by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs as required under Section 618 of IDEA.

Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities by State from fetaweb.com.

State Mental health resource guide
from About.com.

American Academy of Pediatrics and the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosing ADHD.

Psychiatric medications.

Prescription drug index and information.
~~Other Resources~~
Can't locate a doctor in your area?  With this site, you can locate specialists like Neurodevelopmental Disabilities - Pediatrics.

Dr. Jim Chandler, pediatric psychiatrist.

Dr. Martin L. Kutscher with Pediatric Neurological Associates.

Dr. Daniel Amen's websites:
brainplace.com and amenclinic.com .

Dr. Sam Goldstein.

Does ADD Exist?

Ask the experts.
~~What the Doctors Have To Say~~
Need to find an education consultant? Also, try Struggling Teens.com.

Comprehensive list of child advocates.

CHADD -  Children and Adults with ADHD.

Children need specialized services or placement for success in school depending in part on learning difficulties behavioral and emotional difficulties,  medical disorders and school programs, handicaps and related information.

Need direction on
finding an advocate?

Guidelines for playing the advocacy game.
~~Need an Education Consultant or Child Advocate?~~
Natural Treatment Archives from conductdisorders.com.

The LCP Solution

Feingold Diet

Homeopathic Treatments for ADHD
~~How About Natural Treatment and Diet?~~
~~ADHD/ADD Treatment~~
Hospital-Doctors.com has a search function called MedHunt which will produce a list of children's hospitals state, nation or worldwide.  Just type in "children's hospitals" and click the area you want to research.  It also has a doctor find search function.

List of
medications commonly utilized in ADHD/ADD treatment.

The What, When, and How of Taking Ritalin by Dr. Lawrence Diller.
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  .
Whether a child has ADHD, bi-polar, Asperger Syndrome, Tourettes, etc.,  medication is not always an option and rarely would it be the sole treatment required.  Successful treatment typically requires a multimodal approach.  An overall treatment plan could include but not be limited to  pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist, school personnel, behavior management, parental education, medication, perhaps an adjustment to diet, etc.
Some people have had great success treating ADHD-like symptoms with diet and/or natural treatments.  Don't dismiss this option out-of-hand.  There are cases where children appear to be ADHD when actually they are sensitive to food(s) or the environment; and there is always the possibility of co-existence.  Some vitamins, herbs, etc., should not be mixed with prescription drugs. Caution: Do not  introduce a natural treatment therapy without the assistance of your doctor and pharmacist.
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