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Are Your Child’s Unique Special Education Needs Being Met?

The whole purpose of special education is to facilitate the unique educational needs that some students with disabilities have. However, sometimes the focus shifts from meeting these particular needs to just managing the child’s challenging behaviors. As the parent of a special needs child, you have the right to insist upon appropriate educational adaptations to help your child succeed in school. If you believe your child needs services or accommodations he isn’t receiving, you’ve got to speak up. You can begin by scheduling an IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting with your child’s teachers and therapists. How do I know whether … Continue reading →

Trouble for Tenors

I am not much of an opera fan. That is to say, I am not an opera fan at all, but I can appreciate a great voice. One of those great voices just passed away and there are speculations that another one is seriously ill. World class tenor Jerry Hadley died today, a week after he attempted suicide. He was found unconscious last week in his Clinton Corners home after shooting himself with a air rifle. The 55-year-old had been on life support, but was removed from it two days ago. Hadley had a reputation for taking on demanding work, … Continue reading →

Ten Ways to Help Your Child with Depression Succeed in School

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Children who have been diagnosed with a major depressive episode or a dysthymic disorder (a milder depression which lasts for a year or more) have special needs. These needs should be accommodated in the classroom in order for these children to be able to thrive and maintain their sense of self-esteem. School may be very difficult for these kids, and parents may find that some educators are insensitive to the issue and hesitant to make any classroom adaptations to assist the child. You are your child’s greatest advocate, and you have the right to insist that your child has a … Continue reading →

Is Your Son or Daughter Depressed?

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It might initially be difficult to determine whether a child is just “down in the dumps,” or whether he or she is experiencing a major depressive episode. Parents can watch for symptoms that are persistent, troubling, and interfering with typical life functioning. In a major depressive episode, many of the following signs may be observed: It’s persistent. First, the sadness has been ongoing for at least two weeks or more, without lifting. It’s causing changes in the family dynamics or is contributing to family stress at home. Loss of enthusiasm. The child is no longer interested in activities that were … Continue reading →

Ten Ways to Help Your Child with Bipolar Disorder Succeed in School

Researchers are coming to the conclusion that a large number of children in the United States who were thought to have ADHD actually have early onset bipolar disorder. ADHD and early onset bipolar disorder are “look alikes” and can be misdiagnosed. There are many other ADHD look-alikes, which I will address in a future blog. The child with bipolar disorder can have difficulties in the public school system, for obvious reasons. Their mood swings, manic behaviors and depression can create obstacles to learning. A child with bipolar disorder should be in frequent contact with a caring child psychiatrist who can … Continue reading →

Emotional Disturbance In Children

Children who are emotionally disturbed are eligible for special education and services, according to the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). This means that special accommodations will be made for the student by the school district, to help the child succeed in school. What Constitutes an “Emotional Disturbance?” Any one or more of the following factors: 1. The child has physical manifestations of anxiety or fear associated with school attendance: This may include but is not limited to things such as shortness of breath, feeling faint, heart palpitations, or trembling; 2. The child is consistently depressed and … Continue reading →