Arrrrrgh!

Well, it seems that Aidan is facing many of the same struggles he faced last year in school. His teacher is really great, and stays in constant contact with us, so for that we are thankful. She is trying all sorts of things to help him, and I really can't believe how patient and caring she is being. I know it's her job, but she truly seems to care about Aidan.

He is having trouble focusing, staying on task, working independently. He doodles a lot, bounces and moves a lot, sings a lot, talks way too much!!! He is also very impulsive and now getting in trouble for for bad behavior. He plays in the bathroom (has always struggled with this for some reason, and we have no idea why!). She gives him many more warnings than the other kids because he can't help much of what he is doing, but he continues to be disruptive in class. When he is supposed to be working on a task by himself, he rarely gets anything done, and what he does do is rushed and not his best work. When an adult sits right with him and keeps him on task, he does much better. It's the same at home when he has to do homework. He can't be left alone to do it, and if there are any other distractions in the house, forget about it!!!

I love that boy with all my heart, but my goodness is he stressing us out! His teacher has set up some sort of meeting with herself, the principal, mom & dad, and some other people (I think the meeting had a certain name but I can't remember, not an IEP but something else). In the meeting we will work out some ways to help Aidan improve and be successful. He may also do group social once a week to work on his impulsiveness. She already has some strategies she is putting into place, and then we will meet again in like six weeks to see if he is doing better. If not, we will have to go to the next step (clinical diagnosis and medication maybe?) Aidan does really well with the timer she has in her class, so she is getting a personal one that he can use at his desk. She has moved his seat, but she doesn't want to put him completely by himself and isolate him unless she absolutely has to. She is also going to put some sort of large rubber band around the front legs of his chair. This should allow him to bounce his legs and feet without being disruptive and making noise.

We have always said that if he could handle school, we could handle his behavior at home and outside of school. But lately, he just seems so out of control. His body is constantly moving and he cries and throws tantrums about everything! Friday after school is awful. Church is even worse! It's at the point now where I don't even want to take him to church for fear of how is going to act in front of other people. That's so awful for me even to admit!

I know a lot of this is due to him getting used to being in school all day, instead of just the afternoon. He did seem to mellow out a couple months into school, but he's not in Kindergarten anymore! 1st grade has so much more work and so much more is expected of them. We are afraid to let this go to far and have him fall behind. That's why we are being so proactive right now. He is a really bright boy, his teacher even says so, but his issues are causing him to not be able to concentrate and do the work.

On a brighter note, at least he still likes school. I know he has a great teacher because even through all this, he hasn't complained once about her or about school. It doesn't even seem to phase him really, not until he gets in trouble at home for getting in trouble at school. Then the "I'm sorry's" come along with weeping and gnashing of teeth (only cause he just got something taken away!)

Whew! Sorry for the long post. I just needed to get that all out. It's so frustrating watching your child misbehave and struggle. I hope and pray that we can figure out a solution for our little guy! He is so outgoing and funny and imaginative. I just want those qualities to shine through and not all the other stuff!!!

Cherene