In October, we went for our first Parent/Teacher conference with Carlie's Kindergarten teacher and we were completely blown away to learn that she wasn't doing very well. We were so surprised. When she was in Preschool we had nothing but positive feedback and that she was right on track. So we were so surprised to learn that she was way behind in her sounds and phonics. She was also having a really hard time following directions. Her teacher wanted to try some new strategies and we were all going to work really hard to see if we could get her on track. We were also going to meet monthly for progress reports. When we met in November and December she was really responding to the new strategies so we were just going to keep doing what we were doing.
Then we met in January, and she was falling behind again. She was still in the lowest reading group and not participating in the group discussions. Her teacher wanted us to have to tested and see if she might qualify for some extra help at school. We totally agreed to go ahead with the testing. Her teacher was really concerned that Carlie might start getting frustrated and start disliking school. She was seen by the Special Ed teacher, School Psychiatrist, and the Speech and Hearing Specialist. Her teacher, Aide, Tommy, and I also had to fill out a questionnaire called the Connors Test. We then met the end of February and everything came back borderline "normal". So in other words she scored enough to not qualify for extra help at school. They were all on the same page though that something still isn't quite right. They are almost wondering if when she hears something if it kind of hits a speed bump on the way to her brain. They suggested that she be seen by another speech and language therapist. Which I immediately called and we got in within the next week. Carlie met with her about 4 times before the therapist said to me she was unable to put her finger on it either. She mentioned ADD or maybe her willingness not to pay attention. She was baffled. She said that she would like to see her a couple more times and she will see. So the second time we met with her after that she suggested that we see an MD to determine if she has ADD. She said that she does not see the Hyperactive part of it so she was unable to say for sure. She also suggested possible seizures. That amazed me because I never mentioned that she was tested for that when she was 3. The next day I called her doctor and he was very interested in what the testing from the school said. So he wanted me to fax him all the reports. This was on a Thursday. So the following Monday which was this last Monday, the pediatrician called me and said that he definitely sees that the ADD is present. He thought that a small dose of medication seemed to be the first thing that we should try. After spending 45 minutes on the phone with him we made an appointment for Tuesday to have Carlie seen and discuss it some more. Tommy and I don't think that medicine is the answer for everything so we were a little uneasy about it. When we discussed it with him some more we thought we would give it a try. So she started on Wednesday morning. It is the smallest dose for her size and it is taken in the morning. The first day was a struggle because she has to swallow it whole. It isn't very big, but she was scared. She did it though!! After I picked her up from school on Wednesday the teacher said she had her hand up 3 times in group, which was not like her at all. She usually stares! Thursday night we had a conference with the teacher and she was utterly amazed! Her test scores are amazing compared to where they were in October and January. She was way below where she needed to be then and Thursday she was way above. INCREDIBLE!!!!! What a difference a little pill makes. The side affects are: She may seem a little more weepy and sensitive and have a decreased appetite for about 2-3 weeks. I definitely am seeing that so we will see. I am really optimistic and hopeful. I will keep you all posted.
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