Some greater being needs to drop the book of parenting down on me soon because Im at a complete loss. My daughter is 8 diagnosed two months ago to the day. She’s always been an A, A/B honor roll student. She’s a social butterfly, has great manners, gets along with everyone. Listens well does what she’s suppose to etc. However she’s always been a daydreamer. In preschool, K1, 1st and now in 2nd grade . Daydreaming has always been a problem. Well since she’s been diagnosed it’s worse. She’s simply just not paying attention. She’s disruptive, wasting time in class. She’s bringing home yellow slips atleast weekly to be signed. I’ve talked to the teacher about it she said we’ll work through it but then will email in destress of this being a problem. I just don’t know what else to do we’ve talked to our daughter about it and her only response is " I don’t know". I plan on talking to the guidence counsler in the morning to see if she has any suggestions. I just don’t know how well that will even go because we’ve already had so many problems with the school since she’s been diagnosed. Some days I consider homeschooling but I dont want to affect her social skills and such.
Have any of you noticed a difference in your childs behavior at home/school since being diagnosed. Are there side effects to the insulin? I talked to her pediatrician he says she’s just a typical 8 yr old.
Also today I had a very ODD conversation with the school nurse about a 504 plan,It was almost as if she was speaking in code. What exactly is a 504 plan and do you guys have one?
How are her BG numbers? Can tell you this when it’s low, we all get spacey & are unable to focus. When it’s high, it can make a person very cranky & for a kid–disruptive. Your daughter’s answer is honest–she doesn’t know. The fluctuations in BG are difficult for an adult to deal with regarding mood & even harder on a growing child. Of course, there’s also the emotional component of being recently diagnosed that could be effecting her. It effects all of us. Diabetes is making her different & that’s not easy or fun at 8 years old. If it’s not her BG, talking to a good therapist might be helpful for your daughter. Guidance counselors tend to be useless in general, unless this one is educated about diabetes.
It is a plan designed to accommodate the unique needs of an individual with a disability, as required by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the first civil rights law guaranteeing equal opportunity for more than 35 million Americans with disabilities.
Children who have disabilities, but whose disabilities do not interfere with their ability to progress in general education are not eligible for special education services, may be entitled to a 504 Accommodation Plan.
School districts must ensure that students with disabilities have meaning full opportunities to participate in all aspects of school on an equal basis with students without disabilities.
Depending upon the student’s individual needs, a school district may be required to provide the following: specialized instruction, modifications to the curriculum, accommodations in non-academic and extra curricular activities, adaptive equipment or assistive technology devices, an aide, assistance with health related needs, school transportation, or other related services and accommodations
Hi there! Speaking from my own experience, I think a home schooled child’s social skills are based almost completely on how the parent works with the child and pushes them to grow. I was home schooled, we were not the “typical” home school family. We were very active in sports and drama and had many activites we were involved in. I think so much of it is based on the child and what their personality is like. I would have preferred to go to public school but I don’t feel like I “missed out” or ended up any different than my friends because of home schooling. I know your post wasn’t really about home schooling, but I thought I’d add my two cents. =)
It’s funny, when I was reading your post I thought that she sounded like a normal young girl as well. Not to say that her diabetes isn’t effecting her concentration at school (I can testify to having issues with concentration brought on by blood sugar issues) but she does sound pretty normal. I hope you find a plan that works well for you and your family!
I was attempting to put a Smiley Character in my answer when all disappeared. I seem to have a “vanishing” problem. Hey! Do you think that, if I put my diabetes on this site, it will disappear. Come on, don’t burst my bubble!
As I started to say, my response was basically like Gerri’s but his was a whole lot more intelligent. I knew the 504 had something to do with an education fund, but not the detail that you came up with.
Here’s another vote for professional counselling. Try a psychologist or even a pastor with psychological training. My ex-pastor actually had a doctorate in psychology. I hardly think that a pediatrician has the the specialized training to help much. Anyhow, just think how hard it is for us to accept our disease and then multiply it by oodles of times for a child. I can only imagine that it’s hell on wheels. Oops! HECK on wheels!
I know I wasn’t the first, but does my vote count? Lois La Rose, Milwaukee, WI
I agree, you need to look at her BG numbers and her emotional level right now. D is new to her and she is also young. It is probably hard for her to queue into what her body is trying to tell her when she spaces out. Also Definately look into a 504 plan (Here is a great one for diabetic children: http://www.diabetes.org/advocacy-and legalresources/discrimination/school/504plan.jsp) I also have a great toolkit from JDRF for dealing with Grade Schools. PM me and I will email it to you.
I hope these help. I am getting ready to start the 504 plan with my daughters High School. the 504 plan is very well written and thinks of everything.
Hi Rachel,
Your daughter sounds normal to me. I had four daughters and now four grand daughters )as well as four grand sons). Your pediatrician is too “busy” to give your daughter the time she needs. Counseling for her sounds like a really good idea but somewhere along the way she needs interaction with other diabetic kids. I would NOT get her the counseling at school or let it be known to other kids. It is nothing to be ashamed of but teasing can add to her burden right now. I would also reccommend a female counselor who can understand the beginnng climb of hormones. I had one daughter who started her period at the age of 9 and one grand daughter who started at the age of 10. I don’t say that is what is happening for your daughter, but just in case, it will be more comfortable for her. The next thing I would look for is someone who is also diabetic. I realize this is probably too much to hope for when you look for a counselor for her, but the interaction of other kids with diabertes is really important.
I feel sure that everyone is correct about the confusion and also some fear for all the changes and things going on in her body. Since you are looking for help, I also feel sure you are still giving her that vital affection and attention she needs. Keep up the good work. If her Dad will also accept some suggestions, i would reccomend a little extra attention from him as well. He could ask her if she wants to watch a movie with him. It doesn’t have to be anything special. If he is going to make a run to the store, ask her if she wants to ride along. Ask her opinion about which cap he wears or her opinion about anything. Anytime I have anything going on a little extra affection or extra anything helps me feel better. So kind of use yourself as a little guide It will probably be of help for your daughter. I wish you well I realize you are scared too Just know we are here for you and please come back and let us know how things are going.
Lois La Rose, Milwaukee, WI