I don't know what to do anymore!
My son is 11 and was diagnosed with bp disorder in June after a suicidal attempt that resulted in a 3 week hospitalisation. He had been followed by the same psychiatrist for 2 years, who wasn't sure if my son was bp or not due to his age. He also has adhd.
Now, my issue is that this year in school is horrible! He can't follow in class, he's unable to focus enough to get the right books out and when he does get something out it might be the wrong thing but he told me he gives up sometimes and just gets out whatever is near so the teachers leave him alone because he gets anxious when they keep telling him. He also gets up in the middle of the class cause he can't follow what they are saying. I talked with the principal today who told me his school year is in danger after only 3 weeks and she doesn't know what to do to help him so they have a plan. If he refuses to follow, which I explained he doesn't refuse, he just is unable to sometimes and that every day is different, that he will be taken out of class, be held at recess and sometimes after school to finish his work! When I tried to explain the bp disorder they told me that maybe if he's not psychologically stable enough to go to school and function that I should maybe keep him home just like with a kid that is physically disabled (for example after an operation!).
I don't know what to do and where to turn and mostly what I could ask of them to do in class that will help my son! To top things off, I live in small community in Canada that doesn't have anything to help a child with bp disorder cause I'm not even sure there are even many who have that illness around here!
Here in the US we use the IEP process to advocate for our children's needs. I wasn't sure if Canada used different terminology but I googled and got this so it looks like it would also be called an IEP.
if you son doesn't already have one, find out the process to initiate it. The school staff members have an obligation to learn more about anxiety so that they can better understand and accomodate your son's needs. You'll need to figure out how to best provide them with information- by giving them handouts reproduced from reputable websites or book excerpts, or information from your son's doctors and therapists. You have the legal right to expect this so be firm and assertive while also trying to forge a good relationship, assuming the schools teachers and administration will be willing to work with you to find the best approach for your son as soon as they begin to understand the situation better.
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Chris Stanley- DS 10, ADHD, ODD, mood disorder NOS
currently taking Adderall XR, Abilify, Zoloft
-I have two children with bipolar disorder and struggle with schools as well. I am shocked that the school has not advised you of an IEP and for that matter the doctor treating your son. Its unfortunate that as parents we have to seek and beg for help when our children are sick. I am not familiar with the laws or mental health system in Canada but I would start with seeking advise from the hospital where your son was at and his doctor. I am sorry for what your family is going through and just know you are not alone. We are here to support and help on another .
jessica sachs
Thank you so much for the advise and support. I have an appointment next week with his psychiatrist and I am sure he will be able to help me. This guy even went to school in person to meet the principal last year because of my son being bullied. Things changed then. I sure hope he can help again!