[Kelly]

The school counselor was a joke when it came to my son and his ADD. He is not hyper but could not concentrate and had horrendous impulse control when he was in school. He is actually a really good kid with no problems at home, they were all in school. He was just not able to sit and focus on the work without getting distracted. Then, he would compensate for feeling different by doing stupid things. I had him in private therapy, school counseling (fricking joke!) and did a bunch of behavior modification stuff at home to try to encourage good behavior in school. NOthing worked, his grades were suffering, his teacher was frustrated....so his pediatrician finally put him on Concerta. I resisted that for three years because I feel he is too young for meds and the school wants them on medicine for every little thing. However, it has been a blessing for him. He has done a complete 180 in school. His teacher called me in tears and said she could not believe the change in him. She said he was like a different child. He went from Cs and D's to straight A's last marking period. He was just Student of the Month, something he has never, ever been. So, medicine works for some and doesn't work for others. I would never recommend it without trying other things first. I am so glad I listened to the doctor and just tried him on medicine because it has completely changed his future in school. He actually wants to go, instead of despises it. I know how frustrating these problems can be and when they are hyper, it can be extremely trying to deal with. Ryan is far from hyper, he is actually really quiet and introverted. I would seriously consider some sort of strict behavior modification regimine at home. Like a reward and consequence system for following and not following your rules. Start out small and use lots of positive reinforcement. Pick your battles as far as what you want to see change at first. Reward her with something she really wants when she follows the rules you have set down. Give her a consequence and stick to it, when she does not follow your rules. It can be extremely tiresome to put so much effort into her behavior but Beh. Mod does work for some kids. If she were my child, I think I might also try to find her some counseling outside of school. Like a private therapist or something. If you do not have the funds or insurance, there are often programs to help with this. Lastly, I would request a Child Study Team evaluation in school, if you haven't already done so. They will evaluate her in a few different areas and see if she qualifies for any special services or help in certain areas. Good Luck with everything.