I hope you find these helpful. I spoke to this specialist when we were really desperate with my child. Things are better now.

http://www.jfponline.com/Pages.asp?AID=4322&UID

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/29/health/29brod.html?pagewanted=all

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/health/14klass.html

hi Terskac,

Thanks for letting us know about these. They are really good articles - especially the first one. I have read a book by Kearney but it was aimed at the parent more - whereas I found it interesting reading the different slant on the information that was presented here.
They all say the same thing. Getting your child back to school is important. The question that arises from many on this forum is ' how do you do that?' in practical terms. Some kids just flatly refuse and they get so emotionally stressed and depressed if you try to force them that their mental health seems to slide downhill. I don't think this aspect has been addressed properly by the professionals in the field. You cannot drag a teenager kicking and screaming into school. Yes you can get help - but what if they refuse that? I think there are some very hard core cases that going to school no longer becomes an option.

What did you find worked best for your child?
Linda

Hi,
Thanks for the articles Terskac. Hopefully more doctors and teachers will read articles like these. It feels like I am banging my head against a brick wall. I went with my daughter to the doctor today because I feel at my wits end. I wanted to ask if medication would be beneficial. I found out the GP we had been seeing who referred us to psychologists has left the practise so we went to see another one. At first I thought she was great and understanding but after speaking with my daughter with me present she then wanted to speak to me seperately. She basically told me I need to try to force her to school and do I realise that it's illegal to not go to school.(well yeah!) She then said that my daughter is twisting me round her little finger. I then walked out. How am I supposed to drag my 11 year old into school kicking and screaming. Is that going to help her with her peers at all? I couldn't even get her to change into her uniform this morning. I have already gone down that road last year and early this year and it only made things worse. She has been receiving help from the school in the form of a teacher's aide for 2 hours a day. She is also starting on a plan to get her back gradually. Today she was supposed to sit with one of her friends in the library but got it into her head that they were going to think she is dumb. The psychologist has been on a holiday for the last 3 weeks. We are due to see her again next tuesday. The funding cuts out for the teacher aide in about 4 weeks time. I was hoping that she would progress a few steps before that. To top it off her teacher and teacher aide are stressing about getting her up to speed with the rest of the class.They have to justify the government funding obviously. It's just not happening, she's not interested in doing any more school work at home to catch up. I manage to get her to do extra some days. I hope I can talk her into going to school tomorrow.

Oh Melanie - I really feel for you. They just don't understand, do they?
I am going through a bad patch with my son at the moment - so I know that feeling of just not moving forward and knowing that very few understand what is happening. My fingers are crossed for you and for myself that I get my son to school : ) We can only do our best. You are a great mum - the fact that you keep trying and seeking help means you are doing all you can. Hope you can find another doctor. I am lucky I have finally found one who understands. He referred us to the psychiatrist last year but she didn't think my son was bad enough for medication. My son also has no motivation to do work to catch up. I cannot understand this...so frustrating, isn't it. If they'd just keep up at home - we could at least know that they were not falling behind in their education. Hope you get some well earned support soon - thinking of you,
Linda xx