Dear X, i was wondering my son has severe adhd and schitzephrenia and depression, he has been on several meds with no relief, if you ask me on everything i have read up on he has Bipolar, big family history here also but his pdoc will not rule it out but will not diagnos. He was originally only Add i know it basically the same but thats when i and his counsler and him together watched the pattern of how his meds would work for some time back then and then it was like he was manic and nothing was holding him back. He has been suspended from school etc. He is in fourth grade and they tested him this year for any other learning disabilities but showed none but with one test his IQ was in the mild retardation range so they tested him with another and it was average, this at the time is when he was haveing disorganized thinking i know. So therefore they would only go with a 504 plan wich isnt helping. Also becuase they werent seeing depression but in third grade the teacher commented on the depression personally and it's documented. Anyway so so long but does this sound like this would qualify him ssi benifiets? I have applied twice and got denied for him and then now were in appeal.
Thanks Melissa

If he is still in school, I don't think he would be eligible for SSI.

A 504 plan (I am a teacher) is provided for students who have a medical condition that may impede their learning. However, this is not a miracle cure for teaching students with your son's suspected condition. AND he is in a regular classroom setting with a teacher that may make accomodations, but is not trained to work with children such as your son. As you undoubtedly alreday know, these accomodations don't even begin to address the seriousness of your son's problem (particularly if it manifests in his behavior).

If you can get your child re-tested again through the school with the emphasis of "emotionally disturbed", then he may be found eligible to receive services as a behaviorly disordered child receives - smaller class size. He would be with a teacher who is trained to work with this type of student. If he is too young, there is alot of resistance in doing this type of testing, as it requires outside stimuli (being emotionally disturbed) that precipitates their inability to learn. Finally, if your child is "acting out" in class, of course seek services for behaviorly disordered. In all cases - the school will still only provide services to educate your child, not to treat them.

By the way, the only way he could be eligible to enter any of the programs just mentioned is if his IQ was average (90-110). When they were looking for "peeks and dips", they were trying to see if he had a learning disability (such as processing) that would impede him from learning. At least you have this going for you. In addition, most LD children have a dip in reading and do well in math.

I would ask the social worker for names of child psychologists and pursue this avenue at the same time. One doctor's opinion should not disway you from seeking out the help you son needs. I hope this helps and good luck.

[This message has been edited by Esperanza (edited 05-18-2003).]