Keep after the school to give your son the accomodations he needs. A letter from his doctor might help, as well as print-outs from the internet on Narcolepsy, as well as about children with Narcolepsy.
I suffered from it most of my life...falling asleep in class, falling asleep reading, etc.
Our kids' IEP's gave them almost nothing until this year. I went to school for a week with my 13 year old, to see where the problem areas were. My presence let the school staff know that I am serious about helping my son, and it went a long way toward getting the accomodations he needs. He has ADHD and Restless Leg Syndrome (a sleep disorder that causes bad sleep).
We have the following accomodations:
1. Reduced amount of work, when needed.
2. Our son must call me when an assignment isn't turned in when due.
3. He is allowed extra time to turn in assignments...a few days without affecting his grade
4. Email communication between us and the teachers.
5. Sitting in the front of the classroom.
6. The teachers redirect him when he is off task.
7. A set of text books at home (there aren't enough books to go around, so we only have the Science book.
8. Copies of notes from a student in his class, who takes good notes.
9. Filling out his day planner, and having it signed by the teachers, to be sure all is written down.
10. Standardized testing done in the counselor's office, with supervision, but not help.
11. Use of a tape recorder for written assignments, and transcribing at home.
It looks as though you are on the right track with your requests. It is the law that the school gives you the accomodations that your child needs, no matter how inconvenient it is for the teachers. Our school has given the excuse that there are 30 kids in the class. My response was that, while yes, there are 30 kids, but my son is one of them. There aren't that many on IEP's.
Perhaps a letter from an attorney would be helpful to reiterate the fact that your son must have these accomodations, by law. Be careful not to alienate the school teachers and staff. Ask for their help, rather than critisizing their lack of help. Show up at school frequently, to observe, and to check in with the teachers.
This year, the accomodations are working for our 13 year old. His grades have gone from D's and F's to solid B's...he's capable of A's, if he could get all of his work in.
Sleep disorders in all people, including children, are more common than you would think. About one-third to one-half of ADD and ADHD cases are actually caused by sleep disorders, and the ADD meds can just make the sleep disorders worse. Sleep disorders cause inattention, and hyperactivity, as a tired child needs to move around more to stay awake. There are over 200 different sleep disorders.
Parents of children who struggle in school should consider having a sleep study done, in addition to the testing for learning disabilities, plus vision testing by an eye doctor who specializes in vision therapy. Sleep problems and vision problems that are not caught by the standard eye testing are common problems that can cause difficulty in school.
Schools need to be more accomodating for kids having difficulties, especially for those who have been diagnosed with real medical problems that interfere with the ability to get their work done.
Good for you, for talking to your son about drugs...drug and alcohol use is a train wreck waiting to happen.
Good Luck...Becky
