Some good and bad news -- slightly OT

I have mentioned in other posts that my daughters are adopted. The older one (by 2.5 months) is from Romania and has many issues -- not uncommon for children from Eastern Europe. Yesterday I received the results of neuro-psych testing we had completed at UCO. It was NOT good news. Her IQ is falling. I am going to have to start out the school year (again) fighting for even more special services for her (it has not been an easy fight so far). I have no idea what the future holds for her, but I have real doubts that it will be what I had hoped for her when we brought her home. The good news, I was devastated when I received the news, BUT, I did NOT turn to food like I would have in the past! That was definitely a good feeling!

Nancy I am sorry.  I can only imagine how hard it has been to take those dreams you had for her and adjust them.  I know this sounds so cliche but you will be so much stronger for going through this.  You never know how the most devestaing things can later turn into blessings.  I pray that God will give you peace in this situation.  -Amy

I'm sorry to hear about your daughter, do they know why her IQ is falling?  Great that you are not falling back into the same habits when your are stressed and depressed.

They are calling it Organic Brain Syndrome. It could be from a traumatic brain injury or fetal alcohol syndrome (she has no physical signs of this). I need to talk to her physician, but we may do a MRI and I am in the process of working with a couple in Romania to do a search for her birth family in order to obtain more history. she also has RAD (reactive attachment disorder). They think her falling IQ is the result of a combination of both things. They highly suggest she have an aide in school -- something I know my school district is against.

Nancy, sorry to hear of this challenge you have been given.  My daughter, too, has RAD.  It's hard to deal with, but they know a lot more about it now than they did 20 years ago when we discovered my daughter's dilemma.  It takes a special person to deal with the stresses that you have to deal with, I think God picked a good person to be an advocate for yourself and your daughter.  My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you rise to your challenge.

Nancy, I am also so sorry.  My wife just retired with disability from teaching.  She has a friend in Tulsa, who's adopted son had issues in school. They didn't want to do anything.  My wife did guide her on insisting on a 504 for him.  They are required to do that, as it is a Federal program.  They will get in quite a bit of trouble for not complying with a 504 plan.  Insist on it -- they must give her special compensations.  Good luck, but be proud of not turning to the frig and/or pantry during this time. Michael.

She is on an IEP, but now with this new information they are recommending a revamping of the IEP and even more services than she is getting. Last year we came very close to going to due process but settled things with mediation. I have a feeling we will end up in a similar place this year. Let's say I am not a favorite person in my school district!

Nancy Gene,
I am so sorry for what you and your family are going through.  But I know that you are a strong woman and will make sure your daughter gets the best.  BTW - your daughters are both adorable!  Please keep fighting on her behalf and make them do the right thing!

And congratulations for staying away from stress eating.  That is a hard thing to do and it would have made you feel even worse!  So I'm proud of you!

Nancy Gene, I just pm'd you. I have experience with this. ((hugs))