A new student in my remote class today did some things that were so noticeable to me: getting flustered when I did something “out of order”, repeating phrases or counting over and over, and checking her math problems over and over and over. I know that while I’m extra tuned-in to notice those struggles, that my noticing is absolutely so far from any diagnosis. All the same, I just felt for her because my math work kept me up past midnight already in 4th grade with those similar compulsions, and I hate to think of other children struggling so much. (I did also see those organizational and checking tendencies help her do another task better than less-careful students, so there’s that...) I’m a bit unsure of what to do when she insists on checking and rechecking from the beginning again when we “make her lose her place”. I have to check in with all the students, make sure I give everyone enough time, but also not get stuck on one thing for too long in my half-day sessions or make everyone who’s finished wait till they are no longer focused. I also know if I had been told that she does have OCD, that it would be another reason not to support her compulsions, but at this point in time I don’t think it’s my place to bring anything like that up at all. I know I’ll figure something out. It’s definitely something I can be extra sympathetic towards without just giving her a pass at doing whatever she wants. I totally remember a bunch of strategies I figured out before my diagnosis, so I’ve got plenty of things to subtly try. I’m so glad she’s joined my class and is participating so fully. Maybe my understanding of issues like this won’t help her in anyway, but maybe they will. How’s that for embracing uncertainty with a positive outlook? ;)

whatadooo

Date posted: 4y

Talk to the social worker at your school about the student. These signs should not be disregarded and go about unhelped or ignored. I know if teachers didn't ignore the clear signs and actually intervened to let my parents and the social workers know, I could have gotten treatment earlier or atleast better support and accommodations from the school! Child might not even realize something is wrong and that leads to alot of self frustration and wondering why she's different and why it'd do hard. This is not for you to just handle on your own you must uphold an internal oath to not only do your best to educate the child but to do you part in making sure other adults are aware and help support this child.

whatadooo

Date posted: 4y

It is absolutely your duty to inform others what you are seeing so that she has a chance to recieve the proper accommodations to succeed such as extended time and other crucial accommodations as a part of a IEP plan.

ARTnotOCD

Date posted: 4y

I have no problem bringing it up with my supervisor to get the proper help for my student. That was actually my plan, though I didn’t put it in the post. I just thought being just the first day of a summer camp/school program, that maybe I should also wait to see how she does on Monday. (We don’t have classes on Friday.). The first day, especially when the rest of the class has been meeting for 1-2 weeks already can trigger extra stresses in anyone. Also, as a person with OCD, I realize I could be a bit hyper-aware to OCD traits in another. Our brains are all so attuned to see patterns and recognize the familiar, that we sometimes jump the gun. If she just likes to be organized and got flustered because the rest of the class had already done the first half of that lesson and worksheet then I don’t want to misjudge a glitchy Zoom screen reaction too quickly. I also didn’t explain in my post how we just lost our direct supervisor yesterday, and the higher ups and HR who are filling in are also super swamped because we started the program early and were still scrambling to place kids and get supplies out. So while I am confident they would put a child’s needs and well-being at the top of the list, going through proper channels is a bit confusing just right now. Thank you for advocating for students in need! 💜

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