Kindergarten stress

Switching from preschool to full day kindergarten has been very challenging for the little guy. Luckily for us, his teacher is wonderful!!. Jordan has A.D.H.D. and Tourette's syndrome. Having both afflictions is not very common but, not unheard of. The challenge comes for educators that may not be up to speed on the symptoms of one or the other. My task for the last month or so has been to educate the school . With the help of Jordans pediatrician and counselor on the tic disorders associated with Tourette's, I feel progress has been made. Most schools are familiar with a.d.h.d but not so much tourettes. This month has been exhausting.. We met with the school psych., asst.principle and teachers to establish a 504 classification. This will protect Jordan in the future. He can no longer be disciplined for behavior that is out of his control due to the tourettes or adhd. Before the classification, Jordan was in time out 5 or 6 times per day for making noises or disrupting class by fidgeting or yelling out at inappropriate times. While I am sure that is frustrating for his teachers, he cannot control this behavior. Jordan takes medication for his A.D.H.D. Unfortunately, some of the side effects are increased tics. Jordan experiences both simple and complex motor and phonic tics. I get how frustrating it must be for teachers trying to teach a classroom and having a child being disruptive, albeit out of his control, Imagine how it is for a 5 year old trying to "fit in"to a new environment and knowing you are different but don't know why.
My heart breaks for him on the challenges he faces daily. This week has been difficult for him and I don't know the cause. I have my suspicions but need to speak with his therapist or the school counselor before voicing anything. On a positive note, I am thankful his school is now proactive in trying to provide a positive environment for learning for Jordan. We shall see . Report cards are due soon. Keep your fingers crossed!!!