Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I have a first grade little girl that is hurting herself almost daily and it is escalating in severity. It started at the end of last school year with minor things, like picking her nose till it bled and picking at an insect bite or scab till it bled, etc. Now she is putting stuff in her ears, biting her tongue till it bleeds, cut her ear lobe with scissors, gaging herself till she vomits, and so on. There is an injury involving blood daily. The teacher, myself and counselor have all talked with her and tried to give her other ways of coping and dealing with stress. I was just informed that yesterday, during a meeting the teacher had with the mom (I was not invited to this meeting), she told the teacher that before the little girl started school she had pulled out her toe nails several times and has pulled out 14 teeth before they were ready to come out. I think the mom is in denial that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. She needs constant supervision but of course in a large class room and one teacher that is hard. I am so scared and worried for this child! Admin is aware of this child and what she is doing but, still noting is getting done! I want to get her help but don't know where to turn.
Has anyone dealt with something like this before? Any suggestions would be great!!
I suggest bypassing your counselor. Not sure why they are staying on periphery, but you need to intervene for this poor child.
I meant (and I realize now I was not clear about this in my original post) to talk to the school counselor about who she/he contacts in a mental health crisis. I agree that the counselor is not being aggressive enough in this case. Then I thought the original poster might not be comfortable asking the school counselor about who to contact in a mental health crisis, so that's why I included the info about contacting the local ER.
I agree, you need to be the one to intervene for this child.
Friday afternoon I sent an email requesting a meeting with all involved with this child from admin on down. We are meeting today at 3:30. I am praying to get the ball rolling to get her help. I will be raising my voice and demanding that we as a school get help for this child out side of the school setting. If I don't seem to get anywhere at this meeting, I will be reporting to CPS and hoping they can help us. Thank you all so much for your input and suggestions! I will keep you posted on the outcome of the meeting today.
Friday afternoon I sent an email requesting a meeting with all involved with this child from admin on down. We are meeting today at 3:30. I am praying to get the ball rolling to get her help. I will be raising my voice and demanding that we as a school get help for this child out side of the school setting. If I don't seem to get anywhere at this meeting, I will be reporting to CPS and hoping they can help us. Thank you all so much for your input and suggestions! I will keep you posted on the outcome of the meeting today.
After our meeting, admin decided to "fast track" special ed paperwork , so she can have more options for help through the school district. Also, admin has called mom in to talk with her about this. We now have a release to speak to the therapist and pedi she is currently seeing. This way we can make sure that they know the extent of what is going on at school. We also no have a plan in place to intervene each time she starts any behavior that might lead to self harm. This plan involves admin, this way they become aware just how often this is happening. Praying that the next few days things will start falling into place for real help/treatment for her.
After our meeting, admin decided to "fast track" special ed paperwork , so she can have more options for help through the school district. Also, admin has called mom in to talk with her about this. We now have a release to speak to the therapist and pedi she is currently seeing. This way we can make sure that they know the extent of what is going on at school. We also no have a plan in place to intervene each time she starts any behavior that might lead to self harm. This plan involves admin, this way they become aware just how often this is happening. Praying that the next few days things will start falling into place for real help/treatment for her.
Good job! This is going to be a marathon situation for you. The child is fortunate to have you as an advocate. It will be a challenge to get all those involved to continue to communicate with one another and work together. Keep fighting the good fight! And keep us posted.
She has been evaluated and dr has recommended inpatient treatment. I just found out today that the family's insurance will cover this. That was a big relief for the parents. I am not sure of the exact date she will be going in, but I am so happy that she will finally getting the help that she needs.
Farawyn
12,646 Posts
This gets worse and worse. I keep thinking of the kid cutting her earlobe with a scissor...