[SMILE I understand about lableing . When I tried to talk to hubby about what I thought was wronge with Matt. Hubby thought I wanted to lable him retarded. No I want to know what is up so I can Best help him. Us mothers know when something is off with our children.

A big hug to you and the world is changing with regards to all that stigma, but the most important thing is that you take care of what's necessary and who cares what other people think...

I'm so sorry that I didn't read this until today, Mary.You need prayers and encouragement? You've got it...coming all the way from Canada. I agree with MellowDee...early diagnosis is key and once you get a diagnosis, you will be followed up and checked up on regularly...you won't have to do this alone, Mary. There will be people who know what to do and how to handle things to guide you along the way and help you to do the best thing for Kota. This has been my experience as a mom to Michael... just when I start to feel overwhelmed, I take a deep breath and trust the caregivers who know what they're talking about.Hand in there, Mary...hope is on the horizon.

That's tough... but at least if you get it diagnosed now you can learn how to balance it and work through these rough patches. My BIL is bi-polar, and has had his share of extended hospital visits, but they've finally found the right medication to help balance him out, and he is now very happy and healthy and doing quite well for himself. Just keep doing what you're doing, and Kota will be okay.

I wouldn't tell the counselor. See what conclusion they come to on their own - might be completely different. If it seems off, then mention it. That's just me though. I like people to not be spoon fed these things - some people will be lazy and assume that's it - then prescribe drugs.
Best of luck with this though Mary. I have a bipolar friend who is the bestest person in the world. She takes her meds regularly though.

I'm so sorry Mary!! Trying to catch up on here. I agree with what those have said on here "don't let the school label Kota". My son's first grade teacher tried to label him as having ADD and he didn't have it. I'm just saying beware of that. Love and prayers sent your way.

((((HUGE HUGS)))) from one mum to another. It is tough when you discover that your little piece of heaven maybe isn't as perfect as you once thought but unique, that is what makes them special and that is why you love them and would walk on hot coals or worse to see them right. I know nothing about this bipolar condition that your son may have but I am hoping that it has been detected early enough for any necessary treatment to get started so that he can lead as near normal a life as he can.

Love and best wishes
Jen x

If his school is going to be involve in his treatment, he will have special status, and every semester or every school year, depending on the school, there will be a team meeting to decide on his Individual Education Plan. (IEP) Sometimes schools try to block parents from attending, others require it. YOU DO WANT TO BE THERE! Meet with his therapist before his IEP for her (or his) input, have that information mailed to you, and take it to the IEP. Know what you want for your child and collect information about what is available in extra help with whatever special issues or problems he may have. After you have been to a couple of IEPs, you will know if your school district is willing to spend the money on your child, or lump him into "Special Ed classes" with behavior disordered or even violent kids. Find out how your school system deals with special needs children. Be prepared to stand up to them if necessary. Arm yourself with education about his condition. You pay his doctors money, for that money you deserve some serious education on his condition. Make sure you get it! God bless you and your family. Keep Strong.

Stop. Take a deep breath. Now, face this dragon and fight! You can face any fight as long as you know the name of your enemy. You and Kota will have to work together as a team. Prayers are with you all.

Sorry,. Mary, they will get to the bottom of this

Oh, Mary, I am so sorry. I have a family member who is bipolar and two of her children have also been diagnosed as being bipolar. I really haven't seen any labeling of the children at school. It seems that so many these days have to take medication for one thing or another. I know as a teacher that I have never witnessed and abuse resulting from medication. The children are very helpful in reminding students that it is time for their medication.

Before you assume that he may have bipolar get some professional help. He could be just going through some issues with the school like he may feel he is being picked on all the time. At home, he is a different person. Hopefully, a professional counselor will get to the root of his problem and get him on the right track.

Mary, something I do often, when my kids are scheduled for their therapy session is to call their doctor and give her a brief update on any happenings in their life that are of significance. That way she is updated and on the same page. If he is truly bipolar, it will be okay, Mary. There are medications that help to balance it out in the brain. Don't let anyone 'label' him with anything at school. It will help though, to find out what is going on with him and why he is behaving the way he is. You're doing a great job. Keep researching and ask his counselor to give you any information on bipolar so that you can be dept abreast of everything. Hang in there!

Read everything you can Mary.

Your doing what you can for Kota Mary, and you will get thru this too. I'm sure the counselor will be able to give you some advise.

Mary, there are/have been a few bloggers who have lived with, fought and lived a fulfilling life being bipolar--just recently a blogger went into the history of bipolar life--I hope he sees this and communicates with you as he will be very reassuring.
You are taking all the right steps at this time in his life so (yeah, just try telling this to a mother) relax and know that are you doing all you can to help your son

“But I am much better since being on my meds”, the same will happen for your boy.

Even tho I do know that there still remains some stigma, so many have chemical imbalances these days I bet you’ll discover kids in your son’s class who you would never guess have BP but with the meds and counselling you’d never know it.

I guess I’m trying to say don’t be too “upset” about it. Good that you know now, rather than five years down the track in his schooling etc.

we're all here for you, Mary. we know what a sweet, dear child Kota is and whatever comes, all will work itself out. I wonder if changing schools would be an option or help at all. just a thought.

reguards
yer supportive pal
bugg

This can be such a challenge, but identifying that is huge because it means that they can work on a treatment regime to make things a lot easier for Kota.
AJ

Sorry to hear about this.Cannot adviced as do not know too
much on this subject.Glad that you found out about this and
now is the time to heal.Maybe the med will help him some.
Good luck on whatever is chosen there.
((((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))

I can definitely understand your fears, worries, sadness and distress. Take it one day and one step at a time Mary. Whether Kota has it or not, you will all be ok. He has great parents and is already in counseling and doing karate. All these things will help. If it's bipolar, they'll treat with meds and therapy and they'll teach you how to help him along. I've been dx bipolar and so has my sister. I still think you would see more of this other side at home if it truly was bipolar, but the professional will know Hugs and I'm here for you

So sorry.