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July 31, 2024 Meeting Minutes - OCD & School, Math Tutor

PALS

Updated: Aug 1, 2024

PALS Meeting Minutes

July 31, 2024 9:30 a.m.

Virtual Meeting using Zoom


Open Forum

Open Forum is an opportunity for participants to come together and discuss a variety of topics, offer resources, and ask questions related to special education.


Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) & School

We've all heard of it and as a refresher the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as;

"Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. People with OCD have time-consuming symptoms that can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life."

Students who experience OCD may require and deserve an adapted educational experieince when OCD "causes significant distress or interferes with daily life" as it relates to their education, in and out of school. In an effort to inform educators, The Anxiety and Depression Association of America states;

"Students with OCD may appear to be daydreaming, distracted, disinterested, or even lazy. They may seem unfocused and unable to concentrate. But they are really very busy focusing on their nagging urges or confusing, stressful, and sometimes terrifying OCD thoughts and images. They may also be focused on completing rituals, either overtly or covertly, to relieve their distress."

The ADAA goes on to illustrate how OCD impacts a student's academic ability;

"...students with OCD ... may be unable to learn the same way others do because their focus is frequently on their obsessions or compulsions. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, some students find it difficult to learn and, for some, it’s almost impossible to concentrate on and complete schoolwork.
Although they want to pay attention, participate in discussions or presentations, study, and complete homework, they feel compelled to respond to their obsessions or urges.
Students who have untreated OCD re likely to have a very difficult time concentrating in the classroom and completing homework assignments. They may experience overwhelming anxiety or strong urges, possibly describing the feeling of mounting anxiety or intensifying urges as if they were a rising volcano or a tea kettle about to boil — and relief comes when the pressure is released. Unfortunately, the release is usually a compulsive behavior that may be disruptive to learning and possibly to the classroom."

and continues by providing multiple examples of what obsessive and compulsive elements of the disorder may look like in school.


Anxiety in the Classroom (.org) reminds teachers (and families) that OCD can trigger anxiety in an academic setting and;

"Your student's OCD or anxiety symptoms may qualify as a disability if they are severe enough that they impact their ability to learn. In these cases, a student who is in public school is eligible for a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). With a 504 Plan or an IEP, schools make accommodations so the student has access to the curriculum in the same way their peers do."

AITC also offers recommendations for Classroom Accommodations and Support Strategies for students with Anxiety/OCD and reminds educators and families;

"It is important to remember that accommodations are not treatment for anxiety/OCD. It might feel as if providing an accommodation to a student is “giving in” to their anxiety/OCD. You might also worry that it will be a “crutch” for the student that will prevent them from getting better. This is not the case — accommodations are meant to be temporary aids to students while they progress through their treatment (however long that may be) As students get their anxiety/OCD symptoms under control, teachers (along with other IEP team members or 504 Plan corridnator and family) can alter and/or remove classroom accommodations entirely."

Additional Resources





Math Tutor

As the school year approaches you may be thinking about additional support for your student. 2014 Fox Chapel Area High School and University of Dayton graduate Dominic Nickel joined us today. With a strong understanding of mathematics and a Bacholor of Science degree in Engineering Technology, Dominic is your go-to guy if you are looking for a math tutor. Dominic works with students from Elementary Math up to Calculus I. His clients have included middle and high school students, college students, and even a teacher! Dominic is available virtually, in-person, and offers a hybrid option. You can reach him at nickeld1@udayton.edu or 412.992.8481. Please note, Dominic asks that you leave a message including that you are calling about tutoring if he is unable to answer your call. He will return your call as soon as he is available. Dominic holds valid Pennsylvania State Background Check and Child Abuse clearances, making them available upon request.

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