[jcommin]

As many have said here, this doesn't have a simple solution.

My story: My oldest started experiencing difficulties in school from the time he went to pre-school. He was a hard kid from birth - he challenged everything. At the age of 5, he asked his mom who was her boss because he didn't like any limits placed on him.
His problems really showed up when he entered the 5th grade. We became very involved parents working with the school system, educators and doctors. My son had several diagnosis: depression, ADD, ADHD but the one that clearly described him was Oppositional Definant or OCD. The school tried to accommodate his needs but couldn't - and the school system has to and if they can't, they must provide an alternative even if it is out of their school district - That costs the district money and they would rather not (money out of their budget). My son was moved to a therapeutic school and was there until his sophomore year of high school where he was mainstreamed back to our neighborhood HS.

The journey was long and difficult. There is also the trauma of labeling a kid as having "issues" not only from children but parents as well. Cuz there was/is a perception that every kid is gifted. Truth be told only 8% of my son's HS graduating class were National Honor Society members.

My son tried college for a semester and dropped out - it wasn't for him. I worried about him, wondering what/how his life would look like when he reached adulthood.

He is 31 yrs old and is a VP of a metal recycling company - He is very successful: he is very entrepreneurial. He discovered this skill while attending the therapeutic school.

He called me up a couple of months back to tell me of his new promotion that came with a nice salary package. He said to me " not bad for someone who went to a therapeutic school with no college." I am proud of him.