Fortunately, my son is very intelligent (I'm not just saying that because I am his mom) He has scored off the charts since forever. I guess that is why I'm not as worried about academics as some parents would be. I know he can make it up when he gets back on his feet. The trouble is the school/state have their own agenda...no child left behind, truancy = neglect, etc.
The added pressure they are putting on him increases how overwhelmed he feels. If they would just give him a break to focus on healing - kinda like letting him have one thing to deal with at a time - I think he would make more progress. My pleas to everyone who is anyone have gone unheard.
He will be sixteen soon - I'm considering letting him get his GED. That is far from the path I ever imagined for him - his potential is incredible! He has expressed an interest in attending college courses with me after the GED (I currently take classes occasionally) That gives me hope - that is the first time he has talked about anything future related in more than a year.
I do believe there is hope for his recovery and that he can beat this monster.

Some days, I feel beat down and overwhelmed. And I am frustrated by the response from school officials, D.A.'s, etc

I guess I just needed to vent

BTW - he got out of bed on his own today and took a shower