With so much focus on kids with ADHD, I think teachers sometimes forget about learning disabilities. (based on my personal experience). But often the two have the same characteristics.
My son's teacher's were quick to label him ADHD...but not the hyperactive type. Rather, he was the daydreamer who wouldn't follow directions. I kept feeling like they were blaming me for not having him put on meds, but my pediatrician said not to jump to conclusions and to have the school first test him for a learning disability. We asked for testing, but at first we were told we have to get a medical evaluation. We knew the schools had to do some kinds of testing. Then we learned about and asked for a psycho-educational evaluation (Thank you for enlightening me, Pam!)
The test showed he had two learning disabilities. After that the school had to make accommodations for him. He did eventually get diagnosed with ADHD-inattentive because his daydreaming didn't improve. But after several months (and changes in meds) we found the meds didn't really work.
He was very anxious about school. So we focused on all his anxiety (so much pressure he feels) and building his self-confidence, he's done much better in school. There are some days that aren't perfect, but I'm glad we kept asking questions.
My good friend's son has a
My good friend's son has a moderate to severe form of dyslexia. He has tutors come into the school everyday and his mom drills him also. It's been a loooong road and it seems like he's so close to "getting it," but one of the things a school psychologist told my friend was that it was time to start making her son believe that he can go that extra step and learn.
I've seen it first hand because I have two kids with ADHD-Inattentive type and the older one never had meds until he was 12. Accept for the fact that the meds worked for him, his self-confidence rose with every A he came home with or accolade he got in sports. Meds can help stabilize a child but they can never be a substitute for the child actually doing the work themselves...and succeeding themselves.
Every little victory can add up and do wonders for a child's self-esteem and then performance! I guess the moral is that we parents of kids with disabilities have to look hard for their strengths and really convince our kids that those things are what makes them special. My son believes that his ADHD makes him creative and interesting. I believe that, too! Now, if only he would clean his room!!!
"...we parents of kids with
"...we parents of kids with disabilities have to look hard for their strengths and really convince our kids that those things are what makes them special"
My son has dyslexia, I really agree with your statement. :)
Anne
Can I ask where you did your
Can I ask where you did your testing? I have a 5 year old who has been diagnosed as ADD (after a developmental ped, neurologist and school evaluations) however I don't think that addresses some of her issues. She has very poor motor skills which I do not think are a result of attention issues.
My 7 year old is on the other side of the fence. He is very bright (has tested gifted) but cannot finish his work because he cannot focus. Every day it is a battle because he will come home and not have finished one page of center work. It is not that it is too hard because when I make him do it (after the pencil is sharpened, he has drank water, etc) he finishes it in 5 minutes completely correct with no help.
I am not sure what would cause this. The teacher says he seems to be working he just works very slow. When I talk to him it seems his mind just wanders or he daydreams. I know he can focus because he can read books, play games, etc.
I don't think it is ADD but I have no idea what to think.
What did the doctors test
What did the doctors test for...just adhd? Did they test for autism or processing issues as well? I ask because kids can have all combinations of things wrong with them.
Does your daughter write with a pencil? Are her poor motor skills fine motor or gross motor? Poor fine motor skills are typical of kids with adhd, I don't think poor gross motor skills are. I'll have to check on that for you.
One of the things I want everyone to know is that schools cannot deny you testing if you ask for it in writing! When you ask for your child to be tested in letter form, the school has 60 days to COMPLETE the testing. This falls under Federal legislation called IDEA. IDEA stands for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and it requires schools to test kids if asked. Don't let them pussyfoot around you! If you need help, Arizona has advocates that can help you prepare for your meeting with school officials. They know their way around the system and can really help!
Anyway, we got the kids tested at the Melmed Center in Scottsdale and at school. Melmed Center did the autism and adhd testing. The school psychologist did the psych/ed evals and the preschool did the speech evals.
My boys with ADHD Inattentive type have processing issues too. If you ask your son a question, does he take a long time to answer? Mine do. Sometimes there is so much going on in their heads, questions, what they're supposed to be working on etc take a looooong time!
Have you ever had your son tested for Aspergers Syndrome? It's a type of high functioning autism that often goes along with adhd. Asperger kids are often very smart!!! Just a thought. Maybe you can look it up on an autism website and see if he fits the criteria.
You may want to look at the class as a whole. My son was in a very chaotic class in 3rd grade and never got anything done. We didn't know he had adhd at the time and he, therefore, wasn't on meds. My 1st grader on the other hand, is on ritalin and is in a very chaotic, loud classroom and does really well in school attention-wise. His kindergarten teachers used a different approach with him and the green, yellow and red cards. If he wasn't finishing his work, he would get a yellow card, this would cause him to get his act together and get his work done. Once his work was done, he got to turn his card back to green.
You may want to talk to the teachers about how they set up the class and see if there are things going on that might distract your son. they may be able to help him by setting up some sort of motivational system that he can use. It would be helpful to have him in the front of the class and by another student who is quiet and can get his work done. these things have always helped my sons.
Gotta run and get kids from school. Good luck. Keep at the testing and researching. You may want to look into occupational therapy for you daughter for those motor skills, too!
It could be an Auditory
It could be an Auditory Processing Disorder.
Highly recommend this clinic http://www.listening-ears.com/
Beware the tendency in this
Beware the tendency in this culture to diagnose prematurely.
I had a rather unsettling experience with our son when he was about 3 or 4 years old. We had him in a Montessori (not in AZ), and it became clear that his primary teacher had a problem with him. To this day, we're not sure why, since everyone else at the school seemed to like him then; he's well-socialized, and people still--lo, these many years later--comment on what a well-behaved and attentive, smart, polite guy he was and still is. At any rate, this teacher/principal figure flat out told us she wouldn't allow him to stay in the school or consider taking him another year because she was sure he was ADD or ADHD, and "wouldn't succeed" in her classroom. She demanded, midyear, that we have him tested, which we did.
The people testing our son were amazed that he was in for testing at all. The test results and additional information essentially showed that this teacher was, essentially, guilty of discriminating against him.
Furthermore, in the state where this happened, many administrators and teachers (more than 15 I knew of) pointed out that having a child--usually boys--diagnosed ADD or ADHD actually brought more state resources into the classroom via additional help/teacher's aide, and additional funding specific to the school.
Frankly, the experience left me more skeptical than ever about the tendency to diagnose early and often with any disability, legitimate or not.
Bottom line? No matter what an expert says, get second, third, even fourth opinion, and ask a LOT of questions; getting an accurate and valid diagnosis is critical for everyone involved.
I agree 110% to be cautious
I agree 110% to be cautious when getting a diagnosis, whether it is physical, psychological, or mental. Doctors and "experts" are only human and often serve up a diagnosis after talking to their patients for less than 10 minutes. While I'm not an "expert" on that particular subject, I am an expert in my own life.
Before accepting any diagnosis, especially when it comes to my daughter, I'd also get a second, third, fourth, and maybe even a fifth opinion. I'd also arm myself with as much knowledge as I could via the internet, the library, associations, the medical/mental field, and other individuals.
I'm at the very beginning of this journey and would appreciate ANY feedback anyone can offer.
My daughter started pre-school at a Montessori last year. and continued onto kindergarten this year. She has the same teacher this year that she had last year. Her teacher had concerns last year that she continues to voice this year: My daughter's inability to pay attention and follow-through with her work. She is also easily distracted and often seems to be in "her own world." Her teacher says she does better when working one-on-one.
I have noticed some of these same issues at home, although it seems to be sporadic. When she's watching Little Mermaid, or engaging in one of her favorite activities (coloring or writing her letters) she doesn't have any trouble sitting still or completing a project.
I have noticed how often I have to repeat myself over and over and over and over again. I know this is commonplace for children, but with her it seems excessive, especially when getting ready in the morning. We have the same routine every single weekday morning but she can get sidetracked on the way to her bedroom! It is difficult for me to know what is normal and what is excessive, since she is my first and only child.
I talked to a school psychologist last summer and he said since ADD runs in our family there is a strong possibility that she's inherited it. He said they won't diagnose her until she's in first or second grade but if she does have ADD he recommends Ritilan. This would be my ABSOLUTE last resort. I believe we live in an overly medicated society; not to mention ADHD & ADD have become a "catch-all" diagnosis.
I'm concerned though and don't want her to continue falling behind. I should mention that Montessori schools tend to push and expect more from their students. My daughter is also a late 5-year-old (her b-day is the end of the summer).
I would appreciate any experience or advice you can give me.
Thanks and have a great day!
My son was tested outside of
My son was tested outside of his school and was found to have ADD.He is in the fourth grade.His teacher and I knew he most likely had ADD back in first grade. However my husband and I thought we would give it some time and see if he grew out of this stage.
First through third his teachers always had wonderful things to say about him...he is so kind, sweet, very caring and makes friends.That was great to hear. However he was behind in class.
So third grade I started the process with the school which I might add was frustrating! So finally we took him somewhere to get tested.ADD it was.
Even though he was tested and there are state guide lines to be followed the teacher was having a hard time with helping him.I understand she was very busy with all the other children as well.
We thought to send him to a private school this year for fourth grade. I am so very happy we did.He is happy to go to school this year.I thought his first report card might reflect poorly because of a new school. However he has gone up a grade level in those subjects he couldn't focus on.
The class size is smaller and his teacher will even help him after school if need be ( she is wonderful). Also the high school students can tutor the younger grades, which he will
start soon.
We didn't put him on meds....we have just made our day more stuctured.We talk to him alot about what he needs and what he thinks will help him.We have made ADD part of our lives and he knows he isn't adnormal....this is just who he is.
There are programs for children with ADD to try to help their brain learn to focus. I actually got information however it is at work. I will give the information thursday.
We haven't tried it yet because he is doing well at this point but at some point we may.The other parent at school has tried it and says she has noticed a diffrence.
My best advice is to listen to your child and talk to them.They know more then we think.
Good luck!
I don't know if any of you
I don't know if any of you have looked into alternatives to medication. There are lots of programs out there for kids with Dyslexia and ADD/ADHD and even things like Asbergers and Gifted Asynchrony. My son has ADD and struggled until he did a brain based learning therapy at the Learning Enrichment Center. He is doing so much better. They also do testing and have a pediatric neuropsychologist on staff as well. You might want to look into it. They have a great success rate about 85% of all kids end up off of medications after the program and it is permanent there is no follow up after the program. You should see the research on their website its pretty amazing.......
Shea Schwartz
Vice President of Operations
Learning Enrichment Center, LLC
14415 N 73rd St. Suite 109-A
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
O: 480-659-1283
C: 602-615-9030
F: 480-659-0452
Email s.schwartz@learningenrichmentcenter.com
Is there a really long wiat
Is there a really long wiat to get seen at the center? I seem to remember a friend whose son has dyslexia try to get an appointment there a few years back and was told the wait was 6 months. Could this be the same place??? Just wondering. She had nothing but great things to say about the center, but just couldn't wait that long to treat her son.
Hi, I am an adult with
Hi,
I am an adult with ADD (diagnosed at 32) and have raised two wonderful young men that are also ADD. I am also a retired special ed teacher/ specializing in Autism.
Very early on I learned that parenting them would take much creativity and serious "thinking out of the box". I also learned that I would have to become their biggest advocate as I WAS THE EXPERT ON THESE BOYS. Teachers were told that I would gladly wash windows, grade papers if that would give them more time to help my children but if they crossed the line I would also become their biggest nightmare. I showed up at classrooms unannounced (if they had my child in the class I had every right to see what was going on). Listened to my children and confronted school officials when needed. Were there times when I got burned because my kids story was off the mark, sure, then my child and I went in together and apologized. At home the lesson continued on why we dont fabricate things; at the same time I never took what a teacher said at face value. I made alot of mistakes and learned how to get the best both medically and educationally that I could get.
There are things the school doesnt want parents to know as it puts more work and pressure on them. If you have a concern that your child has ADD/ADHD you can ask the school (IN WRITING) to test them. Personally I would have a developmental pediatrician or a psychologist test them.
The schools have the means and Psychologists that can do this testing. Just state in writing what you are seeing and you would like him/her tested for possible learning disorders. Dont allow the school to try and ask you what you want the child tested for, you want the whole gamut. It would be advisable to have 2 copies and have the principal or vice to sign: name, date and time recieved. That way you have a backup.
By law the school has 30 days to give you in writing the date and time of the testing.
My oldest son had some problems and the puzzle pieces just werent fitting together. We found out that he also had Aspergers. My youngest has an oral language deficit, he couldnt watch a movie or listen to a lecture and take notes on it.
Blessed thoughts,
Michelle
blessed thoughts,
Michelle
Chandler Resource for
Chandler Resource for Learning Disabilities
Listening Ears is an Arizona-based speech-language, hearing and learning clinic aimed at strengthening the cognitive skills of individuals with learning challenges.
Co-founders Dr. Tracey Graves, Ph.D., CCC-SLP and Lynn Carahaly, MA, CCC-SLP utilize research-based, neuro-cognitive interventions that work to improve functioning and processing.
We welcome you to visit the Listening Ears Web site or contact us at (480) 495-3871 for more information.
http://www.listening-ears.com/
Remember that teachers are
Remember that teachers are not doctors, although they do have a lot of experience with children. A teacher may feel that a child is different, and recommend testing, but that does not mean anything unless the testing shows something. Also, as many others have said, be cautious, especially depending the age of your child.
It sounds like you are already taking steps to help your son. Working on his self-esteem and his working environment at school are both very important aspects! I would recommend talking to his principal about the teacher assignment for next year. You would be surprised how often a principal will change a child's classroom assignment, based simply on parent request. You would do well with a teacher who is kind, gives lots of positive feedback, yet still has order and structure to her room. Ask other parents at your school, especially those whose children are learning disabled, who they recommend. Then, talk to his new teacher at the beginning of next school year, and addressing these concerns. He might need to be in the front of the room, or moved some where else to minimize distractions. Let her know he needs lots of feedback and praise, and that he has the ability to do the work quickly when distractions are minimized (as I am sure they are at home).
I hope this helps! Feel free to contact me if you would like more suggestions. Debra at 602-578-3687 or Debra@SharpenUpTutoirng.com. Good Luck!
Debra
Debra
602-578-3687
www.SharpenUpTutoring.com