I have a nine year old fourth grader. He has recently been diagnosed with adhd with dyspraxia, learning disability in writing, and having components of NVLD. I will be starting a mediation process because the school feels he doesn’t truly need help - it’s all his fault due to his behaviour. He is a mild boy who wishes to do good, but will fight what he views as unfair treatment. He scored very high on the academic skills, but has weakness in many areas. I am finding that the school will not work with me and am forced to work with an advocate on finding the best road to take.
My question is How does one “figure” out what is best for a child? What has other parents found to be helpful? Are there things to look out for? I am very confused and feel helpless at this time. Any suggestions and/or comments will be much appreciated.
Re: advice
I think a parent’s caring heart can lead them to many truths here. Think about your son apart from any learning issues he may have. What would you like for him - or for any child - in school?
Then what might you like for him that would be specifically helpful to his individual learning needs?
Some parents have asked for something so big as that their child not be graded as grading would be unfair. Some ask for one on one help during the week. Help can come in the form of helping him to keep up with his work and/or help to ‘close the gap’ between his skills and those of his classmates.
NVLD suggests that math will be a struggle for him. One on one help in math might be good for him. ADHD can sometimes be helped by things like untimed tests and a seat in the front of the room. A writing learning disability can sometimes respond to one on one help but can also be addressed through word processing. Some students have laptops in schools these days!
Modifying homework is not an uncommon request for children with writing issues.
Consider getting hold of a book called Educational Care by Dr. Mel Levine (he has a special on public television Wednesday night) He is a pediatrician who advocates that schools should be more like hospitals, treating learning issues rather than ignoring them. His book has many suggested strategies for many different learning issues.
If your advocate is experienced, they’ll have been through this before and might well have some good ideas for you.
Good luck.
Re: advice
I think a parent’s caring heart can lead them to many truths here. Think about your son apart from any learning issues he may have. What would you like for him - or for any child - in school?
Then what might you like for him that would be specifically helpful to his individual learning needs?
Some parents have asked for something so big as that their child not be graded as grading would be unfair. Some ask for one on one help during the week. Help can come in the form of helping him to keep up with his work and/or help to ‘close the gap’ between his skills and those of his classmates.
NVLD suggests that math will be a struggle for him. One on one help in math might be good for him. ADHD can sometimes be helped by things like untimed tests and a seat in the front of the room. A writing learning disability can sometimes respond to one on one help but can also be addressed through word processing. Some students have laptops in schools these days!
Modifying homework is not an uncommon request for children with writing issues.
Consider getting hold of a book called Educational Care by Dr. Mel Levine (he has a special on public television Wednesday night) He is a pediatrician who advocates that schools should be more like hospitals, treating learning issues rather than ignoring them. His book has many suggested strategies for many different learning issues.
If your advocate is experienced, they’ll have been through this before and might well have some good ideas for you.
Good luck.
Re: advice
thank you for your help. I will go to the website this week. Are you referring to “Misunderstood Minds”?
This is not an easy question. My son sounds very similar to yours, both in age and description. I’ve spent years becoming an expert on my child and how he learns. I would start by reading anything by Mel Levine. My favorite is a _Educational Care_. The author is not big on labels, but examines exactly what is getting in the way of the child learning, and makes recommendations for both home and school based on the problems a child is having.
His web site is http://www.allkindsofminds.org/ and he has a PBS show on this coming week.