stephanie

Well, all of my frustration and worry are not unfounded. My son has been found to have a specific learning disability in math and written expression and his ADHD is severe according to two of his teachers who rated him. He is eligible for an IEP, and is going to get services and accomodations to help him in school. I am soo relieved to finally find out that there is a reason for his difficulties in school. He is very bright according to his IQ, but his learning problem is affecting his ability to achieve. I feel more hopeful about the future now, as I posted in my other topic about trying to motivate him. Now he will have support from the school, and special instruction in areas where he needs it. I know that it sounds weird to be happy to find out that your kid has a learning disability, but it explains a lot to me about why he hated certain homework and why he is failing so badly in high school. I guess I feel badly for thinking he was just lazy, but he is going to have to work harder still. I think with an IEP he will get the support he needs to make it through high school, and that is why I am sooo happy today! Thanks for listening to my frustration in my motivation post, and I am glad to post something more positive. If your child is struggling in school, I recommend asking the school for an evaluation. Thats what I did.

musicmom

stephanie

Perhaps you didn't understand what I wrote, I said he has a specific learning disability not related to his ADHD. He was diagnosed with ADHD prior to starting kindergarten by a pediatric neurologist who wasn't getting any kick backs. Also, IEP's actually cost the school money, because they must provide special accomodations or services that regular pupils don't get. Schools do not like to give IEP's out, but they have to if testing reveals that there is a disability severe enough to warrent one. Not every kid with ADHD is eligible, nor is every kid with a disability eligible unless it effects their ability to learn.

musicmom

stephanie

Ps..I guess I should have mentioned his specific learning disability is in math, and written expression. Big discrepency between his cognitive ability and his actual achievement on the testing in those areas.

stephanie

Just trying to educate you! : )

musicmom

Ari2

My nephew has Aspergers and ADHD. He has had an IEP since starting public school (he was in a private school for several years). The IEP has changed every year as he has developed and has been a tremendous help. Decades ago, he probably would not have been in mainstream classes. Now he gets by with grade adjustments in 3 classes and some extra tutoring.

Sounds like the eval was good for your child. I'm glad to hear it.

etceterae

Cognitive ability isn't measured by IQ - that's a common misconception. What it DOES measure is your modernity, so if Thomas Edison (who we can all contest was a genius) took the current edition of the IQ, he would score rather averagely.

You must be so relieved, though, to figure out the reason behind his rather lacking grades! =] I hope IEP works well for him.

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