I have recently started to homeschool my son because of behavior problems at school. He is 6 1/2 and has been diagnosed with Aspergers but I think he might have ADHD also. He is very fidgety, can't sit still, can't focus even after just 5 minutes and is easily distracted, my whole day revolves around trying to get him to concentrate and pay attention and sit in his seat. I try to let him take frequent breaks also. He is very smart and loves to learn but it is just so hard to keep him focused! I am just wondering if anybody has had to deal with this and if they have anything that worked. I don't have insurance right now so I can't get him into a doctor to get evaluated and I am not sure I want him on medication this young. I was thinking about making a weighted vest for him as I was researching and they seem to help. Does anybody have any other ideas that worked for their child? Thank you so much for any suggestions.
Thank you for all your suggestions. He did have an IEP and the school he was in just wasnt' helpful. They said they were worried about him going out the front door and basically forced me to take him out. He just wasn't getting the help he needed and he was not happy. I am just trying to do what is best for him, he wanted to do homeschool but I am not sure how long I can do it. We are doing the K12 program so it is online and they provided us with everything.
Hi! ADHD comes from thie inside out. Here is what I blogged a while ago about how to help: http://heyyougetreal.com/momblog/B.-what-foods-do-you-rec...
B.
Family Success Coach
Don't make school at home like traditional school. Most resources and experts say to incorporate movement in day to day lessons and shorten lessons significantly. And if necessary, spread them out over time. There are special chairs, manipulatives, watches, and more to help keep these kids on track and focused. Exercise, plenty of breaks, and diet(often gluten-free) are key.
Also, look online to find an homeschool support group in your area, specifically for parents of struggling learners or ADHD kids. We have many such resources here in MN, so I'm certain you will have them too. You'll find it's immensely helpful to meet and make friends with others sharing your experience. They may also point you toward valuable resources.
Homeschool conventions and curriculum fairs are a good place to find support groups, resources and more for struggling learners. If you have one coming to your area, I highly recommend going. www.hslda.org lists some homeschool conventions across the country. Check with your state's homeschool advocacy group's calendar for dates as well.
The following blogs are written by homeschooling moms of ADHD/Aspberger children. They are all experts in the field as well. They have books, resources, and they even lecture on the topics as well. Carol Barnier's books are especially helpful for dealing with day to day challenges of schooling a "highly distractable" child, as she calls them. :)
Blogs to see:
www.sizzlebop.com (Carol Barnier)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geI_S6oe9sU (here are clips of a lecture)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLoVt1JXpCs (part 2)
www.headsupnow.com (Melinda Boring)
www.diannecraft.com (Dianne Craft special ed and alternative medicine/therapy expert)
See Craft's video on hidden food allergy link to ADHD type behaviors at: http://www.diannecraft.com/video_bob.htm
Books to see (if money is tight, don't buy them, go to the library!):
http://www.amazon.com/How-Your-Child-Refrigerator-Learnin...
http://www.amazon.com/The-What-Book-Learning-Styles/dp/19...
http://www.amazon.com/Diapering-Watermelon-Then-Whered-Le...
http://www.amazon.com/Homeschooling-Your-Struggling-Learn...
http://www.amazon.com/The-ADHD-Book-Lists-Practical/dp/07...
http://www.amazon.com/Reach-Teach-Children-ADHD-Intervent...
http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-ADHD-Complete-Authori...
http://www.amazon.com/Late-Lost-Unprepared-Executive-Func...
http://www.amazon.com/Staying-Sane-as-You-Homeschool/dp/0...
http://www.amazon.com/The-Out---Sync-Child-Recognizing/dp...
Articles to see;
A very interesting article on a study that proves homeschooling works better than traditional school for ADHD kids...
Here is an excerpt from this week's Homeschooler's Notebook e-newsletter:
--
Experiences of ADHD-Labeled Kids Who Switch
from Conventional Schooling to Homeschooling or Unschooling
---
A few months ago Peter Gray, Ph.D., a research professor of psychology at Boston College and a writer for Psychology Today, put out a call for stories about children who have been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and have been homeschooled and/or unschooled. He received 28 accounts of experiences from different families -- and then set out to analyze the data.
What he found from these personal stories suggests that (1) most ADHD-diagnosed kids do fine without drugs if they are not in a conventional school; (2) the ADHD characteristics don't vanish when the kids leave conventional school, but the characteristics are no longer as big a problem as they were before; and (3) ADHD-diagnosed kids seem to do especially well when they are allowed to take charge of their own education.
Mr. Gray's article includes excerpts from these families' stories. I think you will find it very interesting and affirming reading!
Here is a link to the full article:
www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/201009/experie...
Do YOU have your own story to share? Your feedback is always welcome -- just send your email to heather(at) familyclassroom.net.
***************Homeschooler's Notebook excerpt end**************
Resources that might help:
http://www.hslda.org/strugglinglearner/
www.hslda.org
http://www.brainbalancecenters.com/
(They can do assessment/evaluations and provide support. Many homeschoolers supplement curriculum with a program like this.)
Where to find products that help with school:
http://www.autismshop.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzUfc2EfGk0
http://addwarehouse.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/school-suc...
http://www.homeschooldiner.com/specials/special_needs/dys... (As they get further in school and more writing assignments come your way, you may discover this challenge which is common with Aspberger's/ADHD kids.)
http://www.achievement-products.com/?domainredirect=true&
Who suggested that you home school him, and why? You do not need to try and help him alone. Given the behavioral issues that you are facing and his dual diagnoses of AS and ADHD, I do not think that you going solo as his parent/teacher/school psychologist/speech therapist/occupational therapist is in his best interest. I recommend that you re-enroll him in public school and request an evaluation for special education services - immediately. You will receive free testing results and recommendations from various professionals within your school district.
I always thought when you had a child with special needs you want to keep them in public schools. I thought the public schools had to get them the special education they need. Have you asked your district about this?
Ok, yes, I did homeschool my ADHD (H is stressed) son for middle school. It was important that he had books that captured his interest. If I had to scrap one, I would. Also, I let him sit or stand or jump for that matter while doing his work if that's what he wanted. It is important to work right after a light breakfast and get the basics done early. My friend goes to the library regularly and gets books on science and history that are colorful and interesting for her learning disabled kids for the afternoon. Always recess after lunch. They cannot work well on a full stomach. I let him bang a hammer and nails or whatever he liked for excess energy and an outlet for his frustration. He also loved to skateboard. He did need a brief detox period when I pulled him out of school. I really think he a lot of built up stress. I finally opted for meds and to this day, I regret it. Now I know that while it isn't a cure, nutrition plays a big role overall. It takes a lot of energy and the meds were an easy fix. I did resist them throughout grade school, but finally gave in. Good luck.
My grandson is in special ed. Things I've seen work are to allow him to chew gum. Let him play with silly putty. Have a ball to squeeze. In occupational therapy they had him play with water, blowing bubbles in a soapy solution.
Because you're home schooling him he doesn't have to sit and learn. Do you have a home school curriculum? He can learn by doing things as he moves around, for example. Do you have objects (manipulatives) that he can use to learn math. He can stand and move around as he moves objects around. Use blocks or beans.
In my grandson's classroom they only expect him to work for 15-20 minutes and then he has free time during which he chooses what he wants to do. He responds well to working on the computer. Being able to work on the computer requires that he do some work that he doesn't like.
When he gets antsy, an aide takes him for a walk around the halls in the school. They also have a stationary bike that he can ride. He's taught to ask for help before he gets out of control. He can have quiet time away from the other kids or go for a walk. Whatever it takes to get him back in control. The classroom is very flexible.
It might help to observe in a special needs classroom.
I would look to see if I could find ideas for home schooling an Aspergers/ADHD student by looking on the Internet and by contacting home schooling networks.
My grandson has ADHD and is somewhere on the autism spectrum scale. He gets help through the school district. He's in special ed but my granddaughter also has ADHD and is in a regular classroom. She has a 501 plan. Did you try getting help thru the school district? There is a Federal program that requires school districts to provide such help.
A small stress ball he can squeeze and fidget with can help. As can dietary changes. A friend of mine whose son had this was taken off off gluten and processed sugars, and his behavior made a complete turnaround. Definitely look online and do some research, there are therapies and such online that can help in the meantime.
ADHD and Autism are all on the same spectrum. It is just as you slide over to the Autism side you add layers. Sometimes the layering makes the ADHD parts harder to see but they are always there.
Argh you are making me think back, not fair! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I am ADD. :)
I would never have considered home schooling Andy because in my opinion the more hands that are laid on the child the more chances you have to peal back those layers I spoke of. Plus you wear yourself out so quickly you are useless to him.
If you are bent on doing this on your own, start by watching him play. Unlike school work it is more relaxed and natural. See where he gravitates, where he misfires and loses it, where he focuses. Then apply this to school work. Video games are like crack to these kids which isn't a bad thing if you use them for good instead of evil. There are a lot of learning games out there but you want them to be full screen. Like if you have a laptop or even a desktop that you can hook up to your TV that is great!
So far as the weighted vest goes, bear hugs work just as well. Plus if you are at say the grocery store giving your child a big hug does not get nearly the looks or discussions a weighted vest does. Trust me if he is on the Autism side you are going to get plenty of talking behind your back without adding material.
Look at the hospitals in your area. See if you have a researching hospital, they tend to be attached to universities. A lot of times you can get your child into research studies which gets them and excellent eval because they must qualify for the study, plus sometimes meds or other therapies. Trust me, my Andy has done some studies, these are not like the ones you hear on the news where someone was used as a guinea pig. They will not harm your child.
My son's psychiatrist is one of the leading researchers on Autism spectrum which is where Aspergers falls. I have access to any access of health care through very good insurance and a rather wealthy ex. I pay to see this doctor, he sees patients for free. It is all about making advances in the field. You can't do that harming these children.
Hi! You would do much better if you weren't trying to replicate school at home. If sitting still is his problem work out other ways. Many, many moons ago (1970) I tutored a boy with reading. I took him outside for a walk if he would read to me, I would give him a ride on my shoulders if he would read to me, if he tried spelling for five minutes we would play ball for five minutes, write outside with chalk, you get the idea. When my own kids were little if people asked them where they went to school they used to say "on my mommy's lap". Homeschooling is all about thinking outside the box. Join some homeschool lists for some support and ideas. Don't worry about labeling your son but learn how to work with him and who he is. Mostly have fun with him! Homeschooling is a great and wonderful world.
I was forced into homeschooling our son who has ADHD when he was kicked out of preschool. This was before he was being helped medically. What a disaster! I ran into the same problems you're experiencing. It's very hard to teach a child when all he wants to do is jump on furniture, leap off stairs and literally try to climb the walls. It didn't matter how "fun" I tried to make things.
My background is in journalism and public relations, so I felt really unprepared to teach. I hated homeschooling and he hated being stuck at home with me.
At six and a half, your son definitely isn't too young for medication. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently approved it for kids as young as four (with ADHD, but since that's a close relative to Asperger's, I would guess it's the same recommendation) because it can be so beneficial. Ours started at four and it completely transformed his life. I really urge you to reconsider because it will likely allow him to mainstream into school. All of the problems you've described will go away on medication (at least while it's active).
Best of luck to you!
Did your son have an IEP? If he did, then he would be protected because his behavioral issues where related to his disability. I agree with the previous posters that you need to get a full evaluation (through the school now and later by a neurodevelopmental pediatrician) because he might need several therapies. It is too much stress on you to try to handle this all at once. You have an important role as him mother, not his therapist. You can still get services from the school even without and ADHD diagnosis. He is still young and can make great progress. But I think you need to leave it to the professionals on this one.
Programs like K12 are notoriously bad for kids with focus and attention issues. They are too rigid and too text heavy and keep them planted in front of a computer or workbook for too long of a stretch of time.
Kids with attention issues need very visually simplified pages and screens. Too much text/print, not enough white space, can be overwhelming and distracting.
Too long of an assignment, or too many activities that are reading and writing heavy are the kiss of death. These kids do better with hands-on activities and shorter lessons. Interestingly, their brains usually work faster than the average person, so those tedious workbooks drills are overkill. These kids usually only need to see something a couple of times, try it out for themselves a couple of times, and they've got it in their noodle for life. Seems counter-intuitive, but you'll see, for all of their figeting and what looks like disinterest, stuff is going in there at warp speed and they're learning.
When it comes to teaching ADHD kids, it's not the kid that needs to modify himself to learn as we are so bent to do through drugs and therapy. It's truly up to the teacher to modify their approach to see achievement and success in their students. I suggest re-examining how you're teaching and look for other curriculum that meets his needs. Don't try to make him conform, find something that fits his learning style. There are many books on learning styles that will help you as you search for the right curriculum and approach with your son.
Don't freak out if he needs to hop, roll, stand or play with an Etch-a-Sketch to get math done. They learn differently. You just have to not be alarmed or think something is wrong. One thing you'll find with an ADHD kid is patience and flexibility. It's the only way to survive sanity-wise whether you teach him at home or send him back to school. Modify your thinking and you'll see there was nothing really wrong at all. You just needed to make some adjustments and put expectations in check.
Do this, and you'll notice immediate improvement and a happier home.
I homeschool all my kids to some extent (one is in a charter school, he is ADD), one is totally homeschooled (he has Asperger's tendencies, but it's pretty mild), and one is a preschooler at home. I totally disagree with the moms that said you should put him back in public school and force them to give him the resources he needs. The schools aren't really going to be much help from what I have heard from other parents with special needs. You know what makes him tick, the schools don't. I think you might have better luck starting by finding out the resources you have in the community, rather than the school.
One thing I would like to suggest is to join a homeschooling support group online. One that I am in is the South Bay Homeschool Network (SBHN) that is based in Los Angeles. You can google them and check out their website and also join their yahoo group and actually ask them the question you just asked here. There are always people willing to give helpful info. Or check out CHEA (Christian Home Educators Association) or HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association).
Lastly, not to bum you out, but K12 is a LOT of work sitting doing worksheets and is NOT usually a first choice for people with kids with ADD/ADHD. It's just not flexible and can get very frustrating with the workload. I would highly recommend you check out other options for curriculum. You can find lots of free stuff online and also get a lot of suggestions from other moms on homeschool support networks. There are so many. I actually buy most of my curriculum from www.sonlight.com, but it's pricey, but I love it. But like I said there is plenty of free stuff out there.
My kid with the Aspergers tendencies loves to do his work lying on the floor when possible, like his math problems and science. I make him sit up straight at a table to do penmanship, but that's about it, otherwise, we move around a LOT and he is so happy and comfortable not having to sit in a desk all day. My older kid uses Khan Academy math online, a free program that we use as a math supplement. It might be something you want to check out, although I have to say an Aspergers kid might prefer something like Math U See or Miquon Math, or Singapore or Saxon Math.
Feel free to email me if you have more questions. I have had my kids in private, and public school, and have found homeschool to be so much better :) Good for you for being his advocate and educator.
Good for you for taking the initiative to give your child what he needs. :) And consider the torture you are saving him from with being cooped up in a classroom with a teacher who gets frustrated with his activeness. And they do.
Short lessons, frequent breaks, lots of physical activity before and during. Consider getting one of those mini trampolines for quick use when going outside isn't possible. Let him stand up to do workbook activities if you use those. Sitting on an exercise ball at the coffee table may work too.
Someone else mentioned Carol Barnier. She has lots of good tips for active children.
And I would also encourage you to find a message board dedicated to home schooling. You will get more support for your decision and fewer ignorant responses. http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/index.php This one is very active and has a special needs board. It's a starting place.
Maybe you could try a different approach to how you are teaching him, at least some of the time. Rather than sitting at a table and filling out with worksheets (or whatever you do), take what he is interested in and base your lessons off of that. You could add and subtract dinosaurs or balls, write letters/words with chalk or pudding, stuff like that.
