Help with Learning Disabillity

Please try learningRx. They specialize in brain training...(unlocking the brain)...I have been a trainer there for years and love to see the results in all of the children I have trained. you will love it. I don't know where you live, but try to find one close. Trainers are all over too... there may be one close to you. Let me know if you need help.

I have heard various things about ADHD, like it really isn't a "medical condition". I have also heard that people who change their children's diets to organic (without chemicals) and really limit their sugar intake can drastically see improvements in their child's behavior.

It doesn't sound like ADHD to me at all. Have you looked into non verbal learning disorder. I know when he talks and is smart it the name doesn't fit but I know several kids with the disorder and its hard to diagnose and can show up differently in each child. But basically most kids with the disorder are VERY smart and can tell you everything about everything, they sound years ahead when they speak, but they aren't always comprehending what they are saying and they struggle with getting there thoughts into other forms (on paper). Just wanted to put it out there. My advice is if you feel there is more to be done, keep pushing, just b/c one test said things are fine doesn't mean there isn't more that can be done. Good luck J.!

Have you heard of the Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented? You will find a wealth of information there, including help for kids that are labeled as 2x or Twice Exceptional. It is not totally uncommon for gifted kids to also have a learning or motor skill disorder. MCGT has a wealth of resources that may be able to help you and your son. I have listed the website below. I would contact someone from this group that could help you out AND has been there.
http://www.mcgt.net/

Bright children who cannot express themselves and who underperform academically can benefit enormously from neuro-developmental programs and sensori-motor integration. Whatever label a child receives, it is up to us to evaluate his neuro-development by sorting through what sensory sensitivities he may have; what neuro-motor gaps he have, what systems are overwhelmed or immature; and then to support each of those areas to develop. Neuro-developmental programs use games, movements and interactive activities to train the brain for best function. You can visit these websites; www.mamabebe.org (see school age page) or planforlearning.com C.

First what type of assessments did the AEA do? Were there ever any rating scales filled out by you and your husband, and teachers? Also tell me about why his teachers thought he is ADHD. What was the main concern? Teachers are not medical doctors (I am a teacher and would never diagnose a child). There needs to be many different types of assessments done some in the classroom over weeks. Did any teacher do a time on task log for him, or keep anecdotal notes? What were their interventions in the classroom for him? With that I'm wondering what your pediatrician recommended? Where I live we do have access to behavioral services where a child can be assessed by a child psycologist. A Dr. Okishii from Iowa City, Iowa (he will even visit with you and your child on web cam) is a wonderful resource and works with many families in my area. Sometimes it is trial and error, you try something to see if it works (or sticks) and it may for a week or month and then may need to try something else new. I'm just going to throw out some names (again I'm no doctor) has anyone mentioned non verbal learning disorder, or pervassive developmental disorder? I wish you luck in your journey!

Hi there....My son was diagnosed ADHD when he was 5 years old. I definitely feel it was something that was "pushed" by the teachers at his school, because he didn't fit in the their spectrum of what a student should do and what they should act like everyday. He was busy, and still is. He is 11 years old now. Well anyway....he was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 5, we battled different meds for a couple years, then I took him off for a couple more, but it got to the point where we had to do something to help him, or he was going to fail a grade. We found this Dr. that had done more testing on him that any other had done before. She did physical testing, and took all kinds of blood to check for things in his blood, salts in his brain, just a bunch of stuff. So I was very impressed just at that. Well, she came to the conclusion that he could be 1 of 2 different things, or a combonation of the two. And that was ADHD and Sensory Processing disorder. You should read up on the sensory one, it fit him so well. So she actually did placebo trials with meds that would help with both things and showed him little tricks for him to do himself to help his mind slow down enough for him to focus. Since then, school has been wonderful. There was a time when it wasn't. He will still have a few days where he gets a inconsistent, but thats every kid. School is another story. They are so quick to complain, pigeon hole them, take away needed recesses that are sooo important for our special children to burn off excess energy....the list goes on. I'm proactive when it comes to my sons disorder and I have gotten into it with teachers and principals over him. I know alot about certain rules at school and laws that I ran into when we were having trouble a few years back. Not all teachers are like that though, but you can pick which ones are going to be usually right away.
Another issue for my son was his routine. It still is too. If he is "interrupted" with what he is doing, he gets very upset. He used to tell us when he was younger that it "hurt" him when we would tell him it was dinner time, or time to go, or time for whatever and my husband and I were baffled by this and just thought it was just an excuse for him to not come to the table on time, or not hop in the shower on time, or not go to bed on time. Well, after we found his new Dr, she said his routine was very important. We had to start giving him like 15, and 10 minute warnings for things so he knew to expect them. She said children like him need that, or to them, it's just as annoying and bothersome as physical pain is to us, and so that is how it made him feel, only not in a physical sense. So his "tantrums" got less and less severe. My husband used to just say oh there's nothing wrong with, and I'm not going to baby him, or what on egg shells for him. But now he knows.... I always did, because I was exactly like that when I was his age. Only back then, they didn't know alot about those things 25 years ago. If they had, I could probably be a Dr myself.......let me guess, he is very smart and picks things up almost, a little faster than other kids right?? My son too. My Dr told me that our kids that are special like that, are just that. He learns at a faster rate than all the other kids in his class and doesnt need the same amount of it. the school cuts all of his work in half, and he gets better grades than alot of other kids. His Dr wrote me a note for the school so they can challenge him more. She said if the work seems to easy and he has to do too much of it, he won't do it cause it's boring to him, where if he is challenged more, he'll be more interested..........Wish you the best of luck to you and your family......I hope things work out well for your son. I think they should have "groups" for Moms with children like this so we can share and relate issues, ideas, knowledge,etc.....

Along with all the great resources, you might also want to make sure he's getting enough omega-3. A lot of issues with the brain can be traced to an omega-3 deficiency. Try giving a fish oil or flaxseed oil supplement. My oldest two girls take them daily.

It sounds like you have a wonderfully talented son. I have spent eight years teaching in a high school LD/EBD classroom and loving (almost) every minute. When I get my LD kids in seventh grade, they are usually at a point where frustration is an everyday companion. If their disability is in written language, we usually start out with a journal. The first day(before they even know that we will be journaling), I have the students write a list of things they love in life. We use this list as a back-up in case we run out of ideas. As part of each day's activities, we spend a portion of our time journaling. I usually journal along with them - modeling is very important. In the beginning we focus on quantity not quality. I don't even look at the journals but to check the length (half a page), unless someone chooses to share the journal. After everyone is comfortable with generating ideas (this can take months and sometime years), I start to focus on common spelling and usage misconceptions. This usually opens the flood gates, we all need an outlet in which to express ourselves. If your son is a perfectionist, writing maybe difficult. There is no set formula as there is in reading and math. I guess my suggestion is to find fun ways to use those written language skills, play on his strengths, and possibly look at getting a tutor (it's nice not to have to be the bad guy everyday of the week). Best of luck to you! Oh... If you get a chance, look up the theory of multiple intelligences.

Certainly seek a quality assessment for any learning disabilities. First you might want to educate yourself about different processing challenges faced by the human brain. Mel Levine is a good authority on the subject. I don't have the name of his book aimed at parents but do some searches and I'm sure you'll come up with some titles you could check out. I like Mel Levine because he a strong focus on identifying both the strengths and weaknesses in a child's ability to learn and then working with both to create the best learning environment.

I find that if I am educated ahead of any assessment on my child I am better able to communicate with those doing the assessment and it helps them focus their assessment in the right direction. I agree with the posters that say the sooner he gets some help the better. I am surprised that his teachers have only focused on his behavior and have not noticed the fine motor issues at the very least.

One thing that you can do is meet with his teachers and request that he be allowed to take the test orally.

When you've tried the digital recorder have you left him alone to do his work or are you there with him?

Maybe it's just me but I would be embarrassed if I had to do that but again, maybe it's just me... I loath being watched when I'm doing something, always have.

Maybe if you get it set up and let him work alone in his room it will be easier.

This sounds like a replica of my daughter at that age, less the motor skills issue. Anxiety may be his issue. Axiety is displayed differently in children than in adults, which makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly what is wrong. Unfortunately we found out too late that our daughter has depression, for it to make a difference in her early years. We too were told numerous times by her teachers that she was A.D.D. and every time we took her to the clinic and pediatrician, they said she was not. After 6 years of elementary school and 2 years of jr. high, and freshman year, she was tested for anxiety and we found she was and probably has been suffering depression for a very long time. She is being treated for it for 8 months now, and it has made a miraculous change in her life.

Hi J.~

Just a thought here but has anyone mentioned "asperger's" to you which would be an autism spectrum disorder? Asperger's tends to be a higher functioning situation which it sounds like your son is very bright so that is why I mention asperger's. Just so you know Bill Gates has been considered someone who has asperger's as well.

My daughter has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS which is also an autism spectrum disorder so that is the only reason I wanted to post a response in case this is something that hasn't been looked into.

If I were you I would maybe just call your son's MD and run it past them if you haven't already!

Please feel free to send me a private message if you want to chat more! Also, as an encouragement to you I want you to know that with diet, supplementation etc. many things could help your little guy!

Thanks for letting me share with you~
A.

call pacer center
###-###-####
###-###-#### (Fax)
(800) 537-2237 (Free)
8161 Normandale Boulevard,
Minneapolis, MN 55437

There advocated helped me with my son. They are wonderful!

Ask for referral to pediatric/adolescent neurologist or a neuropsychological evaluation. This test evaluates where issues are for thining, processing and genrally how son does what he does - positive and negative. School Spec Ed office could also have a therapists or specialist offer neuropsych, but might not be as robust information as a medical evaluation.

Look into Asperger's syndrome on Pervasive Development Disorders spectrum (aka Autsim spectrum) If this fits by a medical or educationa diagnosis, there are many supports to ENable you r son not disable him.

K.-Ann

Sounds like your other responses have offerred lots of insight. I am a pediatric PT and have one other suggestion, and that is to check if your OT is trained in "Therapeutic Listening"; it would be yet another tool that can help retrain the brain. The system uses specially designed headphones and specially recorded CD's. We have seen GREAT success in a wide variety of children, from potty training issues, to hyperactivity, to various speech and language issues and more. Typically the program requires listening 30 minutes 2x/day during other activity (but not during TV watching). Good Luck! If you need/want more info, I can contact my coworker (I'm currently on maternity leave myself) for a website with a list of those who might be in your area.

OT is good. Check out information on Sensory Integration Issues. We all have them. It's just to what degree that they interfere with our lives.

Have you taken him to a psychologist or behavior therapist? Your son sounds just like my son, who was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome a high functioning form of Autism. This may not be the case with your son, have your school psychologist evaluate him, and find someone in your area who can help.

Is there a facility close by that does in depth testing for such things? Here in Iowa we take our children to Iowa City (to the University of Iowa Hospitals) for full testing. A friend of mine took her daughter there and found that she had major sensory problems and a rare form of dyslexia in which the words jump around on the page. She now has to use a clear sheet of red paper to 'hold' the words in place. Her academics improved tremendously once this was figured out...it's no wonder she had such trouble reading!

Another friend of mine took her son there and he was diagnosed with ADHD, Aspergers, Sensory problems and a common form of dyslexia.

I went with my friend when she took her son and he actually enjoyed spending the entire day there as the staff had him playing games with them as a way of testing. He also had a psychological evaluation (which is where they diagnosed Aspergers). They run the full gambit but make it fun and interesting for the kids so that they don't get bored or worn out too quickly.

AEA should be able to tell you if and where a program such as this exists as well as making the necessary recomendations. You might also ask your doctor about such a place. I have not yet found a medical doctor that took ADHD seriously and outside of Iowa City, have not found a medical or psych doctor who took sensory issues seriously (both my children have sensory issues and ADHD, as do I, and have been properly diagnosed).

It took me two years of doctor hopping before I found a doctor who diagnosed my son with asthma (it runs heavily in our family..back before my grandfather) because at the time they didn't believe that children under the age of 3 could have it...my daughter, who is three years his junior, was diagnosed with asthma at age 9 months (the medical establishment having changed their opinion of when kids develop asthma by this time). I knew what my son had, I grew up watching my brother struggle with it in a time when most people didn't know what it was and didn't understand it. Doctors aren't God and we as parents know when our children have problems and it is up to us to make sure our children get that help. If the answers one doctor gives doesn't fit, try another and another until you find the solution that works.

Don't give up. You know that your son needs help and there is no one else who will fight for him like you will. There is help out there though it may take a bit of pushing and shoving to get to it but in the end it will be well worth the effort! Good luck to ya hun!

Hi J. -- My son, who is dyslexic, had the same problem of not being able to get stuff down on paper. But it was much easier (less difficult) for him if he used the computer! Also, he had no trouble writing short stories (on the computer). It was trying to get specific, not-self-generated material (like a book report) on paper that about killed him (and us). But the computer helped. All through school he got A's in computer classes and C's or D's in everything else, and he's very bright, too. We just resigned ourselves to his grades not reflecting him, and that at least made life easier at home.

He's 32 now and has a great job doing something I don't understand with computers. But he's lousy at Scrabble! Happy Thanksgiving! L.

Sorry if I'm duplicating what anyone may have said. Didn't read any of the responses. I know out there there is a computer program that turns speech into writing. I don't know what it's called but I do know--if there are more--that one has dragon in its name. I think its dragon speak or something.
B.

kudos to you for not just accepting the schools idea of adhd. too many are quick to label a child with anything they can so they have excuses as to why the child doesnt progress. heaven forbid it be the teacher or curriculum.

i commend you for listening to your child. you will be an advocate for his entire school career. it can be a very tough job. been there.

my son could do A work on daily work but failed most test. he had anxiety attacks.

use the school system to test and second document the issue. then the school is obligated to offer the specialized teaching method he will need. there will be lots of paper work for you to sign. they will assess to a percent amount the goal for "completion" of the program. dont let them set it at 60 80 % make it 100%. then if you feel he hits that before they do you can choose to end it. otherwise they can say he is at that lower percent and end the program no matter what you think his progress is.

good luck and prayers are with you and your son. it will be a long road but if you set the standard high for the school system to start it will get easier every year. stick to your guns.

they will try the - we are pros we know-- yadda yadda- you are his mother. you see him in more normal life situations than they do and see how he functions. you know him and you will know if he is progressing adequately.

I am a special education teacher. My advice to you would be to take the proper steps to have him tested for a learning disability at his school. Even though he is very smart in lots of area, getting thought on paper may be a disability. It doesn't happen often, but you can have a gifted child who has a learning disability. This type of child is called "twice exceptional". As far as the motor skills, you can have this disability verified by the school as well, and services will have to be provided by the school district in addition to the services you are seeking outside the school system. Many people do not realize that OT/PT services are mandated by law for people ages birth-21 who have OT/PT verifications. The more the problems can be addressed, the sooner your child can overcome them. Hope this helps!! :)

Hi J., My son also had problems with what he called 'getting his words out' - we had his speech and hearing evaluated. He had some auditory processing issues but the speech therapist had the answer. Please try that kind of evaluation. We went the route of testing for adhd and mild autism too before we finally found the right course. My son also has gifts especially in math skills and linear thinking.

Hi, if your son can verbally tell somebody his ideas, have you ever thought about or tried to get an accomodation in an IEP for him to dictate his work? That could help. Good luck!

I am a former elementary school teacher and one writing technique I used with the kids was called a blabber session. I would give the kids a period of minutes such as 5 minutes, 2 minutes etc. and they would write about anything that came into their minds. These were the rules we used to help "unlock" the ideas in their heads:

1)spelling and punctuation does not count. Just write.
2)write about whatever comes to your mind even if it doesn't make sense right now. If you arent thinking of anything, then write "I am not thinking of anything."

I would even do this with the kids. Afterward we would count all of the words we wrote down and share some of our writing.

For your son I would get a blank notebook (and one for you too) and try this exercise for fun. Encourage him to write about anything that comes to mind. It isn't a race, just see what he can manage to write down. After doing this for awhile, he should be able to diminish any writing anxiety and just let those ideas flow out onto paper.

HTH,
A.

I don't know if you have checked into apraxia. You can check out this website for more information www.apraxia-kids.org. One of my good friends has a son with this. He struggles with getting his thoughts on paper. I know he does a lot better if he can use the computer. You might want to try to see a developmental peditrician. I would also have him evaluated through his school as suggested by others. Good luck to you, I have a speech and language child and one with ADHD so I know how frustrating it can be.

Have you had the school test him for a learning disability? You can request an evaluation and they certainly can't tell you no--they must at least do an intitial screening. If they do not seem to want to do that--give them written notice that you are requesting an evaluation--they need to respond in some way within 10 days--that is law. I am a special education teacher yet when I wanted my daughter referred the school gave me the run-around--I had to throw the "I know the law" card at them to get them to respond. Sounds to me like there could be a processing deficit. You should definitely push further--we know our kids best and must advocate for them.