Mom of ADHD teen

[Anonymous]

My DS was diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type. He passed all of his classes but failed exams and will possibly be retained in 8th grade. I need advice and help. I would like to get him occupational therapy but idk where to go that takes my insurance BCBS and/or that doesn’t cost over 800 for an intake (place down Cap Hill). He plans on retaking exams. Things I’ve done to help helium

1. He’s on ADHD meds and dose was just increased
2. Making lists for him (daily routines, night routines, study methods, household chores)

Can anybody recommend to me anything else I’m missing?

[Anonymous]

You need to ask the school for a 504 plan. If he passed all his classes but failed exams, why is he being retained - is he in private school?

If he's in public, he should have a 504 plan. If he's in private, he should still have a plan even if the school doesn't call it a 504 plan. Private schools are obligated to make reasonable accommodations under the ADA. He should have 50% extra time for exams at a minimum. That is standard for ADHD due to the impulsivity and need to constantly redirect attention.

There are other very common accommodations - copy of class notes, test on paper, signing calendar/planner once hmwk is written in it, etc. YMMV as to what he needs.

Executive Function Therapy can be helpful (but it's not re-imbursed by insurance), but more than that give him books and watch videos about ADHD so he understands what his brain does well and how he can structure himself. For both of you - look at podcasts and videos by ADDitude magazine.

[Anonymous]

OT will be pointless unless there fine motor concerns.

[Anonymous]

504 is an excellent recommendation. But it will help if you know why he failed exams. Was it that he did t have enough time? Did it have to do with filling in bubbles on a separate answer sheet? It’s hard to identify accommodations without knowing his deficits.

Agree that your desire for OT without context makes no sense.

[Anonymous]

My tween got diagnosed this year (6th) with adhd inattentive type too. Does well in classes because she’s in private and classes are small but bombs exams. Her working memory is terrible and so is her executive functioning. It’s the adhd. She is not being retained though.
Which school/school system wants to retain your kid?
Mine is eligible for 504 but because in private they call it an accommodation plan. We haven’t had exam results yet for this year

[Anonymous]

OP here. My son goes to Basis DC and has passed 5th-7th really well but 8th grade is where I saw a spike in his symptoms. We are doing the 504/ IEP process now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DS was diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type. He passed all of his classes but failed exams and will possibly be retained in 8th grade. I need advice and help. I would like to get him occupational therapy but idk where to go that takes my insurance BCBS and/or that doesn’t cost over 800 for an intake (place down Cap Hill). He plans on retaking exams. Things I’ve done to help helium

1. He’s on ADHD meds and dose was just increased
2. Making lists for him (daily routines, night routines, study methods, household chores)

Can anybody recommend to me anything else I’m missing?

Let your husband handle for awhile.

And often grandparents have tips as they went through it with one of their own children.

[Anonymous]

What kind of OT were you thinking? It’s helpful for specific things like fine motor issues but less helpful at helping an ADHDer overcome symptoms.

[Anonymous]

How did he pass classes but fail exams? I don't understand this. If he did his work all year long, maybe he needs help with study habits.

[Anonymous]

So ridiculous op I absolutely feel for you. Just another day spent in advocacy battle for your child. I’m in the trenches with you. I would absolutely push back and make sure your kid is not held back that is way too harsh. I would escalate and focus on therapies for next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How did he pass classes but fail exams? I don't understand this. If he did his work all year long, maybe he needs help with study habits.

I’m not OP, but because kids with adhd have crappy working memory. So they remember what they need to in class because it’s recent. But then come exam time they’ve forgotten terminology for English, etc… my 6th grader had a whole portion of an exam on synonyms and antonyms except she couldn’t remember which was which.. so guessed that whole section on the test.

[Anonymous]

So if he is at BASIS - while you are doing his assessment, there is a key phrase in special education law.
The school knew - or should have known that your child had a learning disability that was impacting their ability to fully access the curriculum. I am going to try and find this for you.
If they KNEW he had a learning disability and did not do anything to initiate a 504 / IEP they are in the wrong. (I know - it does not really matter now). But you can use this as a leverage point.
But you might be able to argue that he can either re-take his exams OR they pass him along anyway. (your call on the social stigma)

FYI - my son with ADHD got an IEP in 8th grade because the work (executive functioning) became too much. He is very smart- and was able to use his raw power to get through school until that point. So I have been in shoes similar to yours.

If you son is open to an executive functioning coach - see if this is a style that will resonate:
https://sethperler.com/seths-youtube/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So if he is at BASIS - while you are doing his assessment, there is a key phrase in special education law.
The school knew - or should have known that your child had a learning disability that was impacting their ability to fully access the curriculum. I am going to try and find this for you.
If they KNEW he had a learning disability and did not do anything to initiate a 504 / IEP they are in the wrong. (I know - it does not really matter now). But you can use this as a leverage point.
But you might be able to argue that he can either re-take his exams OR they pass him along anyway. (your call on the social stigma)

FYI - my son with ADHD got an IEP in 8th grade because the work (executive functioning) became too much. He is very smart- and was able to use his raw power to get through school until that point. So I have been in shoes similar to yours.

If you son is open to an executive functioning coach - see if this is a style that will resonate:
https://sethperler.com/seths-youtube/

I am brainstorming here -
You know your child best. Can you repeat 8th at BASIS and go into the lottery for 9th?
Apply to - Walls, Macarthur, Banneker
Can you swing private school tuition? St. Johns and other Catholics?

I am clearing out my ADHD / Teen / Executive Funtioning books as my kid just graduated. If you want a load (we are typical DC and read every book on every topic) happy to find a way to get them to you.

[Anonymous]

Next week your child will get AP results - please use these are evidence of mastering course. (fingers crossed they did well)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OT will be pointless unless there fine motor concerns.

That is not true at all.