High school homework 2e/ADHD—I need some hope/success stories
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
DS started high school this year and it’s been rocky to say the least. Child is gifted and was put in advanced classes based on past grades in middle school and test scores. We learned our lesson— he’s overloaded and it’s rough. He’ll do fewer next year but for this year, we’re stuck.
In middle school he did have homework and he handled it independently. We honestly thought he was in better shape than a lot of kids going into high school. But it’s been too much and I think he’s burnt out. Everything is taking so long. He’s easily distracted in a way that he wasn’t in high school in longer-term papers and projects are horrible for everybody. He has procrastinated no sense of how long things take and underestimates/is over confident on how much he can do etc. He’s fallen behind and missed a few assignments though nothing crazy. His grades overall are good, but not probably reflective of his full ability. We got an executive function coach and just started so hopefully that helps. I’d love to hear any advice or just reassurances from those who are a couple years ahead of us? I’m hoping he can learn how to manage/prioritize things better and be more efficient. There’s been a few small glimmers, but it is extremely stressful and it’s affecting the whole family. |
Anonymous
| The coach should be very helpful. If not, find one that is but this seems like the right path. |
Anonymous
|
Depending on the district, it's not too late to switch. I teach in FCPS and got a whole bunch (like a dozen) drop downs last week from honors into regular math.
What accommodations are in the 504/IEP? Things like reduced workload (only having to do odd problems instead of all, writing a 3 page paper instead of 5) could potentially be valid. Often schools like to throw extended due dates/extra time for assignments at kids like that, but IME it hurts more than it helps sometimes because then the work piles up. The EF coach is a good approach...hopefully they have good ideas. |
Anonymous
OP here— we are at a Catholic and I will inquire now that we are at the semester. They wouldn’t after the drop deadline earlier this fall. We inquired about reduced workload (eg odd problems) and they do not allow it unfortunately. He does have extended time during the school day, but no relief on the homework unfortunately. |
Anonymous
| OP— he is on a learning plan I should know. But it is not like a 504/IEP it seems with the level of accommodations they will make |
Anonymous
| **I should add (not know) |
Anonymous
| Is he medicated and does he maybe need a reevaluation? Things were tough for my son but he eventually learned how to manage his work. The transition years were the worst. |
Anonymous
| OP here – – he is medicated and had a recent neuropsych over the summer. We added a short acting small dose for the evenings to carry him through, but we use it sparingly because it affects his sleep, unfortunately. |
Anonymous
| And thank you for the words about your — transitions, have always been hard for him, and I think the puberty/brain rewiring happened to coincide with everything. |
Anonymous
|
My similar kid is now in college and doing really well. (its a small lower ranked LAC that is perfect for him).
What helped him was - staying in honors classes (regular classes were same in terms of missed assignments but the work was more boring so he didn't do it) adderall in the morning so he was better at school and turned in work, etc - the meds were most important here tutors that helped him study extra time on tests. |
Anonymous
Thank you! Good insights—do you think the meds had worn off by homework time? |
Anonymous
| My kid is so similar. Really smart, but highly distracted. We’ve been through a really similar experience with meds, then insomnia, etc. Can I ask what school it is ? Our current Catholic school that ends in 8th grade recommended St Anselm’s, but I’m worried the workload will be too much. I’m afraid he’ll be up until 3 AM every night |
Anonymous
| Sounds like my ADHD 23kid, who is in 8th grade. Homework takes forever! We started using an executive functioning coach/tutor this year. I can't keep helicopter parenting him anymore. They help him plan each week and calendar when he's going to do his homework, and I'm available to help, but only if he proactively asks for my help, and I tell him that if he has incomplete assignments or a grade lower than a B, he can't have his phone or see his friends over the weekend. It's mostly working. He also has to see an after-school tutor if he gets a grade below a B in any class. It's kind of working. |
Anonymous
We are not at Saint Anselm’s, but I would definitely ask about homework and courseload, etc. We really underestimated it. Not ideal! |
Anonymous
| Same story, but graduated from college a few years ago. I think dc ended up with 9 APs in hs. It was not pretty. Meds, therapy, extended time, EF coach, tutors. I think tutors are essential to keep kids on track. Also whiteboard with due dates for every assignment. It is a slog, and you need to stay on top of it. They just get overwhelmed and shut down. |