Working memory/testing issues

[Anonymous]

My DD has struggled with memorization ever since she began school. But teacher after teacher discounted it, saying she wasn't trying hard enough, studying enough, etc. I had them convene an IEP meeting (MCPS) when she was in fourth grade and could not remember math facts, spelling words, etc. They all but acted as if I was crazy about my concerns. So I've used math tutors and we have limped along with wildly varying grades for the last five years. Because she hasn't had a lot of academic success (her best subject consistently is English, but she hates to read), each year it seems she feels more and more alienated from school.

Now she's started 9th grade and she shudders at the thought of spending four years in high school (just entered 9th grade) and then four more in college. But she can definitely learn and does her homework. She is organized and does study for tests. She gets mainly Bs and Cs on her report card, except in English, where she often gets As, possibly because it has a lot less memorization and more writing/synthesizing information. Unfortunately, she just failed a vocabulary test for the second time (no more do overs), even though all her other grades in the class are As and Bs so far. I dread the SATs.

I have not had any neuropsych testing done, partially because of the cost (I'm a single mom) and partly because I'm not sure how it would translate into help in the classroom and with tests. But her difficulties are becoming even more apparent in high school. I mentioned the testing to her, and she says she'd like to do it if it can help uncover clues as to why she has such difficulty remembering new material (in a search on here, one poster said it was like Groundhog Day all the time in her house, and that's the way it is here, too).

So, should I go ahead with neuropsych testing at this age? Any recommendations of where to go? Or any other ideas about the best way to find help?

[Anonymous]

You should absolutely have the testing done. You might even consider sending her to a school that can let her learn to her strengths.

For inexpensive testing, try George Mason's Testing Facility. I know they're in Fairfax but it would be worth the cost difference.

http://cap.gmu.edu/

[Anonymous]

This was exactly our DDs experience. If your DD has learning deficiencies (as shown by the testing) her high school must provide appropriate accommodations that may include extra test-taking time, class notes provided by the teacher, textbooks on audio, classroom seat near the front, etc. After letting our DD use these accommodations in 9th grade, we decided to go with the docs recommendation on medication for 10th grade. According to DD the difference with the meds is so remarkable that she says she doesn't recognize herself in class: she's taking lots and lots of notes and paying attention and has an A+ average in her hardest course. And so far, we've had no homework battles!

Good luck to you and your DD.

[Anonymous]

OP here. 20:57, what kind of medication is your DD on? Does she have ADD or ADHD? Mine is very organized, but I do notice she doesn't pay attention/listen well, although that is just a function of being a teen, as well And thanks for the GMU recommendation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. 20:57, what kind of medication is your DD on? Does she have ADD or ADHD? Mine is very organized, but I do notice she doesn't pay attention/listen well, although that is just a function of being a teen, as well And thanks for the GMU recommendation.

She's ADD on lowest dose Concerta. She just like you've described your DD here.