schools for a bright kid with slow processing speed

[Anonymous]

DS is quite bright (not saying genius), but he is slow to process new material - there is something about the group lecture format, that the material often flies over his head (particularly in math), but if teacher or I sit with him and explain it, he picks it up in a snap. He is a voracious reader and remembers everything he reads, but he can have trouble organizing his thoughts. His confidence is getting knocked - he used to think schoolwork was a breeze, but now feels embarassed if he doesn't get something immediately. He is in 4th grade, and in all of the accelerated classes to the extent they exist in his grade (math and reading), and does fine but not stellar, and not to his ability imo and his teacher's. She recognizes the discrepancy but doesn't have time to explain things to him individually (of course, and I wouldn't expect that). We had him tested in PK and again in 3rd since we were thinking of applying to privates then, and he had a 99% overall in PK and a 96% overall in 3rd, but both times the processing speed component was extremely disparate (like 25th% compared to scores like 99% verbal, 96% quantitative, etc). I feel strongly that he needs a smaller environment, in particulat smaller classes and more individualized teacher attention than he gets in MoCo. Next fall we will start to seriously tour schools to apply for school year 2016-17, which will be 6th grade for DS. I want to cast a wide net in the hopes that we find a good fit. What schools would you recommend to get the ball rolling? We live in Bethesda, Bradley Hills specifically (and we do like the school, just have not found it a good fit for our son). We would strongly prefer co-ed and not religious. I would prefer a school that goes through 12th grade since he'll be entering in 6th, but would consider sending him to a school that ends in 8th and then re-evaluating (even to Whitman from there, if he's gotten the boost he needs academically and emotionally).

[Anonymous]

That is a textbook case of inattentive ADHD (old name, ADD).

The fact that he is gifted as well makes him GT/LD (gifted and talented / learning disabled, or twice exceptional, 2E).

His brain's prefrontal cortex lacks enough dopamine stimulation and this affects attention and executive function skills, such as planning, organization and thus, speed. Since ADHD is an attention dysregulation, it also makes him capable of hyperfocusing on his topics of interest such as reading.

You should have him tested by a reputable developmental pediatrician or ADHD specialist (it will involve a parent interview and a test for him). He will be eligible for accommodations in MCPS, such as time and a half on exams, however class sizes will always be an issue for the attention issue, so you are right to look for another environment.

We are in the same boat, except that DS was diagnosed at 6. Just make sure that whatever private you look at explains how they would be willing to accommodate his needs. Some may not, whereas MCPS is legally required to. You can also look at middle school magnet placement in MCPS, because with the time accommodation he might ace the test in 5th grade, or inquire of possible GT/LD programs in middle school.

[Anonymous]

Also, look at auditory processing and language processing. But, yes, attention can definitely be the issue. Likely is a combo of factors. Try audio books so he develops his listening/auditory concentration skills.

[Anonymous]

Maybe take a look at Burke, Field, St. Andrew's. He may benefit from using graphic organizers during pre-writing. Consider having him do the online Mindset program for kids. I'm concerned that he is beginning to think negatively about school and about himself as a learner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe take a look at Burke, Field, St. Andrew's. He may benefit from using graphic organizers during pre-writing. Consider having him do the online Mindset program for kids. I'm concerned that he is beginning to think negatively about school and about himself as a learner.

I agree with these. Also maybe McLean.

[Anonymous]

Definitely get him tested by a specialist. ADHD and processing speed are two separate diagnoses, but are a frequent pair. My DS has both, very bright, and has managed in PS on a 504 plan. The only accommodation he uses is the extra time for testing. He is a mostly A student...any B he gets is due to forgetting to pass in homework...there is definitely an executive functioning component as well. He is in 8th grade now and was diagnosed in 2nd. Next year he is going to a private HS...not one known for accommodating any special needs. He will get his usual extra time for tests. We feel this is a good opportunity for him to start self advocating.

Once you have an official DX you can get support from your teachers. If you stay public, you will need a 504 or ILP.

Good luck. He will be fine with the right support.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe take a look at Burke, Field, St. Andrew's. He may benefit from using graphic organizers during pre-writing. Consider having him do the online Mindset program for kids. I'm concerned that he is beginning to think negatively about school and about himself as a learner.

I agree with these. Also maybe McLean.

+1 Similar child, really wish we had looked hard at McLean. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I would look at Bullis.

[Anonymous]

I agree with all the above except for 8:39 (BTW, no snark on special needs, please - if you don't have an SN kid, you just can't understand and your criticism is hurtful). OP, I have two children similar to yours. Both extremely bright but hit a wall around 5th grade. After rounds and rounds of testing we finally got an Asperger's diagnosis/inattentive ADHD/anxiety diagnosis on one and inattentive ADHD/slow processing/anxiety on the other. 20.00 is right on the mark. Some kids respond well to meds; others don't. I have one on meds and one not. Your biggest concern right now should be teasing out a precise diagnosis (which, by the way, may change over the years every time you redo testing, which is recommended every three years) and worrying about harm to your child's confidence. We shuffled around schools a bit to get the children out of punitive, rote memorization schools with too much homework. One thrived at a FCPS public with an IEP. The other is thriving at Commonwealth Academy (yes, parents definitely drive from Bethesda, in fact they come from Rockville, Leesburg, Manassas). It's taken several years for both DCs to recover their self-confidence. I only wish I had moved my children our of the harsh environments earlier. BTW, it sounds like your DS may have a working memory problem as does one of my children. A full NT workup will often demonstrate short and long-term memory issues. If you need recommendations for testers, post back and I will dig some up.

[Anonymous]

Thank you Jeff for removing 8:39's snark. The SN community appreciates it. We are all trying to find our way with crippled children and need help, not judgment from someone who hasn't walked a mile in our shoes.

[Anonymous]

I'm not the original poster, but I would love some names of good testers!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not the original poster, but I would love some names of good testers!

We used Paula Elitov in Rockville. My DC was not an easy tester. She worked out the testing schedule so DC wasn't overwhelmed and recommended one test be more in depth to get better answers ( can't remember which one exactly it has been a few years)


Also- could not agree more with the environment being right. DC was in a school that was punitive and it killed their self esteem. It was a school constantly mentioned on this website. We found much better luck with the public and a 504 plan (DC did not qualify for an IEP)

[Anonymous]

OP, you child sounds just like mine. We started at Field a few years ago, and DC has been doing wonderfully ever since. Take a close look at Field. May be just what you're looking for.

[Anonymous]

OP, when you had your son tested in 3rd grade, did an actual diagnosis result?

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thanks for all of these responses. (and I am glad I checked this thread after the apparently off-point response was removed). Anyway, I am surprised by the responses bc very few are school recs and most are suggesting that I hVe my son evaluated, which I admit was not on my radar, but of course I am open to investigating - I want to do whatever I can to help my son to succeed to the best of his abilities. No teacher has ever suggested we get him tested, btw. At his conferences, the teachers always say he is doing "fine," and he is in the top reading and math groups. (Granted, as I alluded to in my first post, I don't think his teachers have spent a lot of time getting to know him.)

I would appreciate suggestions for testers - and what kind of testing should I be requesting? When we had him tested in the beginning of third grade, it was just a WISC IV test - other than the large disparity between his processing speed score and his other scores, the tester didn't have any comment and didn' suggest any further testing. (We used Joel Adler, who my son liked very much, but he really just administers the test and gives you the results/report.)

Thanks again!