Question to parents of middle schoolers and older
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
DC is about to start middle school. Throughout the elementary, all teachers have noted that he sometimes has difficulty staying on task, needs to take breaks and have reminders. At the same time, he is in FCPS AAP, has all 4s, is doing great and loves school. I've asked teachers directly if I should pursue an ADD inattentive diagnosis and they have given vague answers - as expected I guess. Myself, I just can't say.
Now, my question - it is my understanding that in middle school, the warm and nurturing atmosphere may not necessarily continue, in that the kids are expected to be more independent and teachers will not be as patient with breaks and reminders and such. Given this, should I have him tested so as to receive accommodations - if he qualifies of course? |
Anonymous
|
Why would you not do it if your child is having difficulties? That makes no sense to me. There is no harm in getting your child assessed.
You are right that MS is far lesss nurturing and your child will have to have strategies for success. Best practices should help with some of f the ADHD type issues. But no one is going to pack his backpack or make sure homework to gets turned in. HS expectations are even greater. |
Anonymous
|
Perhaps he has trouble staying on task because he is a young boy cooped up all day?
Quite a number of my son's elementary classmates met that description and turned out fine. Pursue a diagnosis if you want, but a kid who does well in school and likes it isn't an obvious candidate for special services if you ask me. |
Anonymous
| OP, I'm doing it now because my son is miserable in school. The teachers are at their wits' end. I personally don't think there's anything going on, but testing will show one way or the other, I hope. |
Anonymous
well because their behavior is problematic in school and causes issues. If your kid can do well in school but it requires nearly one on one interaction with a teacher, is that really successful? |
Anonymous
Kids can have ADHD and a 504 plan an not get "special services." A 504 plan allow for accommodations like more time on tests or frequent breaks, or less homework, Those things are not services like you get with an IEP (an aide, speech therapy OT, etc). |
Anonymous
| I suggest you get testing and get the information you need now. You can ask for accommodations/504/IEP later if you need them. If you wait until there is a crisis, you will be frustrated because getting testing can take months. |
Anonymous
| Just by the by those issues your son has do not necessarily mean ADD but may be a lesser set of executive functioning issues or just immaturity. You want an honest opinion from the doctor. And the diagnosis does not have to be ADD in order to pursue a 504 and accommodations if warranted. |
Anonymous
| No, do not do this. You say he is thriving and getting good grades at an AAP and loves school. It is extremely common -- even totally normal -- to be forgetful and need reminders as a 10 year old boy. He must be up toward the top of his class with good grades like that. Would you say every other child with lower grades in the class also needs a diagnosis and accommodations? I don't get it. This is a rabbit hole and I encourage you not to go down it unless you have an actual problem. |
Anonymous
|
YES. From an ADHD family. It's worth it for your peace of mind. The eval is just like a fun series of brain teasers and mind games. It's expensive, but your son is just the right age for it, and you'll be better equipped to deal with issues if they arise. |
Anonymous
| When you say "about to start middle school" I assume you mean in the fall? I'd let him start and see how 7th grade goes. Some kids modify their habits once in middle school to meet the new challenges so that might be the case for him. It's middle school, the grades are not going on a transcript (algebra can be repeated if he takes that and doesn't do well). We didn't seek an evaluation, and ultimately a 504, for our DC until the middle of 8th grade when high school was looming and things hadn't improved. We were concerned about his lack of focus and organization but also his self-esteem. If I was doing it again with the benefit of hindsight I would have moved on it the summer after 7th grade and then requested the 504 at the beginning of 8th. |
Anonymous
| About the "rabbit hole"...it can be but doesn't have to be. When we sought the neuropsych evaluation we stated up front that we weren't looking for medication and would be resistant to going that route unless it was clearly indicated. We left with a report detailing executive functioning issues (backed up by the testing) that fell short of ADD. No meds, just recommendations for accommodations, a better understanding of how DC's mind worked, and reassured that emotionally he was OK. |
Anonymous
| Accommodations for what you describe would likely consist of priority seating (front row), and maybe extra time on tests tho it's not clear that's a problem for him. In middle school and high school you do not get accommodations for less homework or extra time on homework or personal reminders for this kind of thing. |
Anonymous
| Thank you all. This is OP. It's curious to observe how there are two pretty different camps on this one. I didn't realize you can get accommodations without a diagnosis if these are recommended by neuropsych's. Will certainly keep that in mind. All in all, I'm leaning towards wait and see right now. Isnt it funny how we modern day parents are torturing ourselves with this? 30 years ago, my folks signed a report card, and if they liked what they saw there, they didn't bother with further worries about their children's education. |
Anonymous
| If your kid has ADHD you will be seeing signs of it at home as well. |