Reply to REAL DEAL info on the Lab School please

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=back_in_dc]However, a social worker friend of mine who knows my son urged me to tread carefully because she indicated that there are some kids with serious emotional problems, Aspbergers and other types of disabilities that are so far down the spectrum from my son's condition, that it may not be the best experience for him.  Can anyone help me with more info?  Is the Lab School the best place for a hyperactive kid with the tendency to get distracted and not finish work?  Or will I be doing him a disservice by having him in a school with kids who are so far down the spectrum, the entire learning experience is different and abnormal by traditional standards? I don't think my kid is *that* different.  He just has issues with impatience (he blurts out answers instead of waiting to be called on) and is fidgety and anxious.  He is compassionate, kind and sweet and his teachers love him.  Is it better to just leave him in an environment where they have an IEP in place for him?  Some days I feel like he is just left of normal, some days I feel like he is completely normal.  But from what I hear, all the Lab School kids are WAY left of normal and I fear that would make him feel more odd.[/quote]

Your friend doesn't know what she's talking about and is violating many professional codes by equating her social knowledge of your child with a diagnosis of his needs. Lab School has been around for 40 years. It may not be perfect, but you'll find just as many "professionals" who want to tear it down because they couldn't handle teaching or being a clinician there as you will find professionals who praise it to the heavens. It's a small school in a small town.

First things first. How old is you child and how far on or off grade level standardized test performance? If your child "just" has ADHD, and no learning differences like dyslexia or dysgraphia, then go back to the school and tell them to get their act together. At the same time, consult your local public, state, county educational authorities to find ways to help your diagnosed ADHD child. There may be other schools, tutors, technologies than can help your child if he doesn't have LDs.

Lab School looks at LD first, and ADHD second. The comorbidity of ADHD and LDs adds context to how they teach. But it is not set up at all for kids who are "far down the spectrum" of autism. Go to the school and see for yourself. I agree with PP who said your friend might be confusing Lab with another school like Kingsbury. ? The other PP who mentioned extracurriculars at Lab was also correct. Lab school is arts-integration which means all kinds of arts. Some kids considered Aspies are really artistically talented.  If your ADHD child excels in art but struggles in math or literacy, then Lab might be ideal. They've spent decades supporting a few kids who are artistically gifted or athletically talented who find it hard to shine in traditional academic settings. It's hard work for everyone. There are no magic cures.

If your child has "only" ADHD, then be thankful and push your school to do more. Your child deserves it. Your family friend may have the best of intentions, but they may not be in the best position to advise you on your child's school. But it's great that they care.[/quote]

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