It can be really demoralizing for a kid who is already struggling to be told to "try harder". Please get him tested. It shouldn't cost $3k-$4k if you're not also doing educational testing for a learning disability. Insurance usually covers ADHD testing. Go to a good psychologist that does more than the Vanderbilt questionnaire, though.

My DS has severe ADHD and dyslexia and nothing you've said really screams dyslexia to me. Horrible spelling CAN be a sign of dyslexia but it can also stem from ADHD if it's a task he's having trouble focusing on and everything else you've written says inattentive ADHD to me. Bright kids with ADHD can often cope and get good grades, especially if they have the ability to hyper focus and find school subjects interesting, but organizational skills and less interesting subjects will still be a huge struggle leading to uneven performance. If you have the testing and end up with a diagnosis, medication is just one strategy. There are also educational consultants and coaches that specialize in working with kids with ADHD to learn organization skills that will have a lifetime benefit.

Anonymous wrote:he broke down crying last week saying that he doesn't know why he can't keep track of things or do better in school.

This doesn't sound like a kid who is just unmotivated.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would you not get him evaluated? What is the negative. You'll either find out you're right and can act accordingly to get him help or it will put your mind at ease.

This, I never understand why parents don't do it.

Er, money. OP, if you have the bucks to pay out of pocket then go for it. It will be $3-4K out of pocket.

Since the lack of organization, isn't having a huge academic impact, I doubt you can get the public school to test him. Plus, the public school may or may not give you accommodations even if there are issues found in the private evaluation.

It will take some weeks/months to schedule something private. If you decide to go this route, work on his homework/educational skills in the meantime and see what happens.

Anonymous wrote:Why would you not get him evaluated? What is the negative. You'll either find out you're right and can act accordingly to get him help or it will put your mind at ease.

This, I never understand why parents don't do it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most evaluation are inconclusive

Not true. However, OP if this were truly ADHD, you'd be seeing signs long b/f now.

But she has been seeing signs for a while, including that he's never loved school and the poor handwriting. Plus, middle school requires a lot more attention and executive function skills, so it's quite possible that he's been smart enough to compensate through elementary school, but now the executive function demands are too high.

PP, why do you say that "most" evaluations are inconclusive? Some, I'm sure, but most is not consistent with mine or my friends' experiences.

Some kids just don't love school and also happen to have poor handwriting. It doesn't have to mean any more than that.

It doesn't have to, but it can, especially in conjunction with the other things she mentioned.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most evaluation are inconclusive

Not true. However, OP if this were truly ADHD, you'd be seeing signs long b/f now.

But she has been seeing signs for a while, including that he's never loved school and the poor handwriting. Plus, middle school requires a lot more attention and executive function skills, so it's quite possible that he's been smart enough to compensate through elementary school, but now the executive function demands are too high.

PP, why do you say that "most" evaluations are inconclusive? Some, I'm sure, but most is not consistent with mine or my friends' experiences.

Some kids just don't love school and also happen to have poor handwriting. It doesn't have to mean any more than that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most evaluation are inconclusive

Not true. However, OP if this were truly ADHD, you'd be seeing signs long b/f now.

But she has been seeing signs for a while, including that he's never loved school and the poor handwriting. Plus, middle school requires a lot more attention and executive function skills, so it's quite possible that he's been smart enough to compensate through elementary school, but now the executive function demands are too high.

PP, why do you say that "most" evaluations are inconclusive? Some, I'm sure, but most is not consistent with mine or my friends' experiences.

Anxiety?

Anonymous wrote:Most evaluation are inconclusive

Not true. However, OP if this were truly ADHD, you'd be seeing signs long b/f now.

Most evaluation are inconclusive