Posted by Sara T on March 30, 2001, at 1:30:54
In reply to Son has ADD and so do I...How do I help him??, posted by love2shop on March 14, 2001, at 10:49:51
> I am an adult with ADD. My son who is 11 also has been diagnosed ADHD. He is beginning to have problems in school. He has ALWAYS been a straight A student, but now, in 6th grade, his grades are dropping because of his forgetfulness and disorganization. I have tried over and over again to talk with his teachers with no help. The school GRADES HIM ON ORGANIZATION!!! I am sure you have a vague idea of how frustrating that can be to an ADD child??? I am little help. I constantly "forget" to check his assignment book or make sure his work is done. I also have 2 other daughters 3 and 4 so, I can't even have him do his homework at the dining room table. I just heard about section 504. If he would qualify, would the teachers then be required to "cut him some slack" and maybe not be required to be graded on his organization? all his test scores are A's but he received low B's and C's for the first time in his life. His self esteem is plumiting and he is actually in danger of failing Math even though his test scores show a 97 average. Any help would be appreciated.
I love to shop too. I also am an mom with ADD and my son, age 9, has Asperger's Syndrome, which looks alot like ADHD at times. Basically, he is a creature of the moment and has no organizational skills. Zip, less than zero. Even on 40 mgs of Adderall a day he has severe attentional and organizational problems and a 130 IQ.I can tell you from my experience, go for the IEP not the 504. The 504 provides for classroom accomodations, but it really has no teeth. The IEP is more binding. And good luck trying to get teachers at his grade level to cooperate unless you have something to hold them to.
You may have to get some coaching for you and your son. Organize and schedule yourselves. Put up lists, train him to check his own lists. Also there are watches and organizers on the market designed specifically for persons with ADD. There are alot of good books on ADHD and parenting, special education, and even one for Moms with ADD.
Of all the things I do, though, I think writing out a schedule and posting it to follow have been the most helpful.
Do try the About.com ADHD site too.
Sara T.
poster:Sara T
thread:125
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/child/20000813/msgs/145.html