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help with attention to reading

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

my son is in fifth. He was reluctantly diagnosed ADD by a private psychologist-his teachers did not feel he had any attention disorder. They are so used to ADHD w/hyperactivity, all they would say was what a sweet, well behaved kid he was so he couldnt have ADD.

Adderall helps-no question. But does it help enough?

He still reads quickly, writes quickly, calculates quickly. Says when he reads he only reads the words but he is thinking of fun things. His comprehension sucks of course. If he does a page of math you can count on the last row being incorrect.Stuff like that. He is LD with no specific dx-teachers say he is a “puzzle”.

What else can I do?? He insists he cant help going fast or thinking of other things. Ive bribed for grades and had good short term results but it doesnt last.

Ive accepted that he isnt honor roll material-I just want him to get through school with adequate knowledge/

His IQ comes in at 106/110. He should be able to do that

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 08/06/2002 - 5:48 PM

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marycas wrote:
>
> my son is in fifth. He was reluctantly diagnosed ADD by a
> private psychologist-his teachers did not feel he had any
> attention disorder. They are so used to ADHD w/hyperactivity,
> all they would say was what a sweet, well behaved kid he was
> so he couldnt have ADD.

My dd is ADHD Inattentive (ADD). I could’ve written this myself. In our case it was “she couldn’t possibly have ADHD, only boys get that!”.

> Adderall helps-no question. But does it help enough?
>
> He still reads quickly, writes quickly, calculates quickly.
> Says when he reads he only reads the words but he is thinking
> of fun things. His comprehension sucks of course. If he does
> a page of math you can count on the last row being
> incorrect.Stuff like that. He is LD with no specific
> dx-teachers say he is a “puzzle”.

Talk to the doctor about these concerns - the doc may want to adjust the dosage, I really don’t know. I know that meds help my child to slow down and focus. But, by nature, this is not something that comes naturally for her. Without meds, we don’t have a chance, on meds we do.

Good luck.
d

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 08/12/2002 - 7:14 PM

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Regarding the idea of short term memory and ADHD, recall reading a book years ago with an unusual title called How to Cure Hyperactivity (an ADHD - Inattentive type autobiography) by C. Thomas Wild and Anita Uhl Brothers, M.D. It was available through the non-profit Learning Disabilities Association. The book reported some extraordinary temporary improvements in short term memory due to using the right FDA approved medicine (stimulant/alerting agent). It’s the most unusual account I’ve come across which directly addresses the idea of short term memory and ADHD.

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