My 10 y.o. 5th grade daughter is LD in reading, writing and math. She recently was re-tested to qualify since we moved to a new school district. Briefly, she reads about 3rd grade level due to difficulty decoding and weak visual memory. Math is behind again due to weak visual memory. She comprehends well and of course loves it when I read to her, which I do daily. I review all her school and homework with her daily also. She’s doing well in school with accommodations and modifications in a regular educ class with spec educ teacher in classroom . Now, when I’ve hoped/prayed things were settled down, my son age 7.0 in 1st grade is having problems.
He is still a non-reader, just knows sight words which we work with him on. Cannot sound out or recognize other words. He has apraxia of speech and weak fine motor skills so at school he goes to speech therapy and OT, plus reading asistance 20 min daily with about 4 other boys . We knew he was at risk for LD’s due to apraxia and genetics. He started an Orton-Gillingham tutor last summer weekly. His teacher is concerned, says he knows a lot but cannot seem to get it out, for example, knows how to count by 5’s but cannot write it. We work with him at home a lot too, he too loves us to read to him, which we do often. I feel like we are starting the rollar coaster again, and I dread it. Yes I’ve learned a lot from my daughter but really don’t want this again.. We’ve asked for more time in pull-out reading for son, school is going to test his achievement to confirm he is behind and then will pull him out 2 hrs day with spec educ teacher. What else should we do?? We had dau tested by private neuropsych, diagnoses ‘development reading disorder’ which truly wasn’t much help to us, we knew she had difficulty reading (decoding, not comprehension) and were already getting her extra help. I feel son has similar issues. We also had dau evaluated for ADD and tried meds to no avail. Same with son, just as with my dau -his teacher says he is distracted (not hyper) and suggests ADD eval. I’ll try but suspect medication won’t help with him either . I’m sure all this is genetic, my husb had much difficulty in school with behavior and academics, back in 60’s they just had him repeat 1st grade with no other help. I guess my question is what else can I do to help my precious son?? There is no quick or easy fix for some kids is there?
Marla
Re: again
marla,
your son sounds familiar, are you sure you aren’t talking about my son? LOL
I would say the first step is getting the correct diagnosis, and finding out everything you can about it and THEN teach your school how to teach your child. My 8 year old son is in 2nd grade, and only through sheer stubborness have we even got them to agree that it isn’t mental retardation, but a learning disability. I think (knock on wood) that the teacher is finally coming around to our side, and is teaching and letting him learn the best way he can. But its an everyday struggle, and yes, I get daily reports in detail about his strengths and weaknesses.
and have him checked for ADP (auditory processing disorder) by a qualified audiologist. That would account for the ADD-like symptoms.
what about an assistive listening device if the meds didn’t work? What has the neurologist said about his apraxia and motor issues?