Need advice!!

[TXMINNIE]

Hi I have a problem that I have yet to solve. My son is 11 years old and is currently in 5th grade. He can read, but at mosts writes 20 words from memory. He is capable of memorizing 10 spelling words and does well on test. I will share some history on him.
Started preschool at age three and diagnosed with a speech delay. Since then he receives speech therapy. When he starts kinder issues with behavior. Tantrums, not paying attention, school suggests he might be add/adhd. Goes to DR. for testing, diagnosed as ADD. Starts medication in 1st grade. Grades are a's and b's but child still doesn't read or write. How is he getting the grades? Receives help with math,reading, and writing.. still doesn't master reading until 3rd grade. Finally!! But, I am so worried that he still can't write. Ask him what month we are on.. doesn't know. Yet, he is such a bright boy. Great vocabulary, imagination, even told by several teachers he would be GT if he could write. I have asked school countless times, what else can we do for him. Response, some day he will catch up. When? Last ARD, I suggested additional tutoring, even private tutor they don't feel that is the issue. then what? No answer!! I am so frustrated and scared for my son, what is wrong? Any suggestions as to what else I might do?

 

[tabithakp]

The school told me the same thing with my dd she will catch up and not to get a tutor. I finally stopped listening and got her a tutor and she is starting to catch up! i say try anything!

What about also getting a psycho-educational assessment done?

 

[tabithakp]

i thought of something else

i know some children are given laptop to use and they have a program where after typing the first few letters words are prompted. sorry i dont have a better description for this but maybe someone else can expand?

also im from canada so i dont know how your school system decides who gets a laptop???

 

[TXMINNIE]

i thought of something else

i know some children are given laptop to use and they have a program where after typing the first few letters words are prompted. sorry i dont have a better description for this but maybe someone else can expand?

also im from canada so i dont know how your school system decides who gets a laptop???

The reason they said not a private tutor, is because he gets pulled out from classroom to work daily with a resource teacher that helps him with reading and writing. School year is almost up, and I want to be able to help my son progress. My daughter will be a Junior next year, and is already looking at universities. My son recently told me what universities he hopes to attend..it brought tears to my eyes not knowing what the future will be for him.

 

[tabithakp]

my dd was also being pulled out of class for a special program to help her get caught up but it wasnt enough. ive had her in tutoring for 2 months now and the teacher has finally said she is seeing an impovement. not sure if it would help in your case or not but it might be worth a try?

 

[cm8]

The reason they said not a private tutor, is because he gets pulled out from classroom to work daily with a resource teacher that helps him with reading and writing. School year is almost up, and I want to be able to help my son progress. My daughter will be a Junior next year, and is already looking at universities. My son recently told me what universities he hopes to attend..it brought tears to my eyes not knowing what the future will be for him.

, don't give up on him mom, just pray about it. Have you tried writing things with him to see if just putting his words on paper is an issue? Not sure what else you could do. Maybe he is just bored? and may want to express himself via art (IE. painting, sketching, doodles)?

 

[DVC96]

Could it be dysgraphia? Can you request a child study?

 

[bookwormde]

Get an auditory processing evalution done (this is not a hearing test) that will give some good clues.

bookwormde

 

[SueM in MN]

I am moving this to the disABILITIES Community Board where it will be on topic.

I agree with the other posters that it sounds like he has needs for more evaluation.

i thought of something else

i know some children are given laptop to use and they have a program where after typing the first few letters words are prompted. sorry i dont have a better description for this but maybe someone else can expand?

also im from canada so i dont know how your school system decides who gets a laptop???

It’s called Word Prediction.
You can find quite a few different word prediction programs if you do an internet search.

Is he able to come up with sentences - for example, could he dictate a story to you with a beginning, middle and end?
If he can do that, there is software that allows you to dictate and the computer writes what you say.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

I would definitely get an outside evaluation. I know a mother whose son's story sounded much like your own. He was on honor roll and had excellent grades until they found out once the state standardized testing started that he couldn't read-AT ALL. Turns out he was "pushed" from grade to grade. I have no doubt that your son is very bright but in my opinion stop letting the school handle this and get some outside help.

Find a reading specialist or a Developmental Pediatrician. Are you in Texas? I can refer you to a very good Dev Pedi in San Antonio.