he just needs to focus!!! I've posted a few time about my 2nd grade DS who was having learning problems in school. After having his eyes checked and they are fine I talked to his teacher about the visual perception/processing/dyslexia and in her opinion he does not have any of those problems, and if he did she said they would have showed up earlier. His problem is staying focused. How do I teach him this??? Any ideas are welcome. TIA

By Kaye on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 - 02:27 pm:

Can I just say that I am afraid you are being fed a bunch of bull?? If I am right, and remember correctly, your son has always struggled in school? He isn't reading like other kids and you were considering holding him back because you think it is maturity. There may be nothing wrong with your child, but there is testing that rules that out, not just what your teacher feels. When a teacher says, I think your child is fine, he just needs to focus, that is usually a nice way of saying, I think your child has ADD and if you would address that issue, then he would be fine. And she may be right, but you need to at least know that is what she is saying. Legally she can't say that because teachers cannot diagnose. Have you looked up information on Attention Deficit Disorder? Does this fit your child? I would stay on this teacher and would request in writing that your child be testing for the special education program.

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 - 02:58 pm:

As a parent and former teacher, *I* would want testing done to rule out learning disabilities. You may have to push for it, but you're your son's best advocate. Don't take this particular teacher's opinion as the end all. Get professional opinions, from people who specialize in this area, through testing. If they find nothing, fine, but then you can legitimately rule out LDs.

By Marcia on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 - 03:07 pm:

I agree with the others. No teacher is qualified to make any kind of diagnosis. It's one thing to suggest some reading material and some testing, but it's unacceptable for her to tell you that he doesn't have any learning issues. I would speak with someone in the special ed department, and get the ball rolling on some testing.

By Mrsheidi on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 - 06:40 pm:

Ditto everyone else...
If there is a reading problem, have him try special filters so that it changes the background color from white to blue (for example). That helps a lot of kids read better...especially those with dyslexia.

By Pamt on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 - 07:18 pm:

I talked to his teacher about the visual perception/processing/dyslexia and in her opinion he does not have any of those problems, and if he did she said they would have showed up earlier. His problem is staying focused.

WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!! I work with dyslexic kids all day long. Typically dyslexia or any learning disability doesn't show up until at least 1st grade and frequently not until middle school when the material gets so much more difficult that the child can't compensate. Please get your son tested privately. I would also suggest the two books, "The Myth of Laziness" and "All Kinds of Minds" by Dr. Mel Levine. His website is www.allkindsofminds.org

By Mommmie on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 - 08:54 pm:

"He just needs to focus" is code for, "My principal told us teachers not to refer any more kids for testing because the district can't afford it."

By Amy~moderator on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 - 10:02 pm:

I agree with all of the above. Get your son tested for learning disabilities.

By Coopaveryben on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 - 11:28 pm:

I agree with everyone. You obviously sense there is more of problem go with your instinct.

By Kaye on Wednesday, November 2, 2005 - 08:00 am:

I just went back and read this thread, I wanted to add something. It is hard when we suspect there may be something wrong with our children. We often hold on to any hope we get that things are fine. I know, been there, done that (heck still do that), I just wanted you to know that we aren't trying to be harsh, but we want to encourage you to fight for your son and try to do whatever you can to help him through this tough time. (((hugs)))

By Bemerry84 on Wednesday, November 2, 2005 - 12:31 pm:

Thanks for the input but I have one more question. How do I go about getting this testing done? Can my pediatrician refer us to specialist? My son goes to Catholic school and believe me they would be the first to tell me to get him tested and put on medicine. I trust this teacher and value her opinion, she is very good at identifying problems and reaching solutions. She says DS is the typical class clown and needs to learn when and where this behavior is appropriate. However, if I can do something in the private sector to get him tested so that I know for sure, I would do it, I just don't know where to start. Pam you mentioned in another post about Occupational Therapists and that is what you do, do I just look in the yellow pages? You gals are wonderful and even though I don't post that often I read everthing. Thanks!!!!!!

By Mommmie on Wednesday, November 2, 2005 - 12:59 pm:

Do you have any private LD schools where you live that have evaluation centers?

The teacher may be right, but you need an evaluation to make sure. Private evals are pricey - $1200ish - but it's worth it. Class clowning can be avoidance behavior. I have a class clown. He's ADHD and dyslexic. Hates school.

By Tayjar on Wednesday, November 2, 2005 - 01:02 pm:

Mommmie said it the best. Schools don't like to test kids because it costs them money. And, if there is a need identified, they must come up with a plan of action, which again costs money.

I would check with your pediatrician for a referral. Or, if you have a large university close by, they sometimes do this type of testing. Good luck. I know it's hard. Don't give up. You are your child's voice right now.

By Debbie on Wednesday, November 2, 2005 - 02:36 pm:

My ds also goes to a private Catholic school. He was having problems with fine motor skills(cutting, coloring, etc). I checked with our insurance and they covered occupational therapy, so I took him to his ped. They referred him to an occupational therapist for an evaluation. He was evaluated and is now going once a week. Our insurance covers it, I just have to pay the co-pay.

I would go to his ped. and explain the problems you are having with him. They should be able to refer you to someone for an evaluation. You can check with your insurance to see if they cover it.