Rannveig
Member
I am returning to this site after many years during which I just dealt with my kids' problems a day at a time, but after finally getting a neuropsychologist exam for my middle child I think I need a grand strategy, so I'm back.
We don't have the written report yet, but the oral feedback this morning gave us a diagnosis of ADHD-not otherwise specified and Major Depressive Disorder, with the caveat that the "H" in "ADHD" isn't actually there at all in him, and the depression is episodic, not chronic (unlike my own). My son is very smart (as in high IQ) but has deficits in areas of executive functioning that make it difficult for him to complete tests and homework on deadline. His processing speed may be negatively affected by poor sleep hygiene, which may or may not be something over which he has control (we probably need to get a sleep study).
The psychologist recommended a 504 plan and accommodations like extra time for tests and assignments, or maybe shorter assignments (e.g., being allowed to show mastery of a skill by completing 15 problems instead of 30). My son goes to an ordinary U.S. public high school, and I have no idea how receptive the school will be to bending the rules, as it were, for this boy whom many perceive as simply lazy. Anything I do will be second-guessed by my ex-husband, who is very concerned about stigma and very anti-medication (though my son is himself open to seeing if a stimulant would help).
The school year has already started, so I'm now in a rush to get supports in place. I know there's a lot to read here, and the onus is on me to educate myself, but any initial tips/encouragement from those of you with greater experience would be very welcome. Thank you and best wishes to all!
We don't have the written report yet, but the oral feedback this morning gave us a diagnosis of ADHD-not otherwise specified and Major Depressive Disorder, with the caveat that the "H" in "ADHD" isn't actually there at all in him, and the depression is episodic, not chronic (unlike my own). My son is very smart (as in high IQ) but has deficits in areas of executive functioning that make it difficult for him to complete tests and homework on deadline. His processing speed may be negatively affected by poor sleep hygiene, which may or may not be something over which he has control (we probably need to get a sleep study).
The psychologist recommended a 504 plan and accommodations like extra time for tests and assignments, or maybe shorter assignments (e.g., being allowed to show mastery of a skill by completing 15 problems instead of 30). My son goes to an ordinary U.S. public high school, and I have no idea how receptive the school will be to bending the rules, as it were, for this boy whom many perceive as simply lazy. Anything I do will be second-guessed by my ex-husband, who is very concerned about stigma and very anti-medication (though my son is himself open to seeing if a stimulant would help).
The school year has already started, so I'm now in a rush to get supports in place. I know there's a lot to read here, and the onus is on me to educate myself, but any initial tips/encouragement from those of you with greater experience would be very welcome. Thank you and best wishes to all!