Thursday, January 14, 2010

The curse of ADHD!

So...Gage is your typical ADHD student. Growing up in a house where ADD and ADHD is common, we knew he was ADHD probably by the age of 3. School of course has been a challenge. Last year was the worst! He was in a class that didn't have any structure. This class was chaotic without Gage in it! Some kids do very well in a class like that but NOT Gage! And of course it was the biggest year for Drama at home. I do need to take a lot of the blame. So he has gotten very behind in reading and writing. Now the reason I say he is TYPICAL ADHD is because he is ahead in Math and Science. We just got done testing him...and I mean the whole pack of tests that looks for learning disabilities, IQ, and all that jazz. He is in 5th grade this year and his Math is on a 6th and 7th grade level. His reading level however is way behind. The most interesting part is when he does his math he doesn't show his work. It's seriously like he doesn't know how he got the answer. He has the answer and it makes sense to him but he can't explain it on paper. AAAAHHH! We all know that you have to show your work to get credit in math! It is sooo frustrating. Poor kid! I remember my mom having the same trouble with my siblings. It is the curse of ADHD. Anyways, this year he has an amazing teacher, Mrs. McClain. She has been so wonderful. Today I met with his teacher, school psychologist (another wonderful lady Mrs. Crandall) , the special ed teacher and Vice principal for our Post testing meeting. I'm happy to report that he does not have a learning disability and his IQ is NOT below average. Gage is going to be in special ed for about an hour every day to get caught up on reading and writing. The 4th grade was just a horrible year for him... Hopefully we can get caught up!

5 comments:

Michelle said...

I don't know why I just noticed, but Gage looks so young in your wedding picture!

Brooke said...

Yeah.. Adam and I are worried our kids will have ADD or ADHD. We both have it in our family. So it will probably happen. I, personally, never got tested for it, but I'm pretty sure I have ADD. I'm glad he's got good teachers though. That will help a ton. He'll be up to speed on everything in no time. ^_^

Dennis and Patty said...

You are doing great, I'm proud of you and Gage.

Allen n Teresa said...

It's a really good thing he has a good mom to help him! That would be frustrating trying to help him with math...probably as hard as it is for him to not be able to show the work. Pretty smart kid though if he knows the right answer anyway. I think you're doing great, just don't forget that the Lord is there...no matter what, and for any/everything.

Carrie said...

Heather, you have done great with Gage! That would be SO challenging both for him and YOU!! That's crazy about the math. I could not be dumber at math if I tried. It's seriously embarassing how bad I am. I envy him that, that's for sure! He's such a hansome little man! All your kids are. I remember your Doctor saying that "Heather always delivers beautiful babies." That's for sure! Your kids are just the handsomest! I am glad Gage has a bit better teacher this year! I think that could make all the difference in an ADD/ADHD student. One of my little brothers had some trouble with school, particularly elementary school. I wish his teachers could have been more caring about him. Things could possibly be very different for him today. Anyway,I know my brother is TRULY a smart person and a genious in his own right, JUST AS GAGE IS!! :) xoxo