Developmental Disabilities

[av8rwyf]

I'm just curious... My oldest DS (5 y/o) has several "mild to moderate" learning disabilites. He has sensory integration dysfuntion and an auditory processing disorder that makes life a constant challenge for him. He is in a mainstream classroom and reads at a first grade level (although he just started kindergarten) so his talents and challenges touch both ends of the spectrum. They diagnosed him with Pervasive Develomental D/O when he was around 3. They've since taken him off this Autism Spectrum diagnosis.

He's doing great and just received his advanced yellow belt in karate which we thought we'd never see the day that he could accomplish something like that.

Anyone else have a child w/ unique challenges? It's always nice to talk to someone in the same boat.

[roz]

Hi Stacy--

Have you had him categorized as special ed? They qualify for a lot more services from the district if you do.

I found that it is important to meet with the guidance counselor and teachers periodically to set ground rules and monitor progress (in meeting ground rules and your child's progress). They don't have to do this for you if your child is not classified as special ed. They do, if he is.

I found that out, because my son was classified as gifted in second grade. Then, late in JHS, he began to falter. It was, after $1,000 in testing (that I paid for because I could not understand how a child could suddenly transition from A's in al honors classes to failing), that I learned he was also ADD without hyperactivity. He was so smart that he was able to look and memorize instantly--but by 9th grade, the work was more difficult. Because, he was already in special ed as a gifted child, I could instantaneously get special ed services for him for his ADD. For us that meant, no verbal instructions--everything in writing, assistance with class notes, and more.

I also had to hire a special tutor to teach him methods of learning that would work for him.

So, speak to the head of the guidance department and see what you need to do next.

My son trained in Aikido until he was about 13. Now, as an adult, he trains and teaches Kung Fu. He loves it. He also was great in athletics--ice hockey as a goalie (great for kids with ADD--you can go into la la land and then hyper focus). lacrosse and soccer.

Keep us posted on his progress!

[Rebes]

Hi Stacy-
I do not have a child with learning disabilities, but I was a special education teacher for 9 years, (LD,ED and autism). It sounds like he is doing well. I know I had a lot of students taking some sort of martial arts, and it really seemed to be positive for all of them. If your son is mainstreamed, is he pulled out for anything? We have a nephew with sensory integration issues and he has really improved with OT. Let me know if you have any specific questions!

[Mistress Trista]

My middle child has Ocular Albinism and is considered legally blind (He's thirteen). He's doing very well though. He's in 8th grade, always scores above average on t-caps, pretty much across the board, in 6th grade was reading on a 12th grade level, now it's above 12. He reads that sci-fi author something Salvatore.

When we first put him in school, I put him in a private one thinking that would be the best thing for him. Turned out to be the worst thing. They didn't have a clue what to do to help him. When we moved here, I was really concerned about the school. It's a title one school. Poor county, poor school. But its' turned out to be the best thing that's ever happened to him.

The kids don't tease him, they're very accepting of him. He's much happier here. The principal and teachers are wonderful and have encouraged him to be more independant. He's so independant and confident that when he went to science camp this summer, they let him drive a golf cart. No kidding...LOL. (He has about 20/40 vision when he wears his glasses)

He is classified as special ed, but his teachers say it's obvious he doesn't need it, then they wave his T-cap scores (Tenessee's standardized test they give every year). He gets extra time on tests and is able to use the computer more, but most of the time he doesn't because he wants to be with the other kids instead of off by himself on the computer.

He'll probably never drive, but other than that, I encourage him to try new things, get out and be active. I never let him use his eyesight as a crutch.

He wants to play football and his dad, (MY exhusband) told him he didn't think he could because of his eyesight. He's already 5'11, and in a 33/32 men's jeans(My oldest son is 6' 3). I told my son to go inside the house then I went over and put my finger in his face "I don't want to ever hear you say that again! If he wants to play football, then he'll play. I'm with him every day. I know what he can and can't do and as far as i'm concerned, there's nothing he can't do. You will never, ever tell him he can't do something because of his eyesight."

My current dh stood on the porch and smiled. "That's my woman"...LOL. When I went back in the house, my son hugged me. I thought I was going to cry...

I was scared to death when I first learned what he had, but I've tried to remember to treat him no different then my other kids. I never want him to mope around the house and be afraid to go outside or do things. So far, it's worked...

[av8rwyf]

It's funny how life turns out! I had always had a love of theatre and acting and was going to major in that in college. I somehow found my way to psychology and then got my MA in Counseling which led to to work in mental health before I had my DS'es. I always looked back thinking to myself "how did I get here...I like it but this is so NOT the direction I was planning on going!"

There turned out to be a reason. Fortunately, w/ that background, I knew early on that things were "different" w/ my son so we were able to start early intervention. B/c of that, you would never know that he has disabilites unless you spent ALOT of time w/ him. He is (fortunately) to high functioning to receive OT and Speech services thru the school system so we happily do that privately.

He started Kindergarten and so far is really enjoying it and doing well! I always encourage parents to talk about (if they feel like it) what's going on w/ their kids. Sometimes it can feel like a lonely endeavor ...as if your child is the only special needs child in the world. But then you meet and talk with other parents and it's such a relief to know that youre not the only one. It's kind of like the whole aviation family thing. Not everyone gets it unless they've experienced it!