Is this a learning disability?

Question

I have a student who is unbelievably smart. I teach math, and he generally sits there and watches, but doesn't take notes. When I start asking questions, he's the first to be able to answer them every time. He understands the material perfectly, but for some reason has trouble putting it on paper. He can tell you how to do any problem, but for some reason can't write it down so it makes sense. Is it a learning disability that can cause this? We don't have a school counselor, and having met his parents, I doubt they would be willing or able to get him to a doctor to have it checked out. His mother told me a month or so ago that he's almost 17, and not her responsibility. I know I can give him oral tests, but what happens when he gets out in the real world and has trouble writing? I'm certainly not a professional, so I know I can't cure him or work miracles. But I would like to help him in a way that allows him to function in the real world. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I'm guessing you are a private school.  His home public school district is responsible fro testing him even if he does attend a private school.

The mother has a right to decline services, but if she just ignores the issue that is abuse.

You can try calling child protective services for medical and educational neglect.

Bsed on her statement-you are legally obligated to report suspected neglect.

He is her responsibility since she must sign consent forms.

Answer 2

It sounds like Non Verbal Learning Disorder.  These kids know their stuff and can talk your ear off but can't write it down.  

Voice recognition software is good for their communication.

Look it up on their website for more info.

Answer 3

First of if he know how to solve it, it's not a learning disability....I strongly suggest to have a tutor force him to use paper by using the paper in front of him. For example the tutor asks the student how to solve the problem and the tutor writes it down one by one. Eventually, the sutdent will see how it is done by paper and is comfprtable enough to start contributing. It's possible that he was taught different and doesn't want to confuse or embarrass himself by writing a completely different formula route to come to the conclusion.

Answer 4

Hi! This is a type of learning disability.  My son has it. He can tell you just about anything you want out loud, but it seems to "get lost" when he tries to transfer it from his head to his hand to paper.  His teachers have dealt with this by giving him tests orally, but at the same time focusing on his writing skills during english and reading. He has improved over the last couple of years and can now do MOST tests written. However, if he takes the same test orally, he still does better. It is just a "different" way of thinking and processing.

By the way, I think it is absolutely appaling that the parents have literally given up on their son. How awful he must feel. As a mother of 2 special needs children I advocate for mine, never give up on them! Shame on them!

Do not give up on him. You are showing you care enough to write in and request help for him. Do not give up on him. You may be the only chance that boy's got!

I didn't see in your question if you were a public or private educator, but you can contact the special education services director for your town/ county and they will give you direction on which way to go from here. It is not too late to get an eval done for next year that would identify the nature of his prob and possible solutions for you to help him.  Being a concerned educator, you should be able to accomplish this rather quickly. (Hopefully!)  The school system should pay for this and a tutor if needed. An IEP may need to be drawn up on him to accomplish this.  Do not accept it if the district says they do not have resources or that type of help is unavailable. They cannot do this under IDEA. It is illegal.

Answer 5

That's a hard one. I would think it was a learning dissability. I don't really know much i'm young. Maybe therapy??

Answer 6

I wonder if he shouldn't be tested for Dyslexia?