My grandson wasn't breathing at birth.Hes now 9&having learning issues.Any ideas on alternative learning ideas

Question

I was told he would always be a little slow. He probably has ADHD, but i dont want to put him on drugs. He struggles in school and i am seeking alternative learning styles and ideas that might help him grasp the concepts that are difficult for him.. thanks much

Answer 1

Go to the school counselor and ask that an Academic Improvement Plan be started for your grandson. This means that you and the professionals will get together and decide how he can be helped. This plan will run three to six weeks. If no progress is made, they should meet to develop a second plan. If they don't call you to meet, you will have to call them.

If the second plan does not work, demand that your grandson be tested for possible placement in special education. This does not necessarily mean he will be in a special education class. It could also mean resource help for certain subjects or in class help in regular education. It also means accommodations for the learning disability, even on standardized tests.

The school psychologist will test your grandson for current levels of academic achievement, IQ and learning disabilities. Also ask that the Speech Language Pathologist do testing for a possible underlying language disorder.

Once these tests are completed, there will be an IEP team meeting in which the testing will be explained and a determination as to whether your grandson qualifies for special education will be made. The information you get for free in these meetings is invaluable, even if he doesn't qualify for services. It will tell you a great deal about his learning ability.

I guess I don't understand your reluctance to use meds for ADHD, particularly if it is a doctor's diagnosis. In my work, we are currently maintaining two kids in regular education due to medication. When they are off medication they are disruptive and have learning problems. Now they are doing well.

I'm not trying to push drugs. I am only saying that sometimes they work.

Answer 2

I'm leaving some brief info for you from US Dept of Education :Identifying and Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Resource for School and Home

They have alot more info that what I am leaving.

The following are some suggestions for practices that may be helpful for parents and teachers working with a child with ADHD.

Tips for Home

Caring for children with ADHD may be challenging, but it is important to remember that these children can learn successfully. It is critical that parents remember that some of their child's disruptive behavior is a manifestation of the disability and that the challenge is finding ways to help their child change the inappropriate behavior. Key to this is remembering to focus on the need for structure and routine for your child's daily schedule and thereby reinforcing the importance of learning self-control and self-regulation. The following are suggestions for parents:

~Focus on discrete rewards and consequences for appropriate and inappropriate behavior:

*Tangible rewards and treats;

*Movie night for a good week at school;

*Removal of privileges; and

*Time-out from reinforcing activities: the child is essentially removed from situations that foster inappropriate behavior.

~Set a daily routine and stick to it. Bedtime and preparation for school are much easier if there is a structure already in place.

~Have tangible reminders:

*A big clock in the bedroom;

*Charts for chores;

*Assignment pad to record homework and a specific folder to put work in upon completion; and

*Gain the child's attention before speaking to him or her. Have the child repeat back directions for things that are really important.

~Avoid the following:

*Repeating patterns of inappropriate behavior followed by ineffective punishment;

*Administering consequences without prior warning or without the child understanding why he or she is receiving them; and

*Responding inconsistently to inappropriate behaviors.

Tips for School

A student with ADHD can present unique challenges in the classroom. Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity can be the source of frustration, but there are ways teachers can help students with ADHD to improve the educational experience and control the symptoms of the disorder. It is important for teachers to be aware of coexisting conditions such as learning disabilities, as well as reinforcing the importance of classroom and instructional structure.

The following are tips for teachers:

*Work on the most difficult concepts early in the day;

*Give directions to one assignment at a time instead of directions to multiple tasks all at once;

*Vary the pace and type of activity to maximize the student's attention; and

*Structure the student's environment to accommodate his or her special needs. For example, the student can be seated away from potentially distracting areas (such as doors, windows, and computers) or seated near another student who is working on a shared assignment.

Answer 3

Have you thought of homeschooling?

Answer 4

He should be getting special help in school with this.

Write to district sped director requesting a 'full initial evaluation testing in all areas of suspected disabilties as specified by IDEA law to determine if my child can qualify for special education services'.

Schools do not have to help children with ANY problem unless they are in special ed or have a 504 plan. With your childs problems he needs special ed and NOT 504 plan.