Should I consider an IEP for my very bright child with CAPD (Central Auditory Processing Disorder)?

Question

I am distraught. I have finally admitted to myself that my child has inherited my learning disabilities. He most definitely has CAPD and possibly ADHD. He is in pre-school, almost 6 and does very well. He's been reading since 4 and is VERY creative, funny and fun. But he is so, hyper, distracted and a terrible listener. I find myself so frustrated (as my mother was with me). I am constantly telling him to listen, pay attention and focus. I repeat myself over and over again. The teacher at school is having problems with him as well.

I'm afraid that as the work gets harder his academic achievement will be affected. I don't want the teachers to be frustrated with him nor do I want him to be labeled. I don't want him to miss out on opportunities because others perceive him as a goof. He's always making sounds and quite often doesn't realize people are talking to him even if they are looking right at him.Do I have the school test him and risk him being labeled? Should I try something else

Answer 1

Please allow the school to test him.  I am in the field and also have members of my family who have various LDs.  There is no shame in a learning disability, the shame comes when the correct modifications are not made to compensate for it.  Not every teacher will accommodate a child's personal learning style unless their is an IEP. Please don't consider him as labeled.  Think of him as being helped and also having a LEGAL document to make sure all teachers meet ALL of his needs. Also, make sure you never let them release him from the IEP unless he really does not need it anymore.  Sometimes, as the kids get older, they try to eliminate the IEP in an effort to keep the "numbers" down.  IEPs can now follow a student to college and colleges are so much more accepting of students with them. Times have changed since you were in school.  We are getting better at identifying and working with all types of LDs.  Have faith, be his strongest advocate, and follow your heart.  If you think he can benefit from modifications then go forth with the testing.

Answer 2

An IEP will help him with the problems he has and will mean that he has the best possible opportunity to learn if it is implemented correctly.

Labeling him is a side effect which may be good or bad. A good side effect is that once the people working with him know what his condition is they are more likely to research it and may find better ways of helping him.

A bad side effect is the stigma etc.

Answer 3

Allow the testing-and decide from there-sit down with the Child Study Team and discuss yor concerns.  

Just because you agree to testing-doesn't mean you have to automatically agree with instituting an IEP and Special Education.  you need to consent to the IEP itself before your child actuatlly receives special ed.

anotehr thing to consider is a 504 plan.  you can still get many accommodations (such as a behavior plan, extended time, related services) with a 504 plan

Answer 4

Sounds like you have a great, if challenging, child.  If your child is doing well at school (and continues to do well after preschool) he will not qualify for an IEP.  An IEP is for students who are NOT succeeding at school, so if it does affect his academic performance it might be a good idea at that point.

I wouldn't worry too much about the testing labeling him.  If his behavior is very different, he will likely end up with some kind of label from at least some people as it is.  It might as well be an accurate one!  You can talk to them about testing if you think it might help.  I don't know him, so they would be in a better position to advise you.  I think the more you know about the difficulties he may face, the better position you will be in to help him, be an advocate for him, and work with his teachers to make sure they understand him and can work with his strengths and weaknesses.

Note: There is a lot of information online about learning disabilities and strategies to help kids who have them.

Answer 5

have him tested because it will open him for more possibilities that would not otherwise be available to him...i understand that many children do not want to be labeled special ed but there are so many opportunities that are opened with the ied

Answer 6

Definitely get him an IEP. My brother has PDD, and is in first grade. He is very bright, but had a teacher last year who didn't know how to work with him. This year, he started out a bit behind, but worked in another room with a special ed teacher who got him up to speed. He is now mainstreamed in the classroom, and has friends in the classroom. (He had troubles making friends before, but that was from another issue -leaving the room actually helped him.) At this point, he is still recieving help -through reduced homework. His teacher didn't want to at first, but my mom saw how frustrated he was, and how it was hurting his self esteem, so she insisted that his homework load be lightened.

If he gets on an IEP, he will have access to so much help that will even the playing ground for him. He will be given a bit more flexibility by the teachers (hopefully -you can insist on it if necessary) and by being able to get that help, he will function better in the classroom. If he has behavioral problesms, he might already be labeled as a bit of a goof. The fact is, lots of kids get help, whether for learning disabilities, or speech impediments. The sooner you and him become comfortable with that, the better off his education will become.

My sister also has autism, yet she refuses any help at all for fear of being labeled. As a result, she is constantly struggling in school, with homework and testing. This has given her a bit of a reputation as a poor student.

The best of luck to you and your son!

Answer 7

absolutely you should have him tested, and! try to get him an IEP--- IEPS are for kids at both ends of the spectrum{the incredibly bright AND those with learning problems}

Answer 8

OK...I am very familiar with CAPD. I have a daughter that has this and I am a special education teacher.  Absolutely, you should get an IEP for your son.  These children have a normal and higher IQ.  It is not that he is NOT listening, but the central nerve in the brain did not seal properly which causes the child not to process information.  If you already have results from your physician having speech pathologist testing.  The issue can be on either side (left ear, right ear).  Your son will need to see a speech therapist or pathologist on a regular basis and this requires an IEP.  He will need more assistance with his language and learning how to study, etc.  In an IEP it can be written within the IEP where your son can have his testing outside the classroom without distractions.  He will need to sit up front with his good ear to instruction.  He will also need MANY visual aids and the teacher will have to provide all of these adjustments. This all should be done without anyone else or any other child/friend knowing (this is all confidential)  The school MUST provide for your child..  CAPD is not found by school personnel/speech nor will they refer a child for this testing, because it is expensive and the school does not want to pay for the assessment.  If the pediatrician suggests medication to help focus, then please do it.  When you speak to your son or give a direction, get his attention first...Start having him make list or you make a list for him for chores. etc.  You can even use picture schedules for school and at home...What happens next...My daughter is now 29  yrs old.  She is more organized than me...It is all about focus, organizing, memorizing, staying on task...yes, it is so difficult...But you have to get him an IEP to get as much extra help within the school as possible...YOU have to do what you can for your son...He will probably be LABELED, learning disability...DO NOT PUT HIM in a special ed classroom, place him in a regular classroom with services.  Fight for his rights...Good Luck...