What kind of help do I need for my son

[Giojo]

My son is 16 next month, he has quite a lot of different challenges, but at his parents evening all his teachers said he has got it in him to achieve way more but as soon as he comes across a problem, as soon as he doesn't understand something or if he thinks that people believe he will fail he just gives in, switches off and there's no 'turning him back on again'
I was thinking of private tuition, but after last night's parents evening I think he would benefit more from some kind of therapy, something that can get under the surface and find out why he buckles before even trying, some one who will be able to build him up and give him the confidence to hit things head on, I don't expect A* from him, I just want him to gain the confidence to achieve to the best of his own ability.

So who do I turn to???

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Do you think there’s a chance it could be adhd?

[redcaryellowcar]

It sounds like a confidence issue to me, can you get him climbing mountains doing high ropes courses, out cycling, I think physical activity is often really important and achieving things you thought were hard eg making it up a climbing wall, or managing an abseil lowly brings confidence on. Doesn't need to be competitive, but persona achievements and fresh air might work well for him. You might find a D of E group which would be a nice social thing for him to do and it doesn't have to be sport eg he could do cooking as one of his 'learning a new skill' things?

[Giojo]

Hi thanks for your reply, what's D of E? I agree with what your saying but I'm wondering if he will be able to process that achievement into school work or general tasks at home etc

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

DofE is the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

What’s he doing when he switches off in the classroom?

[Giojo]

Ah ok, he's not really interested in activities to be honest,
When he switches off he just zones out, day dreams or fiddles with stuff, chats to his mates.... Wastes time until his lesson is over

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

If he’s doing that, I still think it’s worth exploring adhd.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Have a read of this on inattentive adhd

[Giojo]

He has got NVLD, none verbal learning difficulties, which is under the asbergers umbrella, plus dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalcolia, I will read that link though, thank you

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

It’s interesting that you say that. My DFs DS has Aspergers and has recently been diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 21 after struggling in Uni.

[Giojo]

I read through it, and I'm blown away!!!! He ticks every box on the list...... I will discuss it with his key worker this week

Thank you so much

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

He might find this YouTube channel helpful too

[Giojo]

Thank you, thanks for taking the time to reply etc x

[BeRightOnMum]

My son is the same age and exactly the same. I’ve been asking the school to assess him for years and they haven’t. My GP says the school has to assess him. Does anyone know how I can get him diagnosed?

[Giojo]

I have just emailed his support worker at school today, she agreed he needed assessing, by the time I had replied she had emailed again to say the ref feral was done and to wait for an appt with CAHMS

I am not sure but if you look on CAHMS website you may be able to self refer, but is always better to get the school on board first x

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

@BeRightOnMum I’d ask on the SN Chat Board to find the best way to get a diagnosis and how that diagnosis can help

[Giojo]

I hope you get the answers you need