DS2 is 12. Has autism, inattentive ADHD & epilepsy (come on with onset of puberty) In Year 8 at mainstream secondary school. At primary was getting 32.5 hours 1:1, gets about 20 at secondary school. Has EHCP, in place since Year 1.
Due to the heavy levels of support he needed, we were unsure whether to send him to mainstream secondary. We took the risk & he positively thrived. Showing particular aptitude for languages (is an international school, so this is great). Working at or around expected level in most subjects. In history, he was falling behind so teacher suggested a reduced curriculum for him, which we agreed to. He won an effort prize in Geography & also the overall year group prize (210 students in the year).
Fast forward to Year 8. He still loves it & works very hard. Can do most of the work when practical/formulaic eg maths, art, languages. But seems to struggle hugely with anything like reading comprehension or research homework tasks & can only do these with our support. Is also very forgetful, again linked to concentration, I feel.
I wonder if it is his concentration holding him up. He needs prompting to do everything, eg getting dressed, eating etc. So does anybody know how to boost concentration in this kind of child? Should we be looking at adjusting his ADHD meds dosage- he currently has Xaggitin. He has put on roughly 1 stone since his last check up. Will the epilepsy be affecting his concentration? Are there any strategies for helping with reading?
Thank you if you have read this far & any advice gratefully received!