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Help! DS doesn't want to be a toilet cleaner

2 replies

OneLieIn · 28/01/2011 09:38

DS is 8 and has a bunch of challenges at school. Mainly it is his handwriting is very very poor, similar to foundation age. He also struggles with spelling, but I think that is also down to his handwriting. For example in maths, he knows the answers and cannot get it written down accurately

Last year we had a bunch of tests and they diagnosed that he had mixed dominance, dyspraxia and slight autism, but none too serious. He basically sees something, can understand it, can process it, knows the answer, but cannot write it down.

So, he is now being put into sets and is gutted to be in the z set for literacy (the letter says it all) and he is in the B set for maths (v good). He is now getting into a tizz that he might not go to college (his cousin has just gone and he is very proud) and is worried about his future job prospects.... at 8 ffs! He said "mummy I dont want to be a toilet cleaner, they make me feel sick" - Smile

We have talked a lot and I explained to him all of the wonderful things he can do and all of the interesting jobs he could have. But, he still needs to improve his handwriting even a bit so he can be understood (think of it this way, bright brain, poor handwriting).

So, what sort of tutor should I get him? Should I even get him a tutor? Should I move his school to a school where they can give him more assistance? Help.

OP posts:
Edsmummy · 28/01/2011 10:00

Hi,

I can't help, my son is only 20 months old!

But I just wanted to send you some support. Your poor boy - how awful it is for him to be so stressed at 8 years of age!

My husband has completely illegible handwriting, but he is a Cambridge graduate and currently works as an IT consultant - if that's any comfort?!

It sounds like you're a fab mum, and I really hope you manage to get the help you need for your little boy. I am sure he is a genius.

xx

bubbles12 · 28/01/2011 13:38

Hi there,
Afraid, I too don't have masses of advice but it does seem a sad thing to be thinking and saying at 8.

I would definitely be going in to school to discuss with them what they are doing to help him with the writing down of answers and also make sure they value his spoken responses as much as a written one.

I would also be asking about the validity of calling a set 'the z set' I can't believe any school would do this as it immediately demoralises everyone in the set.

Another example like Edsmummy, my brother has truly illegible handwriting and has a very high powered job.

Good luck.

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