Hi all, my 14 year old is on waiting list for ADHD/dyslexia assessment. Meanwhile we struggle everyday (from getting ready, having no empathy and basically being mean and rude, to struggling with homework).
School are aware and he has some measures in place such as seating plans, reminders when he zones out, extra breaks in tests, use of keyboard.
So, a few teachers have since reported that while he understands what he should be doing and can verbally discuss, he only writes 3-5 sentences in 2 hour classes. They have asked me if I have any idea or techniques to get more out of him on paper.
I suspect a number of things are going on
- hates and is embarrassed of his handwriting (some lessons he is not allowed o use keyboard)
- fear of failure (getting the task wrong not achieving as much as his peers
- immaturity (youngest in school year)
- a bit of teen rebellion
- will not ask for help (partially social skills related, partially pride)
I plan to try and talk to him tonight but this generally only works when he feels like talking otherwise he just says “he doesn’t know” or “can’t be bothered” or “everyone else justs knows stuff and I don’t” or “didn’t understand” or “I zoned out”
I think he does care and is worried about forthcoming GCSE’s. Any wise parents out there who can help me approach this with him and school in the best way?