DS 13 able but easily distracted at school, advice please

[CautiousOptimist]

Putting this here rather than in Education because I don’t think it’s just about Education.

DS’s Yr 8 school report is in.

Assessments, homework etc. all very good leading to As (working above expected standard) all round - great.

But there are more remarks about him losing focus and not concentrating fully than I would like. The summary is that he’s bright and able but could achieve more if he was fully focused.

DS is a cheerful soul, has always enjoyed learning and reading around subjects that interest him. He’s a keen reader.

He’s also a massive fidget, finds it very hard to sit still, forever sliding off his chair and rocking on his chair. I know, annoying, but it’s who he is. He sometimes starts a conversation and then stops listening before the end! He’s got loads of friends, very sociable, not very good at reading social cues and somewhat lacking in emotional intelligence.

He’s diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was ‘something else’ neurodiverse there, but he’s never been assessed.

What can I do? Other than telling him to try harder to focus and respect his teachers, which I will. But I don’t think he’s losing focus on purpose. I do have every sympathy with his poor teachers, it must be very frustrating particularly if he’s not alone.

I expect his issues are quite common. If he sounds familiar to your DS / DD, is he likely to grow out of this, or get better at managing it?

If he sounds neurodivergent, would a diagnosis help?

Thanks for any advice.

Teacher here!
He sounds like most of my Year 8 boys.
No need to slap a label on him. Sadly the curriculum is designed to reward sitting still for hours and listening. Obviously a step was missing when Year 8 boys were designed

My dd has adhd. She doesn’t lose focus on purpose it just happens.

the meds do help but they don’t turn her into someone without adhd.

brain breaks help, physical exercise helps, fidget toys help. These days she often listens to or watches lectures while crocheting which also helps.

Thanks for your reply, crochet is a fantastic idea!

Sounds like my son with ADHD, so I would look into that. He has some medication and it’s made the world of difference. He only takes it on days he needs to buckle down and concentrate

I really appreciate the insight, thanks.
If boys are like this at Yr 8, do you also tend to find they’re still like it in Yr 11? Just… wondering!

Really interesting, thank you. I have wondered! How old was your son when he was diagnosed?

Sounds like my son’s adhd

diagnosis massively helped - school
stop treating him like a naughty lazy boy and as someone who needed breaks, reminders and prompts.

medication also helped with focus - particularly when it came to exams

They tend to grow up a bit. In Year 8 there is a lot more silly class clown behaviour. But when the chips are down and they have to pass exams they usually get a wake up call.

Also sounds like my DD ADHD which has become more obvious since about T5. She was diagnosed in April and the waiting list for prescriptions should be up in October. DS is older but his ADHD was much more obvious in Y1.