Parents of older ADD/ADHD/Dyspraxic kids

[MonsoonMum]

Hi,
Wondering if any parents who have kids in second level or third level education who can enlighten me on the road that their childs academic deleveopment took? Cognitively my son tested in the low/low average levels although his speech delay and concentration brought these scores lower than I suspect his ability really is. He is in his second year in primary school now and although he is generally keeping with the class, he is constantly at the rear and works very hard for that. He has dyspraxia and real focus/concentration difficulties so I suspect also ADD. For those who have been down this road, do things get easier later in school? Have your kids successfully navigated school? I worry so much that the gap will widen and he will be left behind. The unknown terrifies me and I'd like to prep myself as best I can for the future. Any experiences would be welcome. Thanks.

I have 2 adult sons with dyspraxia and ASD; one also has ADHD & dyslexia. Both very clever but struggled to write. I also have a 12 yo DD with ADHD, dyspraxia and dyslexia.

School doesn't get easier; in fact it gets much harder, and yes the gap does widen. But kids with SEN are entitled to extra time in exams, which should help. DS1 got really good GCSE & A level grades but dropped out of uni during the first term because he couldn't cope with it. After a few years working in retail/fast food he applied for an apprenticeship in Engineering and has flown since. He bought himself a house and lives on his own; something we never thought he would be able to do.

DS2 also did well in his exams and went to uni. He got lots of help from the Disabled Student unit and really enjoyed his 3 years, but failed the final exams so didn't graduate. He has had loads of jobs since, got married and had a child.

You really can't prepare for the future because there is no way of telling what will happen, and you could be worrying about nothing. Your best bet is to concentrate on the now, and supporting your DS in what he is doing. Ask for a referral for an ADHD assessment; meds can make all the difference. Speak to the SENCO to see how they/you can help him.

Find him some out of school activities to help boost his confidence and burn off some energy. My DD had 1:1 swimming lessons when she was younger. I also found that music groups worked well for her, the sort of free-flow unstructured arty kind, rather than traditional music lessons. You could try martial arts, yoga, climbing, golf, gymnastics, trampolining, dance, singing; whatever his interests are.