encouragement from parents with older child with sen needed.

[RuthieU2]

Hi,
my Ds has mild learning difficulties and suspected sensory dysfunction disorder. His particular struggle at school is handwriting and concentration. Reading and maths are also hard but improving. He is on school action plus and under an OT.
He self esteem is a little low and he is beginning to realize he isn't doing as well as the others in his class, (His words).
At home he is lively and consistently moving, but a kind, sensible bright little boy.
He doesn't have any behavioral issues and makes friends easily.
I would love to hear from people who's DC have learning difficulties who can encourage me.
I am particularly concerned about passing exams etc as he grows older as I know he is going to find these difficult. All I want for him is to enjoy school and get a job when he finishes education but I worried that he wont achieve this even through he is a bright boy.

Hi Ruthie
It is hard to be specific because my children have different needs, but what I have learned is that it helps to try to see, and celebrate, and develop your DS's strengths rather than getting focused on the problems and difficulties. Keeping up self esteem is so important. Bright and lively and kind and sensible are such useful characteristics to set him up for life, and will help him in the workplace in the long run. I found it very useful to find a non academic community with other kids - Cubs has been fantastic for my youngest.
I am not sure if it is the same but my DD has dyspraxia and maths was a big problem for her because she writes messily. I have found a brilliant computer programme on the web, also available as an app, called IXL. You can work at any level and it is clear and rewarding and very easy to use. There is a huge amount of material from Reception to GCSE and works out at £5/month. The best thing is my DD actually really enjoys it and is quite prepared to work a little every day.
Best of luck.

If he working hard at the moment , yes he might be behind others in his class but that in long run means nothing , if he continuing to improve on his education , that's what's important .
Yes exams are important , but so are other qualities that your child has in abundance , one of these being a strong work ethic . You can and will make sure that when time comes your child gets all the access arrangements he's allowed.
Don't worry about these now enjoy the wonderful child you have at moment , there plenty of ways to help with education that's not all book based , there visits , museums , videos , discussions and debates .
Get them to plan trip checking times , getting everyone ready , working out how much things are going to cost ,
So plan time everyone needs to get up , get ready , time for trains / buses , cost of these things , entrance price to museum if it cost , how long he thinks it take to see the exhibit , lunch out , or if cheaper to take own , these are wonderful skills to learn and have . It's also looking at time , time management , money ,
Learning comes from every experience you give them not just books .
Just have fun and enjoy your time with him before comes teenager and hibanates in his room.