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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

Can I have some advice please?

2 replies

mynotfinkso · 15/01/2014 14:42

I'm so confused at the moment. Ds1 has an appointment next week for an assessment for Add/ ADHD. He's 17 and in his last year in school. I've always been concerned that he has some sort of difficulty but never really been able to put my finger on what the problem is. He's been assessed by the Ed psych a couple of times but the assessments have always been deemed inconclusive, though at the time they were looking in to his problems with maths and not looking for anything further. He really is abysmal at maths but it's not through lack of effort on his part, he really just doesn't 'get' it all.

His school books are littered with comments such as 'why isn't this finished?' and 'where is the work?' and parents evenings have always included the phrase 'ds lacks focus'. Learning to read was a nightmare and he still actively avoids anything that requires a mental effort. He's so forgetful, always losing things and school has been such a struggle.

I just don't know if I'm making too much of a fuss. Is this normal behaviour? I've just put it down to him not being very academic but have I done him a huge disservice? I know it's too late to achieve anything with regards to his schooling now but I really worry about how he'll cope with life after school. He isn't planning on going to university (and I fully support that decision) so will be looking for work.

It was only a chance conversation with someone that made me realise ADD even existed. I didn't realise that it was recognised without the hyperactivity bit. When I read up on it, it was like reading ds's life story! I've just lost confidence in my own judgement. We also have ds2 who is severely autistic and I have a long term health condition myself. I'm paranoid that I'll be accused of making things up!

I'm sorry for the long ramble. I don't even know what I'm asking!!! Does anyone have experience of ADD and the diagnostic procedure? Or does this sound as if I'm over reacting? Sorry it's garbled, I'm so confused!!!

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PolterGoose · 15/01/2014 16:17

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mynotfinkso · 15/01/2014 17:51

Thanks so much for the reply. Yes, there is a lot of overlap isn't there? It's so confusing! I don't think it's HFA, he doesn't really have any of the characteristics, I did look at dyspraxia several times and while he shows a lot of the symptoms, he doesn't have any of the coordination or physical difficulties associated with it (apart from being a danger on a bicycle! But then, so am I!!!!). I've never heard of sensory processing disorder so will have a good look at that, thanks.

Thanks for the reassurance and very well done on your degree and good luck for the rest of your studies, I hope they go well. Dh did something similar so I have always pushed this as a possibility with ds. Thanks.

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