Work Closely With School To Help Son
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Work Closely With School To Help Son
Question
Dr. Braccio: Our 8-year-old son has been identified as having Attention Deficit Disorder. He doesn't act out but has trouble paying attention and is getting behind in third grade. We don't always know what he's doing in school, and he forgets to bring assignment from a Special Education Teacher consultant, though. The school has strongly suggested we consider medication. We don't want to do that except as a final alternative. What else can we do now to help him? Is the school right?
Answer
It appears your son has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, Primarily Inattentive Type. Too often, people with this diagnosis are overlooked because they are not acting out as are those who are hyperactive and impulsive. It is good that you are aware of his problem now so that you can best help him deal with it. The school may ultimately be right about medication; however, I believe it is appropriate for you to try other strategies first. This would be particularly be true now that the school is beginning to offer Special Education Services. Here are some strategies to help your son:
1. Work closely with school personnel to coordinate what is done at home and school. Make sure the school staff is always aware of what you are doing.
2. Request that he be placed near the front of the room to help him pay attention.
3. Have quiet study times at home to help him do his homework without excess noise. This also can help him better develop his attention span.
4. Have his teacher give him daily assignments to complete rather than long-term assignments. For example, it would be better for him to read five pages of a book daily rather than to read 50 pages in the next two weeks. This can be coordinated between the classroom teacher and teacher consultant.
5. Make sure the teacher consultant working with him puts in writing what assignments he must do for tomorrow. You must review it and make sure he goes to school the next day with his assignment. Hopefully, over time he will develop this skill himself. This type of habit formation is helpful when persons have problems with attention.
6. Applaud him every time he improves his attention. Encouragement can only help people to their best.
7. If you do not have success, then you might try to talk to your family physician or pediatrician about medication. That would then be the reasonable and logical thing to do. Even if it is not the first choice, medication is helpful for many students when a problem exists that cannot be corrected by changes in the environment.