(no subject)

[sabrinamari]

Thank you, friends, for your substantial, detailed thoughts on helping Trent. As soon as I awoke, I checked my LJ for your thoughts, and as soon as Michael awoke, I asked him to read them.

I really do think we can benefit from a professional evaluation and some extra support. I have asked about this before, and now I feel even more certain this is a useful idea.

Many brains are usually better than one or two when grappling with a chronic problem. Thank you for contributing your insights!

******

What we've accomplished today:

* Email to teachers has been written (Michael) and edited (Sabrina)
* Meeting between Michael and Trent's mom today
* Last night's list of proposed action steps about to be texted to Michael for that meeting
* Possible objections considered and responses prepared
* Trent has been fully brought into the process; he knows what we are going to propose and has had a voice in designing it

What we'll do tonight:

* Sabrina: Go to the gym after class to manage stress and frustration
* Meet with Michael later tonight and go over today's meeting with Trent's mom
* Review early teacher responses in Michael's email
* Note date and time of Michael, Trent and mother meeting; figure out appropriate targeted supportive actions
* WRITE DOWN an action plan everyone can see, comment on and modify
* Email to Trent's mom?

Comments

[sligoe.livejournal.com]

You forgot one thing---hug each other. A LOT.

[jasminewind.livejournal.com]

Sharon has excellent advice - LOVE each other!

Please tell me when to stop telling you things, b/c I think about this stuff a lot and more details of my & A's experiences keep coming to my brain that you might find relevant:

1. Don't expect tons of help from the school system. This is a shame because it is probably clear to everyone who knows T (even his teachers) that he is not performing to his potential (for example, by being late and missing hw assignments). School systems usually don't interfere until a kid is performing below grade level. Also teachers don't have/take time to support kids the way an ADD kid needs support on focus and organization. There just isn't time in a classroom for them to do it. Also the testing & evaluation will be geared toward grade level performance. A private evaluation with a physician and an educational psychologist will help you maximize Trent's potential, not just get him performing at grade level.

2. Things we've found that help:
- Ear plugs (you can buy silicon molding kits on amazon for $20)
- Regular aerobic exercise - it supports brain function, ramps up the parts that are slower (like Sharon said)
- Fish oil (we get one for kids that has Vit D too)

3. I know I had something else to say, to Trent mostly, but I can't remember. :-)

[gracewillow.livejournal.com]

I must have missed the original post about this, but I know this from my experience with my youngest nephew, who has some speech and learning issues:

1. There is help out there.
2. Push and keep pushing in order to get it.
3. Consider yourself hugged. This is vital! :)

[catbirdgirl.livejournal.com]

excellent books with good suggestions- Driven to Distraction, and You Mean I'm not Lazy Stupid or Crazy. The latter's more for adults with ADD but it's still worth a read.