Back to School
Andrew is back for his first day of the 8th grade today.
He's heading back to school with some new hope and a new challenge.
Doctors and therapists diagnosed him with Attention Deficit Disorder a few months ago. He’s struggled in school for a number of years even though he’s been categorized as ‘gifted’ both in California and here in Colorado. His success in the classroom hasn’t matched his obvious intellectual giftedness. By the end of the last school year things came to a head and he became visibly depressed and despondent about school.
Though he’s a high energy kid he’s never had the manic characteristics that sometimes accompany ADD. As we learned, the manic stuff has little to do with ADD, but because people incorrectly associate the two many kids—and even many adults—who have this learning disability never get the help they need. And if they’re socially popular and athletically gifted like Andrew, it can further ‘mask’ the issue.
He’s been getting help and therapy this summer and is back to his normally exuberant self. We spent a lot of extra time with him too which was great. He’s confident about his ability to overcome the challenge at school and so are we.
But it’s going to be an uphill struggle for him and for us as we try to stand by him. I think this year will be particularly important and I’m expecting we’re going to have some ups and downs.
So I’d appreciate it if you’d remember him and say a little prayer for him today if you’re so inclined. Thanks!
He's heading back to school with some new hope and a new challenge.
Doctors and therapists diagnosed him with Attention Deficit Disorder a few months ago. He’s struggled in school for a number of years even though he’s been categorized as ‘gifted’ both in California and here in Colorado. His success in the classroom hasn’t matched his obvious intellectual giftedness. By the end of the last school year things came to a head and he became visibly depressed and despondent about school.
Though he’s a high energy kid he’s never had the manic characteristics that sometimes accompany ADD. As we learned, the manic stuff has little to do with ADD, but because people incorrectly associate the two many kids—and even many adults—who have this learning disability never get the help they need. And if they’re socially popular and athletically gifted like Andrew, it can further ‘mask’ the issue.
He’s been getting help and therapy this summer and is back to his normally exuberant self. We spent a lot of extra time with him too which was great. He’s confident about his ability to overcome the challenge at school and so are we.
But it’s going to be an uphill struggle for him and for us as we try to stand by him. I think this year will be particularly important and I’m expecting we’re going to have some ups and downs.
So I’d appreciate it if you’d remember him and say a little prayer for him today if you’re so inclined. Thanks!
posted by Wordcat at 10:48 AM
3 Comments:
Great news that he got help. My son has this, unfortunately sometimes people don't "grow out of it". He did great in school while on Ritalin, but quit taking it when high school finished. And as a consequence he gave up in his first try at college. Let your son know as the years go by that he may need it for along time. I wish him all the best...nothing like being back in school! :)
Andrew is in my prayers.
I pray that Andrew will receive special help from Jesus and experience his presence as he tackles these challenges.
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