13-year old son w/ADHD and executive function deficiencies

[jjblake]

My son is 13 years old, was identified for "high ability" classes through 4th grade and the gifted/talented class in 5th and 6th. In 5th grade, however, his grades dropped dramatically - mostly because he was unable to concentrate and put forth the effort to understand material during the day, missed assignments, and forgot to do homework (or hand it in). He was diagnosed with ADHD and started medication - six different kinds (with various side effects) before we settled on Concerta 18 mg. His 5th/6th grade teachers were accommodating (one teacher/one class all day). However, in 7th grade (7 teachers/7 classes), he is struggling - not failing, but getting a lot of Cs, Ds, Fs on work (and Cs on report card). We have a 504 but it does no good because the teachers don't follow it and don't understand ADHD. I have had numerous meetings with teachers/principal. I have emailed articles about ADHD, etc. He feels defeated because he just can't plan out (deficiencies in executive functioning) and it's hard for me to to help him. All homework assignments/test dates/etc are on "Canvas" (online/laptop). Teachers do not consistently post information in the same place and we have trouble finding out what's due and when. Apparently, other parents complained because the principal sent an email early in the year saying all teachers would post assignments on the same tab/place in Canvas. However, they don't. In his 504, we've pushed that all assignments be written out/hard copy, but principal denied the request and teachers don't want to comply. We've tried tutoring (he does fine when someone goes through it all with him, but we can't have a tutor every single day), neurofeedback to improve executive functioning, and counseling. When we try to increase Concerta to 27 mg (the next higher dose), he has a lot of anger, flat affect, and just doesn't feel/act like himself. W

Do we just hunker down and be content with Cs (even though he is a bright kid)? Any suggestions? He plans to go to college and we want to try to figure this out before he hits high school. It seems that his middle school teachers just don't get it - instead of modifying homework length/amount or even writing out due dates for him, they suggest he be placed in lower level classes in 8th grade (he is currently in honors math/honors language arts). We are concerned that the issues he has are not going to go away just because the class content changed. He will still struggle to hand in assignments (or even find them on Canvas), plan ahead for projects, etc.

So far, our consequences have included no video games during the school week (we've done this for 2 years), limited gaming on weekends; we have also used incentives to encourage him. He is on the school's soccer and track teams, and plays basketball, so gets plenty of exercise.

Any suggestions?

[pjv2001]

I would ask for an IEP evaluation, so that the accommodations can be required. In addition, I would complain that they are not following his 504 again to the principal or maybe talk to someone above the principal?

[AngelamarieQ]

Check DR. Amen clinics around the country. He is a pioneer on Add and the best interventions for your child.

Mine is 11 and going into MS in September. I’m mortified already.

Advocate for your child all the time.

[81JB]

I'd "upgrade" the 504 to an IEP. I believe its more of a structure that teachers have to follow under the IEP guidelines.

School system hopes your son just keeps quiet so they can push him through-they xould careless if he learns or performs to his potential. You have to set the standard and hold everyone accountable