I found a link to you from another homeschool site.

I am homeschooling a highly gifted son, age 8, with other "stuff" going on. He has very poor social skills, possible AD/HD, definitely not Aspergers or anything else on the "spectrum", though several have suggested it; maybe NLD or executive function disorder of some sort? He is very high functioning in Math (finishing Singapore 4B). He can read well into middle school level material with excellent recall and good (not always excellent) comprehension and is finishing 4th grade science and social studies. He has significant impulse and emotional control issues. Meltdowns are decreasing since I've been using Free Spirit Laugh and Learn books. In writing, he can form letters beautifully if you let him have 15 minutes or so per sentence, with many erasures to correct the still regular reversals, but can't put a thought on paper for any reward. His spelling is maybe first to second grade. We do short daily copy work. He "gets" grammar as long as he doesn't have to do more than circle or underline words and find errors.He has been taking piano for a year and is progressing well above average pace. He has no gross motor issues, and does well in soccer , gymnastics, and karate, except for getting along with his classmates. He has finally learned to zip and button if the zipper pull or button are large-ish, but can't tie at all. I finally caved in 6 weeks ago and the pediatrician and I are doing some med trials for the AD/HD. The Ritalin LR worked great the first month, but he started developing facial tics. Focalin is not working as dramatically, but the tics are gone.

When I had him tested 1 1/2 years ago, it cost me $1000 for the WISC-IV and WIAT. The psychologist suggested follow-up for ADHD and Aspergers, but made no other attempt to explain the scattered sub-test scores or Verbal-Performance difference.  I just can't afford more testing to get labels, but I'm desperate to help this amazingly bright kid who can't write, spell, or get along with other kids,

I have a BS in Special Ed and taught LD for 6 years in the early to mid 80's. I've read tons of books and copious articles on websites, but I feel like I'm chasing myself in circles. A little of this and a little of something else, but not exactly any of them.

He's loving and expressive and amazing, and it breaks my heart that I can't figure his brain out or how to help. Can you give me any suggestions, advice, or direction?

Beth

Wow, Beth,

I so understand you! Your son sounds like mine in so many ways! His original Dx was ADHD and absolutely not on the Spectrum. It wasn’t until he was almost 18 when a Psych with strong ASD training and experience determined that he has very mild Aspergers and that the interventions and home ed. that we had been doing since he was 7 was how he made it through at all!

First let me say, going in circles is not always bad! (We actually learn cyclic rather than linear, but no one wants to admit it!) But I do understand the frustration. I don’t believe you need labels, I do believe that you need direction.

As you know from working in Sp Ed every child is different and what works for one will not work for others. Unfortunately, finding what works can be an expensive endeavor. I would love to talk with you on the phone about how I can help. You can call the office and set up a free ½ hour (usually ends up being an hour so be prepared for the time) phone conference. I’ll be happy to give you as much info as possible on the call and I will make lots of suggestions as we talk. I hope I can be of assistance to you as you seek for intervention options.

Blessings,

Christie Berry

www.christieberry.com