problems with writing
Hi there,
My ds is in 4th grade and in a gifted program. However, he is having trouble completing his work in reading and writing. He has a 504 with extended time and his teacher is good about it. He recently took a 6 question written test and wrote only 3 answers in an hour and a half. He knows the material and can tell you the answers verbally. Typing makes things go a bit faster, but it's when he needs to formulate even the most simple ideas on his own that he has lots of trouble making headway. With my husband and I sitting beside him and giving him ideas/choices, he can write (and write well), but he also becomes very inattentive and will stare off into space if we're not right on top of him. This does wonders for our relationship with our son to say the least... I'm looking for ideas about what could be causing his slowness (is it the med combo?) or inattention/ADD, or ideas about what might help.
Thanks for any input,
Stephanie
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Stephanie, mom of
Todd, 10, bipolar II, Lithium 300mg.(XR), Abilify 5mg., Lamictal 100 mg
Aidan, 7, typically developing 2nd grader
SP, 3
dh, Jeff
Meds can indeed increase slowness - slow processing speed. My younger daughter had a problem with output. She was "gifted" as well, but very slow writing. Teachers through 6th grade simply let her answer many essay questions orally. (Thank goodness!) In her case, it was not the meds (although later the meds did worsen some cognitive issues).
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"Naomi"
Older dd: formerly(?) teen-onset bipolar: After over 13 years - stable off psych meds over a year. Now fine on just diet changes and higher thyroid levels after addressing gut issues.
Younger dd: formerly(?) Childhood-onset schizoaffective, TS, OCD with disabling migraines since infancy. After over 15 years, is "recovered" for 4 years after treating endocrine issues, food sensitivities, gut issues, sleep issues, nutritional/mitochondrial needs.
Stephanie -- I would recommend getting an assessment for processing speed so you have a good handle on what is going on. You can request that this be tested through the school, I believe, or have it tested on your own. I would definitely encourage the use of a keyboard if at all possible, as that has been shown to help with processing disorders (my own included, and I had undx untx ADHD as a kid, and I did mediocre work until I found keyboards). However, it may be possible to get your ds the accommodation of taking oral exams. I imagine that this would require a formal assessment, however. I hope someone who knows the rules and laws jumps in with more specifics, but have you asked the school about this?
Looking over the meds, I would not assume that they are the culprit on their own right, although anything is possible. Both of my girls have ADD that appears to be either comorbid with or secondary to their bp. It was not a problem until their bp flared up, so I believe they're linked.
The incidence of comorbid ADHD is very high in bpers, so you might as well have that tested too if you haven't already. I hope the schools and teachers continue to do the right thing by your ds! I'm glad to hear that they've made accommodations so far.
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Joan in IL
Co-Moderator of Dual Diagnosis/Substance Abuse group with Becky
Family Response Team Volunteer
Link to my bio: http://www.bpkids.org/user/29354
To support CABF, go to https://www.bpkids.org/donate
Hard to organize thoughts when you have so much on your mind and meds do cause some cognitive dulling sometimes. Do a web search for graphic organizers - they are terrific for helping a child focus, find the main idea, formulate paragraphs, ect.... We couldn't do a book report without one!
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Bonnie