Twice Exceptional Child

Sounds like he's a great kid (seriuosly). I work in an elem. school and you have described my favorite kind of child to work with! I appluad your efforts to learn more information before doing an assessment. The nice thing about an assessment is that (if done correctly and explained well) you can learn a lot about your child and often the results of these assessments can show you and the team at school exactly what your child needs! I agree with Diane that the best thing you can do at the start of the school year is go ahead with an assessment and get him on a 504 or an IEP - either of these will ensure that he does get what he needs! Best of luck to you!
K.

Here is a totally awesome group I would encourage you to join!!! We talk about this stuff all the time and there are so many others out there!
http://www.mayasmom.com/groups/38/kids_who_need_extra_help

A.--Your son sounds a lot like mine. This past year of Kindergarten was difficult because he's a very smart, creative, and funny boy, but attention problems were interfering with his ability to succeed in the classroom. However, he only had tendencies toward Asperger's and ADD--the spectrum is very wide.

Thank goodness we were pointed in the right direction--he is diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. A lot of gifted kids have sensory input problems. Our son qualified for speech and occupational therapy with the school; we also took him to a special center once per week for more in depth therapy. It has worked wonders.

I would do an assessment outside of school because it will encompass more than academics. Find an occupational therapist who specializes in sensory processing issues--not all of them do.

There is a good website out there also for gifted kids with input problems: www.2enewsletter.com

GOOD LUCK!!!

C.

Hi A. S.
You have alot to carry on your plate. I have worked with children with ADHD, OCD & OCS for 23 years. I wouldn't worry about labeling him as far as diagnosis goes, but I would recommend that you get him on a 504 plan ASAP. The sooner the better. You will find over the years that testing is very important, and there will be several. As for an IEP, I agree with you, parents need to be very careful about IEP's. Get an advocate. Ask the Special Education Director in your local school district. The SE Director will be able to help you. Look in the phone directory for an advocate. Good Luck and let me know what happens.