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About Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP
Expertise
My expertise is both personal and professional. I am an adult with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, and I am an ASHA certified Speech-language pathologist. I worked in the school system, giving direct theraputic servies to children with both language difficulties and attention deficit disorder. (I am very familiar with the IEP process and the IDEA.)I have consulted on-line, in person and via the telephone with a number of parents of children with ADD.
Experience
My area of expertise lies in my holistic approach to ADD and other similar neurologically-based conditions including Non-verbal learning disorders. I am a researcher of medical treatments, studies regarding concrete documentation of the geographical differences in the "ADD" brain (PET scans, SPECT scans, etc.) herbal treatments, functional organizational strategies for children and adults (stuff that'll get you through the day; sensory techniques for relaxation and stress relief; and organizational tools - from the technological to the home-grown type. I am also a researcher of other conditions that are frequently co-existing with ADD. I have read extensively about women's issues and am an empathetic individal who would like to share strength, hope, experience and education.
Organizations
I hold a Certificate of Clinical Competency issued by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.
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You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Parenting Special Needs > Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) > 8 yr old son with attention problems
Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 10/21/2009
Question
I have an 8yr old son in an extremely progressive public school.
1st and second grade reading problems. We have him sitting in the front by the teacher so he can be kept on track. Loses focus on what the task at hand is. He is easily distracted, very slow at everything he does, works very hard but most times he seems to be in his own world and wanting to do things when he's ready or after I have been constantly on him. I was diagnosed in second grade with a comprehension problem and I have a dyslexic brother. The school feels he is doing fine but is easily distracted and it seems to be worse this year. I've worked with children with learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral problems. Right now I'm at a loss at times of creative and patient ways to deal with him and frustrated with his choices at times.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Answer
Dear Paula,
Thanks for asking me your question. I apologize for the delayed response.
If your son has not been evaluated for attention deficit disorder, I would recommend it.
I would also recommend that he be assessed for language problems and processing problems.
Language problems can be assessed through a speech therapist, and also some of the sub-tests of achievement testing.
A psychologist could give him an IQ test where one of the components is processing speed. If this score comes out low, then you will know that the problem is not a matter of pure focusing and will power. I would also recommend the IQ test - so that you can know whether or not an audiological evaluation is appropriate.
An audiological evaluation for central auditory processing disorder is given to children with average IQs to determine if they are having problems with hearing not sounds but in noise, when information is delivered too quickly, etc. Attention problems overlap with auditory processing problems.
You can also look at an assessment in the area of occupational therapy. An occupational therapist might be able to suggest some strategies or tools to help your son become more focused, such as sitting on a move and sit cushion when he is reading. Sometimes we find out that a person's sensory system is a in 'low arousal' or 'low alertness.' It is kind of like being half asleep or drowsy all the time. When we feel like this, we are not available for learning, even though we may want to learn.
If you write a letter to your son's school - to the person in charge of special needs students (some places call it exceptional children), and request evaluations they will have to complete the evaluations within 90 days (that's from the date of a meeting they should call with you and your son's classroom teacher to look at the concerns) or they have to justify why they should not have to do the evaluations. Make sure you stress your concerns in reading, as well as a history of disabilities. They should also give you a parent's rights handbook at that time.
The psychological (IQ) test, the achievement (educational)test, and the language testing can all be done through the school system. If your son is not having any trouble with using his hands for say writing, then they may refuse to do anything along the lines of occupational therapy (OT) (they may say it is not educationally relevant). You may be able to access OT privately privately.
You may have to pursue the audiological evaluation outside of school as well, if he passes his hearing screen. Again, if you have insurance - you may be able to access this evaluation that way.
I hope that gives you some things to think about for next steps. Exercise is always the number 1 prescription for ADD. It improves blood-flow to the brain, and assists with posture and endurance overall.
Many blessings to you for being such a contentious mother.
Please write back to me if you need further suggestions, or need me to clarify anything.
Christine
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