Expert: Tim Runner - 6/4/2011

Question
if you would like to have your child tested for the presence of attention and focus issues, who should you go to?  also, what can you tell me about an 8 year old who gets grades in each subject ranging from f's to a's, there is no consistency in performance, there seems to be a disconnect in focus at times, she does not like to read at all, never did, reads well though, any task even fun one's i.e. making crafts, playing a game, etc. within a few minutes, she is bored and doesnt want to do it any longer. I do not see a hyper component, but just a focus issue, if i had to pin point it. we got her a tutor to help bring up her math grades, when she is with the tutor and she helps walk her through she aces all the work, then she goes back to school and is left to her own devices, and she doesnt do well again.  she took an two open book tests last week in social studies and science and had to read and find the answers and did not do well at all.  the teacher and tutor have mentioned some possible focus lack, but only at times, again, not consisitent. personality wise, she is very needy and wants someone to pay attention and be with her at all times. we have tried various forms of rewards and discipline to try and help.  i dont want to punish her if she cant help it. certainly not looking to put her on meds.  any thoughts?

Answer
--Lori,

Your daughter needs to be assessed by a medical doctor or a psychologist to make the diagnosis of ADD. She should also be assessed by her school for special education. If this has not been done, you need to write a letter to the principal of her school asking that she be assessed for special education. They don't have to do an assessment until school starts back up in the fall. Meantime, you need to have the medical diagnosis made. Ask the medical assessor to not only make the assessment, but to recommend what the school needs to do to help her. Then share a copy of this with your letter to the principal.

I wish you and your daughter the best,
Tim Runner, Advocate
Advocates for Kids
Email: timrunner@gmail.com
Phone: (949) 582-3601
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com