Adhd (Dallas, Robinson: credit, best school, college)

[sister909]

Where are the best activities, social programs in Dallas for a child with ADHD and best school.

[BellaO]

If you can afford it, Shelton and Winston.

[SVTRay]

Originally Posted by BellaO

If you can afford it, Shelton and Winston.

I've heard Winston is nice.

Anyhow, dealing with an unmedicated ADD/ADHD child can be challenging. So I would suggest talking with a doctor about medication like Adderall. Then just find things that engage your child's interest like sports. Children also need structure, especially ADD/ADHD children. So set up some form of schedule and try to stick with it. As for schools, I can't recall what it's called but the State of Texas has some kinda system set up to help parents with children dealing with ADD/ADHD. It does things like allows more time during test and has the child set up close during class etc. So I would talk with your school councilor about it.

[DitsyD]

Originally Posted by SVTRay

I've heard Winston is nice.

Anyhow, dealing with an unmedicated ADD/ADHD child can be challenging. So I would suggest talking with a doctor about medication like Adderall. Then just find things that engage your child's interest like sports. Children also need structure, especially ADD/ADHD children. So set up some form of schedule and try to stick with it. As for schools, I can't recall what it's called but the State of Texas has some kinda system set up to help parents with children dealing with ADD/ADHD. It does things like allows more time during test and has the child set up close during class etc. So I would talk with your school councilor about it.

You can request an evaluation through the special education department. The evaluation would probably include formal testing, observation, teacher input and parent input. If the evaluation indicates that the child would benefit academically from accommodations, then an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is created at an ARD (Admission, Review & Dismissal) Meeting that would establish the accommodations allowed.

[Souleiado]

Originally Posted by BellaO

If you can afford it, Shelton and Winston.

Shelton will not take your child based on a ADHD diagnostic , it is a school for dislexia ( some may have ADHD) only. The school has been very strict recently with too many parents trying to get their children there without any dislexia issues.

[SVTRay]

Originally Posted by DitsyD

You can request an evaluation through the special education department. The evaluation would probably include formal testing, observation, teacher input and parent input. If the evaluation indicates that the child would benefit academically from accommodations, then an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is created at an ARD (Admission, Review & Dismissal) Meeting that would establish the accommodations allowed.

Thanks, I couldn't really put it into words or remember the terms.

Anyhow, this along with medication would be my first steps instead of looking into a new school since we're already a couple months into the new year.

[DitsyD]

Originally Posted by SVTRay

Thanks, I couldn't really put it into words or remember the terms.

Anyhow, this along with medication would be my first steps instead of looking into a new school since we're already a couple months into the new year.

You are welcome. I could tell that you knew.

From all that I have read, nothing is better for ADHD than the proper medication. After that, it is so prevalent, most schools should do well at dealing with the student. Just keep working with you child's doctor to get the right medication at the right dose. It does take time but the outcome makes it worthwhile.

[deenie1]

I'm not discounting medication, as it has its place for sure. It can mean the difference between a child feeling defeated and frustrated and them feeling like they can handle what comes their way. That is truly important. I just feel that our society puts so much pressure on all children to conform to the "standard" and then throws everything else out the window. Sometimes a child who isn't engaged and hasn't had the right focus for their talents can present with ADHD symptoms more severely. In grad school, I did a lot of research into ADHD and the school systems and found that as the rates of standardized testing and "teaching to the test" goes up, so do the rates of ADHD diagnosis. In severe cases, medication is warranted but it doesn't come without risk. Then the benefits need to outweigh the risks. I just have a problem with kids being medicated to fit to what the schools consider the only way to learn. This is only my opinion but I base it on clinical research and personal experience - my son is almost 11 and has a mild form and my nephew was diagnosed years ago, put on meds but then taken off - my sister didn't like how it changed him. She changed his schools and he did quite well and is a college graduate in his 20s now. Does he still have ADHD? Probably...but there is an upside to it as well. I never realized how many highly successful people have had ADHD and actually credit it for their success. They just delegate the tasks that they're weak in...everyone has strengths and weaknesses. It's just a matter of playing up the strengths. I don't know how flexible you are for schools but, if you want to get a different spin on how our educational system mishandles ADHD, Google Sir Ken Robinson. Very interesting.

[HockDad]

If young, also look at Preston Hollow Presby. They very well might have a program set up, and the price is not terrible.

[bencronin04]

Good luck on your search. Just as a personal piece of information, I grew up battling ADHD. Starting in 2nd grade the schools would constantly suggest to my parents to have me put on medicine (Ritalin at the time). My parents refused and worked with me through the years to try and overcome the obstacles naturally. Still to this day I have to slow myself down from time to time, but I feel as if it gave me a special advantage in life. When things come easy to people, then they are approached with a difficult situation, they often shutdown as not having to deal with adversary often. It's something I have dealt with everyday of my life, thus making it much easier to handle and approach difficult situations. If you have any questions, mentoring, etc. please do not hesitate to DM.