Finally Some Answers...

And some help.

For years we've dealt with school conferences and reports that Alex had behavioral issues, was immature, and was behind academically (which, for the most part were attributed to the first). The school in Abilene, although great in some ways, did not have any answers or help for us.

When we got here to Turkey, he was a little over halfway through 1st grade. His teacher was fabulous and worked to try to get him caught up. He also spent time working with a remedial reading teacher each day. He was referred to the "Student Support Team" (a group of teachers and other school staff) to discuss options. It was decided that since it was so late in the year we would just keep doing what we were and keep an eye on him.  He DID make progress in those 4 months, but he was still sadly behind.

Last year, as I've mentioned before, Alex was placed in a combined 2nd/3rd grade class and I was nervous. His teacher noticed the same sort of issues and we were sent back to the SST. This time it was decided that he should be evaluated. After TONS of paperwork and a few more meetings the conclusion was reached that he has some learning difficulties (including slow processing speed) and they suspected ADD/ADHD. They wrote up an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for him that includes extra help in the classroom AND time in the Special Education class. He also meets regularly with the school psychologist.

Since ADD/ADHD is a medical diagnosis, we went to the doctor. He looked over the questionnaire we had filled out and spent some time talking to Alex.  He said there were definitely some indicators, but that it wasn't clear cut enough for him to feel comfortable making a diagnosis that would stick with Alex for life. While I appreciate that he didn't just jump to a diagnosis and write a prescription, I worry that we could be losing an avenue of help that Alex needs. I'm torn.

Now we're back to school...back to fights over homework...back to tears because he just doesn't get it.  I wait for the day that he gets upset because his little brother is reading better than him, and I know it's coming. He's angry and a little combative; he's sensitive and easily discouraged. He's also very concerned with what is fair (or that he thinks is fair). He's hugging me and telling me I'm awesome one minute, and slamming doors and yelling that he KNEW I never loved him the next. But at least he's stopped telling me that he thinks he should just die...

Wow, this post just took a turn. My point is...we finally got some answers and I'm hopeful that this year will bring us more. I firmly believe that the Lord never gives us more than we can handle. So, we'll handle this...one day at a time.