Academically and Intellectually Gifted

Fast Boy has an IEP and was previously placed in the “Exceptional Child Program” for behavioral and emotionally disabled children.  We get feedback regarding his behavior on a pretty consistent basis.  We see reports on what goals have been set for him and what he needs to improve on.  So,  I’m sorry that I was completely confused by the “Nurtured Student Letter” that came home from school earlier this week.

I thought it was just another politically correct way of requesting that my son get some more individual attention to help him with his school work.  Well, I was right… but not in the way that I thought.  Fast Boy has been recommended by his teacher and invited into the “Academically and Intellectually Gifted Program” (AIG) at school.  Apparently he is demonstrating mastery of his grade level curriculum, at least in reading. 

I’ve always known that ADHD children can be very intelligent (which is what helps him find so much trouble) and that they can become hyper-focused on things they enjoy, but this just stunned me.  When the AIG specialist told me that he was interpreting Carl Sandburg poems, I didn’t know how to respond.  You just never know what will interest him. 

More discussion has to be done before we decide to put him in the program.  The AIG classes take place one hour a week outside of the regular classroom.  Fast Boy is already out of the classroom twice a week for the EC program.  He doesn’t like being removed from his normal class.  He is used to that being associated with some disciplinary action.  I guess we’ll just have to talk it over and see what he thinks.

I have a call in to the EC program Coordinator to get her opinion as well.  I’d like to see him excel and take advantage of the AIG program, but I need to make sure that everything jives together and that Fast Boy’s other special needs are met.   For example, if Fast Boy is loving the reading, but is going to lose control because he is asked to write about what he read, can special accommodations be made so that he can type instead?  (Handwriting is a frustration point for him that would make him give up.)  I want to know that someone is there looking out for him.

I’m so pleased!  I hope this works out. 

School and ADHD Medication Update

School has been in session for a while now and the Concerta that we put Fast Boy on is obviously helping.  Between those two things, I haven’t felt the need to post here as often.  (Thank goodness!) 

Fast Boy’s behavior at school has definitely improved.  It’s still a far cry from what I or his teachers would consider “normal” eight year old behavior, but I have to be grateful for any positive changes.  His reports from school have gone from many “reds” down to a few “yellows” and mostly “greens”.  So far this year, there has been some pushing and biting, but no hitting people across the face with sticks or sending them to the doctor for potential broken noses.  There has been some speaking out of turn in class and some running in the hallways, but no flat-out disobedience or rages in the classroom.   Gee… While I’m typing this, it almost does sound like normal eight year old boy behavior. 

My concerns about medication side effects are still there though.  He appears to be sleeping okay for now, but it is obvious that his appetite and weight have decreased.  I haven’t noticed any other changes. 

I guess all is okay.

Gratitude via Comparison

Trying desperately to focus on getting some work done while listening to Princess scream at Fast Boy at the top of her lungs for the n-teenth time, I gave up and distracted myself with some blog surfing.  I followed Baggage and Bug over to The Open Window and read for a while.  These blogs are written by women who have adopted their children and deal with challenges that make mine look weak.  I found myself amazed at their strength and wishing that I had more of it. 

I do that a lot.  Comparing.  It’s not always healthy.  It’s not always appropriate.  I compare Princess to Fast Boy.  I compare Fast Boy to my own brother.  I compare myself and our family to the life of my divorced friend and her family.  I often wonder how she deals with her two boys at home by herself and how she has to take turns with their father.  Why do I do that?  Maybe it’s just human nature.  I don’t know.

The good news… The result of my comparison is almost always gratitude.  Things could be worse than they are.  Things are not really that bad.  I have a lot to be thankful for.  And even though someone else’s situation may be harder, or just different, I remind myself that I too am a strong woman.  I need to give myself more credit.

P.S.  Remind me of this the next time I’m ripping my hair out of my head due to sheer frustration.