what do I do

[Keisha3782]

My ten yoear old daughter is having problems retaining information especially in school she has overall good grades except in math. she seems to get lost when doing math problems which require multiple steps.  she was diagnosed with ADHD in 2007 and is now being medicated for this because of the inability to retain information.  She is struggling so hard in math and she cries when she cant get the steps right when completing a math problem.  So my question is is it possible that my daughter can have a learning disability and how can I have her tested to find out?

[Keisha3782]

Wow thanks for replying in such a timely manner.  I have already spoken with teachers and school officials about testing for the IEP. I will know something in 3-4 weeks and this will be her second test she also had one in the second grade.  I have had her examined by her opthamologist and she recommeneded she see a child psychologist and I am currently working on that. She started tutoring yesterday and Im praying that this helps her because she is so determined in improving her grade and I am proud of her. At the same time. she also has limited vision in her left eye because she has Amplyopia I think I spelled it right. its the disorder of the eye thats is similar to a lazy eye and I think that is what is affecting her retention. thanks for the advice and I appreciate the help I will keep every one updated

[Sandman2]

   I agree with the above posters.  I would also like to add that when teaching 5 th grade, I found that it usually was math which caused the most problems for kids with ADHD.   Essentially, it (or parts of it) was like a foreign language to them.  If their concentration wavered and they missed part of the process, then things like long division, fractions (especially improper fractions) were very hard for them to get a grasp on.
  I am guessing that when you say she "seems to get lost when doing math problems which require multiple steps."  It is probably because she has not "learned" the steps in class.   And thus "gets lost".  Hence the suggestion of a tutor is a good one by specialmom.  There are also online educational services like the Khan Academy that will take you step by step through the whole process.  They even have online tests to help you figure out where to start.
   Something else to think about.  What time is the math class?  It is possible that her meds have not yet began to take effect when she has math or are beginning to wear off.   So I would talk to her teacher and see if the teacher notices a difference in her as the day goes on.  It is possible that a change in meds will help.
   Hope this helps.  If you have any more questions please post here or over on the ADHD forum which I also monitor.  Best wishes.

[specialmom]

Hi there.  Oh, I'm so sorry.  I have a son with sensory integration disorder which is add/adhd's cousin.  I had an interesting conversation recently with an occupational therapist about executive function.  One can have some issues with executive function while still being very intelligent.  And executive function issues are often present with kids that have add/adhd (and sensory).  We were talking about what you can do and really, from what I've read and what the OT said, it sounds like it is adaptive in nature verses curing that issue.  

So, my suggestion is yes---  have her evaluated although it sounds like you've already got the add/adhd diagnosis so she's been through some evaluations.  Does she have an IEP or any plan in place to offer her help in some way?  This is really hard to get in our school district.  While it is an excellent school district, funding cuts make the 'extra' help something you really have to fight for.  But if they find something going on with her learning in terms of some type of learning disability that they can help with some classroom/testing modifications---  definitely worth fighting for those.

But personally, I would enlist the help of a private tutor.  You can find a qualified math tutor to work with her weekly or biweekly (or whatever you see fit) to help her as she advances her math skills.

IWhat is hard about math is that it builds all year long.  If you start to get behind, you can feel really lost.  so, I would have a tutor work with her.  Something about the outside tutor helps more than a parent helping as it changes the dynamics.  

We notice some executive function things with my son in terms of organization and memory.  he does well in school so far but he is 9 and in 4th grade.  I'm ready to act with outside help if things start to be difficult for him.  Because he has shown his ability to learn in other areas.  So if he slips in one, we will work on it.  

Does that make sense?  I also know that my son is a total perfectionist and it is like his whole life rides on his grades (and other measures he uses for his success).  It stems from anxiety and insecurity.  While other parents envy this because it sure does motivate him to work hard---  it also is a burden as it is okay to not always have an a+ or the perfect grades.  I don't want him to feel his only measure of success academically is the perfect grade if he is working really hard and doing his best.  I'll give him the tools he needs to do his best---  but accepting that the best may sometimes be a B is something my son needs to learn.  

Anyway, again---  yes.  Ask your school to evaluate her which would be free.  But there are also learning centers where you can pay to have a child tested.  You may hear executive function rather than an actual learning disability and then you problem solve with her to work with that issue.  peace and good luck

[MarkLakewood3367]

The school should be able to provide this evaluation without charge to you.  Discuss testing with either the teacher or school counselor.