Sending ADHD Kid Back to School

Post Reply New Topic

He's been out since the early 2nd grade. He's starting 5th and has requested to go back because he's lonely. His symptoms are under control with medication and he's far ahead in academics. So we said okay.

The school is doing very poorly and I have heard the kids are ruffians. I'm going to have to keep a close eye on the whole affair. I hope he will be alright. He does not do well when people pick on him. He is too socially aware and too self conscious. I often wish I could give him some of my assertiveness. We would probably both be better off. :/

I'm replying to my own thread with an update in case anyone was interested.

He mostly loves being there. He loves being around other kids again. Now that he is heavily medicated with stimulants and blood pressure medication for his anxiety he seems to be able to focus on the teacher and routine pretty well. The teacher is a kind lady and the curriculum is surprisingly thoughtful. He has asked if he can be removed from special education because he does not need it. So far I agree. I will look into it when it is time for the meeting.

He has made friends, but he has not accepted that the things he is into are not normal for a kid his age (coding, virtual reality, space/time). I am hoping he will become interested in some new things that the other kids like. It will be a little while before I can get him evaluated and see if he can take some advanced subjects. His confidence has improved a great deal. He has realized that he is a good friend, that he is smart, that he is "not ugly" (sigh- this is an improvement in his self image). It's been surprising and positive all around.

I’m glad that things are going so well! I worry every year about how things will go with my own kid who is on the spectrum and has ADHD, but so far, so good.

We homeschooled our three kids. If he is interested in social contact school is not the only options. Outside activities such as martial arts class, library groups for kids, or even more adult things like amateur radio are possibilities.

You may want to consider a social group such a Mensa. They do not offer testing for kids younger than 14 (if I remember correctly), however, they do accept an IQ assessment made by a psychologist (upper 2%). He might enjoy that sort of socialization as well.