My son is a 9th grader in a STEM magnet and diagnosed with Asperger's and ADHD. He chose the program although I advised him about how rigorous it would be. Like many on the spectrum, he finds a topic that interests him and it becomes an obsession. In the past, it was baseball as we follow one particular team. Now he has moved on to airplanes, piloting, etc.
Our problem is that he does not focus on his homework anywhere close to what is sufficient. We have caught him many, many times goofing around on his computer or iPad while he is supposed to be doing homework or studying. His lack of attention leads him to be disorganized, as in, "oh, we had a test today in xx class." Meaning, he forgot.
I have always told him that if he studies hard and does not do well on a test, it is okay. But if he doesn't study and does poorly, I admit that I am very, very angry. Because he has the academic skills to do well; it seems he lacks the motivation and self-control. Like any kid, he likes praise. The screentime is a major problem for us. He does need to use his computer for assignments sometimes and I can't watch over him constantly. Any suggestions? TIA.
06 Mar 2018, 10:01 am
