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27-8-2008 - The eldest child

My mood while writing this blog: a bit teary

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So we've had a few issues with our eldest - Thomas. Thomas will turn 7 on 5 Oct and recently has been diagnosed as ADHD together with some specific learning disabilities (although he has above average intelligence when tested).

The school has decided to remove him from his Year 2 classroom (3 months until the end of the year here) and place him back in Year 1. We actually support this move.

But it is all a bit overwhelming to hear what he is like at school - the disruption, disrespect, mis-behaviour etc.... We know he is a handful but we actually find that we can manage him (intensively) at home. The school has struggled to manage him all year and basically he is not learning anything anymore as he won't co-operate.

I REALLY hope this next baby doesn't have any "issues".

Our Thomas is a very bright and special child. I despair of him learning to read and write and get through the school system without being "broken" from the happy, spirited child that he is. Luckily Ben and I are a great unit (despite earlier blogs complaints!) and don't really have to battle our own issues so can focus as a team on our son. We are both highly educated (I lecture at University) and are busy researching options and being pro-active about services and help that might be out there. Our family and friend support network is strong and we have sufficient resources that we can provide the additional help he requires. What is more, we all love him to bits and think he is incredibly talented and special. He is confident within himself and knows that he is loved - there is no low self esteem issues apparent with him.

So I tell myself that with all of those things in his favour he may avoid the path towards Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder. But the school thinks he is heading towards ODD... All quite a worry. Are there really some children that just can't be helped despite their environment?

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