My ADD son has been variously labeled, ADHD, Autistic, ODD, Aspergers, and NOS by professionals and non-professionals. Perhaps you've had a similar story. In class he has progressed from tantrums (in the early grades) to a sweet, quiet, shy kid, slow to engage but ready to volunteer and contribute.

After years of struggle we find ourselves in 6th grade - looking pretty good at school but still all to pieces at home. Transitions can still illicit a tantrum or two and homework, we have to sit with him to keep him on task and often even that is not enough. He is on meds but they wear off in the afternoon and because his growth has been stunted and he won't eat until the meds have worn off, we don't give him an afterschool dose. That's one half of the picture.

A couple of years ago he was identified as gifted. His teacher is great. My son works with the older grades or individaully to meet his needs. Most of his assignments are his alone. He loves the challenge but in effect, he is no longer working with his class. On standardized tests he already tests at 10th grade level on both the math and verbal.

So next year we are planning to move him to 8th grade. Even then he will have to be pulled out for enrichment (science, math, and spelling/vocab). Because he is in need of growth in his social skills it is important that we keep him in school, but he is academically beyond his peers.

Scarily, the following year is high school! Like many ADD kids, he is 2-3 years behind his peers in social skills and work stamina. Here is a kid perfect for sitting in and contributing in his honor classes - but he could never face the workload. He needs so much support to complete assignments and hand them in as it is.

How do we negotiate high level academics with low level functioning? What kind of dialogue should I be having with the high-school? I want to start now because - what does it mean to be an LD honors student? Can a kid be in honors English but hand in only half the assigments for example? How do I keep my adolescent feeling sucessful and good about himself?

Help!

My husband wants him to repeat 8th grade at some other school - but who would take him? He'd be ready for 10th grade (or beyond) in most subjects?

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