Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional new to all this

Let me start by saying that i am a instructional specialist for over 20 years working with the other end of the spectrum.

My only con cj is 8 and in the 3rd grade. this year has been one of battles endlessly. He will not work, specifically writing. takes hours to do simple math. He has been identified as a 136 iq but at an IAT meeting it was suggested that he is 2x. I have a great fear of asperger's , having seen the other end. I spend many nights crying or worring. I am so glad to find this site. I don't feel alone in this very scary place. Even with my experiance this is new to me.

The schools biggest concerns is him making friends. He seems to be like me, introverted and aloner. How much should I worry?

I don't ever think there is a good answer for that and even if someone did tell you, no parent would ever listen.

I'm sure being an instructional specialist certainly makes you more perceptive/sensitive to the warning signs for lots of conditions including Asperger�s. In the medical field, an old adage is "when you hear hoof beats, look for a horse not a zebra!" I try to keep this in mind while parenting too-

With that said . . . since you are very concerned, can the school or a private therapist check him out for you? Asperger�s diagnosis or not, a expert will be able to coach you through the process of modifying his behavior and helping him adjust or even overcome the areas where he struggles. Plus, I'm sure he perceives your concern/stress as well.

If you haven't already read it, I recommend "Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnosis of Gifted Children" by James T. Webb, et al. (www.giftedbooks.com/productdetails.asp?id=34) This book is a nice starting point for understanding the different behavior issues that tend to manifest alongside of giftedness and how they differ from behavior and emotional disorders that get more frequently (but not always correctly) diagnosed.

Others on this board will be able to help with the "been there, done that" (BTDT) experience too- Nevertheless, welcome!

hi vicam
i found two books (Both thru this site) that helped with similar situation with my DS7. "The MIslabeled Child", a huge and informative book by Eides. and "Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnosis of gifted children and adults" by James webb. Both of these really helped with trying to decide if my DS7 was gifted or 2e..
irene

Is the school doing anything at all to help him?

Welcome to the board, vicam! I'm a mom of 8 years old Gifted/Asperger's boy, so I understand what you've been going through emotionally. I'm one of those with the BTDT experience. I did a quite bit of worrying myself- and I still do occasionally even now.

I agree with sittin pretty and renie1. I highly recommend "Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnosis of Gifted Children". The book helped me understand about my son's issues.

If the school is already suggesting that your son is 2E, can you request a formal evaluation for Asperger's?
You may want to check this site. http://idea.ed.gov/explore/home

CJ has been identified and attends a pull out one day a week. Before we found out his scores we went the ADD route. He had significant reactions to any meds. I do have an appointment with out local children's hospitals behavior unit to do a comprehensive evaluation. Any advice on what to watch out for? The eval is supposed to include variety of professionals.
Sometimes you can know too much about a topic..
Thanks for being supportive

My older son hates to write and hates math because they make him write out his answers. He's 8. I would take him to fun educational game websites or download some for him and watch what he does. It's possible that he just doesn't want to do the work at school because it doesn't challenge him.

You are probably right but the teachers "need" to be shown he can do it before they will give him advanced work.
The more I investigate the more I see oversensitivities emotionally and sensory.