Wish you were on the same coast, sounds like our 7 yo's would be great pals! Our school tried to push the ADHD/ODD thing, too, around the same age. If you can, get a neuropsych evaluation done. Ours not only confirmed that he was frustrated due to his giftedness level, but spotted Asperger's as well. Knowing helped us guide him better re: dealing with social issues, and got the school cooperating with us better. Good luck!
We start that process on Monday! I alternate between excitement and fear. I know it is silly, but often the fear wins. Part of me worries that maybe he isn't gifted and maybe he really is ADD/ODD, despite the lack of evidence anywhere outside of school. No matter what I see him do - he is being normal for him, and never being around other "normal" children, I don't often see how different he is. I also worry that he won't test well because he tends not to show any one else his full potential (for that matter I am not sure that
I see his full potential), so even once we have the test results will they be right? What I would do for a crystal ball right now.....
I hope that we have a similar experience with the testing giving us the tools to get the school to listen better. So far I have gotten the party line of "our objective is to challenge each student to their full potential in an interactive environment." Last year that didn't really work and I am hoping that with a few changes that this year may be better. School starts soon, and the testing will be done soon after that so hopefully it will be a better year
