Thank you guys. I am so tired, so hopefully I'll make sense tonight! First of all, we have had gifted testing done, but I'd like to have it done again now that ds is on medication and can focus better. Deedee, thanks for clarifying what all is involved in a more comprehensive assessment.
The neuropsych testing sounds like the way to go, but I'd really like to find someone good. I've been searching, and I can't find anyone who specializes in working with 2e or gifted children in my area. We'd be willing to travel if necessary to see the right doc. We just want some answers. I'd hate to think my son is continuing to struggle simply because we're barking up the wrong tree.
If anyone has a neuropsychologist they'd recommend, please PM me!
Our doctor is a developmental behavioral pediatrician who specializes in giftedness, ADHD, and ASDs. I love her, and I am repeatedly impressed with her level of knowledge of treating 2e children. She used our gifted testing results/report, developmental testing done at her office (I'm not sure exactly what this entailed, but it was definitely not all that is done in a neuropsychological eval.), a very thorough history (I was digging up my baby books and calendars from my son's first year, reports from teachers, family history, etc.-took a very long time), physical tests with my son, and questionnaires from my husband and me and the teacher. These were also very long and detailed questionnaires. She has follow-up questionnaires that we and ds's teacher complete periodically to measure progress, but these are only a page or two each.
Deedee, our doc recommended many of the strategies you mentioned. I can't believe I never thought of playing a game that didn't have a winner or a game where the loser actually gets a prize. I guess the idea is to dis-associate losing with an extreme negative feeling and replace it with a positive. That way the child can focus on the process and enjoy the game rather than worrying about the outcome.
I read in one of my books today that another good technique for kids who have difficulty with team sports due to anxiety (my son) is to use team-building activities. This would be good for siblings, classmates, or club members to do together (like the things office employees will do together for team building). They all have to work together to complete a task or reach a goal, but they are not working against anyone. I'm going to talk to my son's teacher about trying to incorporate some of these kinds of activities into recess.
Right now, ds wanders around looking for an activity that appeals to him, and is intimidated by trying to interject himself into other kids' games. He ends up doing nothing and is planning to ask his teacher if he can just bring a book to recess.
Kathleen'smum, thanks for sharing. It REALLY does help to know you're not alone. I'm sorry your child is experiencing the same struggles. It's very upsetting not to know how to help your child. We're doing our best and searching for answers, though, right? My son tends to be a happy little guy most of the time, so I know I should count my blessings. I just hope we can get a handle on what's going on with him so he can feel good about himself all the time! Good luck to you too. Hopefully some of the info here will help.
Thanks Deedee and everyone for your help. I'd REALLY love to hear suggestions or neuropsych recs. Thanks!
