Program for a 9 year old with severe ADHD, other needs
My 9 child has special needs and is no longer in the public education system (we pulled him because it was going so badly). He's not able to read and has been moved six times within the district.
I'm seeking a placement/program and having many issues trying to find a private school to take him and wondering if there is a program that can be created. I'm open to some creative and more traditional placments/programs.
Interested in district placements with supports and what worked for your kid.
Interested in private placments
Interested in home school options
He does better in a 1:1 setting or small group for learning as he has ADHD and it's severe.
What has been successful for your child and have you put together a program if one doesn't exist?
Parent Replies
You might want to look into a micro-school which generally offers one-on-one support but in a small group setting. Our child doesn't have the severity of yours but it's been a great fit. There's In+Addition on the Berkeley/Albany border and Sunnyside on Grand in Oakland (which works specifically with 2E/neurodivergent kids so you might want to call them first). Good luck!
My son was 9 when we pulled him out of our local public school. He has ADHD, fine motor issues, etc., had been able to make some progress academically, but was completely miserable. We initially tried a charter school, but eventually ended up homeschooling (which is something I never expected to be doing). It has been a definite, though not easy, success. He is enrolled in a charter school independent study program, so we get some funds to spend on academics and enrichment. The ability to be at home, away from the social stresses and distractions of school, has made a huge impact on his ability to learn. Three years ago he was definitely academically behind. Now he is advanced, and loves taking online classes while wearing a headset. After using no technology at all the first year, we added one or two self-paced online classes, and now he is doing 4 online classes including one live class. Even this class is great, because the teacher can just turn off the kids' microphones when she is talking, and then pair them up in small groups to work. Much less distracting than sitting in an actual classroom! He still does after school activities that he enjoys and sees friends. When you homeschool, you can tailor your child's education to exactly what they need. You can spend an hour each day on phonics, or go hiking. It's extremely flexible, and when something isn't working, you can change it immediately. I never thought it would be something I could manage with my kid, who is certainly still not easy, but I'm so glad I did! Good luck!