I'm not from FL, but I had to smile when reading your post, as my son is highly gifted, but also has ADHD and dyslexia...
I don't know if you're planning to try and obtain a formal diagnosis, and then get a 504 Accommodation Plan through a public school, but it's been my experience that individual teachers can "make or break" the experience more than a particular school. If you have a Chadd chapter nearby, www.chadd.org, I'd advise networking though some of those parents to get recommendations of the better schools and other resources in your area.
While the definition of gifted varies, your son is clearly bright, and so I think you might find some of the resources I've listed in the "2e" ("twice exceptional") Group to be helpful. Feel free to join us at community.greatschools.net/groups/16042
I am from Florida and would second healthy11 suggestions. You might also find some resources in the "Learning and Attention Difficulties" Group here at GS. We love to have you post and join at:
Thank everyone for replying. I've searched the GS and other engines as well. I still have not found that perfect establishment yet. As I waited for the school to complete a second eval in less than 2 years, the 3rd grade teacher is set to break this child in every way. The county and all tests results were negatives in findings, therefore we have to wait and see. At this time we are trying an independent mental health provider. May be we can come up with some results.
thanks to everyone.
My husband is a psychiatrist and I am a nurse. We do know what we are dealing with. We are kind of new in FL. We are from NY. This has been a terrible experience for my son and my family.
Oh how I can empathize. The testings performed by the school were just a screening. Even with an independent health provider's evaluation -- your son may not qualify for special education services. How do I know -- we have three (one from university, one from a neuropsychologist, one from a developmental pediatrician) and our daughter still does not qualify for an IEP -- because she is twice exceptional she does not meet the schools criteria which reqires that she have a broad cluster score below an 85 (even when some of the tests don't have a broad cluster score). You may have to investigate getting a 504 plan instead.
For third grade -- make sure you have them start a 3rd grade portfolio for good cause exemption. That way if he is unable to pass the FCAT -- he still may be able avoid retention -- if that becomes an issue.
I was away, couldn't get back to the forum sooner, I will continue to be away for few more weeks.
Yes I asked the school, it was just a screening they had done last year. We'll know for sure in 2 more months whether he'll be approved for services or not. At the same time, he is seeing his psychologist/friend.
I am praying and hoping for better day for him in school..
stay safe everyone, and thanks again.
I highly recommend Bridges Academy in Winter Springs. My child's academic skills have improved tremendously during her time at Bridges. She did not have behavioral issues, but there are students who do have such challenges -- and from what I can tell, the administrators address issues in a professional manner, perhaps a bit too detailed for my daughter's tastes. Because there are children dealing with various challenges, most issues are addressed immediately -- issues that would be ignored most likely in a public school setting. That's the only part my daughter disliked because she sees that part as a waste of time. She is dyslexic but does not have ADHD and probably doesn't understand why the administrators must address certain issues -- often it has been she whose been "the offended party" and she would prefer to "just move on" because she's not really easily offended. The effort of the staff is to address kids' challenges and re-direct behavior, providing them with skills that will help them when they return to public school, home schooling, or another private school. Also, since my daughter excels in Math, she was placed in an above-grade-level Math class -- which was really helpful to her self-esteem as well as her academic progress. Children are treated as individuals, and I've found most of the staff to be kind and respectful for the most part.
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