LD Test Results

Finally got an update on what they're thinking about our kiddo: 

He’s a bright little guy; he score above-average on verbal reasoning (understanding and reasoning using concepts framed in words. It aims at evaluating ability to think constructively, rather than at simple fluency or vocabulary recognition), and average on visual reasoning (Those who use visual reasoning, notably architect and engineers, conceive and manipulate objects in "the mind's eye" before putting them on paper). His language is very well developed.

He has noticeable weaknesses in fine motor skills and with writing....to the point where they can diagnose an actual learning disability: Disorder of Written Expression (also known as Dysgraphia) and Developmental Coordination Disorder (also known as Being Slightly Clumsy). The secondary diagnosis is more of a backup for the first than a diagnosis of substantive value; it essentially bolsters the dysgraphia idea so that a school bureaucracy won't give you a lot of crap about it. 

This affects his writing quite a bit...to the point where it’s far more difficult for him than most. They suggest keeping him with either print or cursive, but not both. “If he’s really stuck on print, don’t force him to learn a whole new system of writing.” He had to write down four sentences for the neuropsych and ended up in tears of pain and frustration (and, I'm sure, some degree of embarrassment).

When it comes to essays and book reports and such, he may struggle with expression, particularly the organization of his thoughts, editing his thoughts. They suggest mind mapping as a possible way to collect ideas. (Meh.)

When he DOES write, he needs to have a letter strip with him at all times, and a number strip. (Yeah, I already figured that out.) Because of his visual / mechanical trouble with writing, it may help a great deal to use a verbal description for letter formation. (Rather than repetition with the hopes that his muscles will learn the movements, it’s more effective to make up some kind of verbal explanation, like “Up, Down, Across” for an A. Mind you, Handwriting Without Tears attempts to do that, but it didn't help that much.)

Some kind of occupational therapy may be in order, especially for learning how to type; worth it to ask, anyway, so sez the expert.

Educationally:

Time limits will present a problem, and should be avoided.
For things like the S.A.T., his scores are clear enough to warrant an IEP (Individualized Education Plan); in that case, he could get some extended time to take the test.
In the meantime, we should work with him on the types of questions and essays that will be asked on the test. (I have been warned, however (from other parents), that signing on the dotted line for an IEP takes away a whole host of educational freedoms you previously had, and puts your child under the jurisdiction of The Experts.)

Writing in general will need to be cut down; go ahead and have him do the writing exercises, but cut down on the time and the amount he has to do manually.

Most of the accommodations they could make in a school setting would assure that he would stay in the regular classroom; for some things he might be able to use a “resource room,” sort of like a quiet room with a teacher in it so he can complete what he needs to without the accompanying distraction.

Some kids can get note-takers in class for them, they should be allowed to record lectures, they can get an outline head of time before class begins, and should be given copies of anything that gets put up on the board (includes math problems).

There was a 30-point differential between where his cognitive skills are and where his writing ability sits. Most school districts require a 15 or 20 point differential, so he more than meets those qualifications.

As far as speech goes, they think that a speech therapist may be a good idea; it would help to fix that before he got put into a regular classroom, from the aspect of the "socialization" of a class.

While they wouldn’t say he has anxiety, exactly, they say he does show a strong sensitivity that will stick with him through his life. 

While they don't recommend it across the board for everyone, she says that private school is probably the only real option outside of homeschool for him; someplace that allows kids to really work independently and outside the box, with a great deal of choice and freedom and not a lot of sitting perfectly still and copying crap off a blackboard. (Sounds sorta like the Montessori school we can't afford, huh?)

Interestingly they don't think he shows much of a problem with reading, or even spelling, as long as he doesn't have to spell on paper. Learning to touch-type would be of immense value. 

So. There you have it. Oh, and that he's a joy to work with. Ta-da!