Journey Through Exceptionality: Navigating SLD and ADHD in the Smiths Family - Paper Example

Interview Questions

Describe your family. How many people does your family consist of?

My family consists of five. My husband, Samuel, with whom we have been married for 13 years. My two sons, Michael, who is 11 years and Travis, who is 6 years old. I also live with my niece Brenda who is 22 years.

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When did you first give birth?

I first gave birth to my son Michael when I was 25 years of age. This was two years after I got married to Samuel. Then I had my other son when I was 31 years old.

What is Michael’s classification?

Michael was diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) with an advanced Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

How old was Michael when he was classified?

When Michael was diagnosed with SLD, he was six years old.

Were there any early signs that you saw indicating him being an exceptional child?

Yes, there were several signs, but I was not aware until he was diagnosed. Michael had sensory problems, especially with crowded areas, food, and even sunlight. He was most times clumsy. Also, there were speech indicators that we assumed were hearing problems, but he would always pass his hearing tests with the doctor; however, we recently found out that it was because of his Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).

Does your family history show anyone else who may have been diagnosed with SLD or ADHD or both?

My sister was in special needs education for other disabilities, and my mother has ADHD.

How did it come to your attention that Michael had to be diagnosed?

At the end of kindergarten, his teacher mentioned to me that Michael could not retain the letters' sounds, and I should inquire about a referral in case it continues. During his first grade, the teacher could not refer him because he passed his reading test after several attempts with one word. In second grade, the teacher would hold him during recess and even lunch so that he could finish the work. I asked the teacher to give him back the breaks and send the work home. That's when I discovered he could not do the work, and he could not read the worksheets.

How did you feel about how the matter was handled?

The whole situation was not handled sensitively because we were denied access to reading services since he was not tested in all the areas of disability. The school nurse had reported that Michael had a problem with their vision, so I had to take him to the optometrist, who felt the need to assess his visual processing problems. Unfortunately, the school did not accept and had to lie that it was their responsibility to do all that.

Any programs/services that Michael is receiving at school?

He is currently receiving consultations with RSP (Resource Specialist Program), but no actual services are acquired. Occupational Therapy (OT), one of his remediation services for reading was sourced from outside because he did not progress as much in RSP programs in our district.

Is the educational assistance provided to Michael effective?

No. It was not effective in the past except for one year with the RSP program for writing; he learned how to read, even though he was not fluent; it was a goal for that year.

How has the diagnosis of Michael affected you and your family?

Well, I had to close down my business, which needed me to travel most of the time so that I could be home with my son and make sure he attended to his OT and tutors. I also made sure that he was not left behind in his third grade by teaching him his curriculum again and helping him complete the assignments he was given. My husband has also chipped in and made sure that we had all the financial resources needed. It has also helped me appreciate the small things in life and love people for who they are. There is joy in finding happiness in simple things.

Summary of the Interview

It is the joy of every parent that when they give birth, they will give birth to healthy babies with no deformities or challenges. When a mother has given birth and, after some time, realizes that the child is not "normal," the parent will be filled with a rollercoaster of emotions. Both the mother and the father will be confused about what to do and how to approach the situation. We will look at the Smiths family, where we see the firstborn son has been diagnosed with SLD with advanced ADHD.

SLD refers to difficulties in the use of academic skills and learning. That is, when a child experiences difficulty in reading, writing, or the use of academic skills, they will be diagnosed with SLD (Cunha et al, 2019). Referring to the Smiths, an extended family of four, with Michael as the firstborn son, was diagnosed with SLD when he was six years old. His mother did not realize it immediately, and it took time until he was taken to the doctor and was diagnosed.

It was not an easy road taking care of Michael. We can see the mother was so dedicated to his son and made sure that he did not miss anything academically, even though he was challenged. The mother had to be a tutor so that he could catch up on the syllabus and help him through his assignments. He had to go through RSP and OT programs so that he could become better. To do all this, she had to sacrifice her job, and her husband was the one to carry the financial burden.

Throughout the interview, I could not help but notice the role played by the school. The school was not so sensitive about the care of Michael. They did not handle the matter as it should have been. That was so wrong on their part, even going to the extent of lying about their responsibilities. Looking at all that happened, the good thing is that the mother was able to balance her life, understand other people’s sufferings, and she was also able to appreciate the small things life offers.

All in all, it is not easy for a family that has an exceptional child. Much work and dedication from both parents and family members are needed so that the child does not feel cast out. Successfully identifying these children's needs and trying your best to meet them so that they can feel normal, just like the rest of the children, is the most crucial thing.

Reference

Cunha, P., de Castro Silva, I. M., Neiva, E. R., & Tristão, R. M. (2019). Auditory processing disorder evaluations and cognitive profiles of children with a specific learning disorder. Clinical Neurophysiology Practice, 4, 119-127.