[senco-forum] ADD

These are exactly my thoughts. However, auditory processing difficulties (or
at least phonological difficulties) are always part of dyslexia. I can't see
what would be gained by trying for a diagnosis of APD when (a) there is only
one place to get one and (b) I hear tell that only 2% of the cases referred
to GOSH are actually diagnosed as APD.
This is a child with no behaviour problems whatsoever. He keeps himself to
himself and gets on with whatever is asked of him ... But he always has
done. So what benefit can Concerta be giving him?
Mary

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of Olanys at aol.com
Sent: 24 February 2007 10:33
To: senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk
Subject: Re: [senco-forum] ADD

Hi Mary,

If the child is even suspected of ADD it may be that it was APD all along,
symptoms can be very similar to those not aware of APD and it may be they
manifest more at home when the child is exhausted at the end of the day and
coping strategies fail, especially of this child is, as hinted, a bright
dyslexic.

 "Would it make any difference to your advice if the child's standard
scores in word recognition, spelling and comprehension had not improved
after  a year on the drug?"

Concerta would not make a jot of difference to this child's ability to
overcome these things if they APD and I would suspect APD even more
strongly with this scenario of diifficulties.

The side effects of the Concerta may well be contributing to the nightamare
and appetite issues with, as you say, no apparent benefit to the child.

I would tactfully suggest APD testing to the parents...and let the  powers
that be suggest that Concerta may not be a good idea as if anything, it  may
even be interfering with processing or the child/'s natural coping
strategies  - which could well be why no improvement has been  seen in
anything...  

Best wishes,
Aly

Chair Auditory Processing Disorder in  the UK/APDUK
www.lacewingmultimedia.com/APD.htm
www.apduk.org