Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Adrift


At the testing centre I couldn't help but notice a lobby filled with boys.
A lobby brimming with concerned parents lining up to pay huge sums of money for private testing.

Anxiously awaiting answers.

We now have an "official" diagnosis plus 2 other learning disabilities (I prefer to use the term learning abilities). Although the results are what I was expecting, it is still incredibly hurtful and difficult to read. Its black and white type sits heavy in my hands.

Boys adrift.
Why are so many boys floundering?
It makes for interesting reading indeed.

6 comments:

Joanne said...

I know that nothing I can say will erase the results of those tests.

When I was in elementary school back in the 70s, there was no diagnostic testing. I struggled and failed miserably in many school subjects. I'm not sure how I pulled through and how advanced my 'learning abilities' were. I will never know.

Perhaps, what helped me get through all the struggles was that I had my creativity and art. It helped me redeem myself in the eyes of my teachers and peers. I was known as "the artist."

That being said, I always felt like a square peg being shoved into a round hole. I hope the education system is listening and prepared to do something as many boys are increasingly floundering.

Stay strong Charlene!

cserdan said...

Bijoux - you always know what to say. I was a square peg too and also turned to art.

Unfortunately schools are cutting back on arts programs! and sports! It's all about academia.

It's so tough for many young children to sit at a desk all day with pencil and paper. They just aren't ready for it. And it is turning them off school right from the get go.

Thanks again for your comments.

Joanne said...

Charlene, I know exactly what you are talking about! As a child, I found it very hard to sit at a desk all day and so I became disruptive to other students. It was my way to overcome restlessness. I also daydreamed a lot and doodled in my notebooks, instead of doing the required work. I remember teachers being very annoyed with me and I was always getting in trouble for not paying attention in class. I was one of the few girls who had to stay after school for detention.

It saddens me to hear that art an sports are being eliminated from the curriculum. I wasn't an athletic child but having access to art class saved my butt!

Andrea said...

...My best friend has two lovely autistic boys...The eldest is doing quite well but the younger is not...
I see her life and it has made me thankful. Not for the reason you may expect but because I know her. These huge "problems" with her children has turned her into THE most amazing woman, mom and friend...I am astonished by her constantly.
I too wonder about our boys...
Thank you for sharing your struggles, you are not alone and you are thought of...
Thank you for the point to this book as well.
Wishing you all the best.
xo
Andrea

cserdan said...

Bijoux, I feel bad that you were every meant to feel that way! It must have done wonders for your self-confidence as a child. I worry about Ryan's self-confidence. He gets really upset with himself when he forgets to do something or fails to complete a task. I don't want him to ever compare himself.

Andrea. Thank you :) It's nice to know that you are so open-minded and there for your friend. I can only begin to imagine how wonderful and gifted her children really are.

Joanne said...

Charlene,
I had zero self-confidence as a child. I was very shy and introverted. I'll spare you the details here but I had a very, very hard time adjusting to a disciplined school schedule.

Unlike Ryan, as a child, I did not give a hoot about incomplete tasks and failing at something. I was apathetic. Getting a D in math didn't upset me. I was used to it but I knew that I would get an A in art and this made me feel so much better.

These days however I am very hard on myself about failing at everything I tackle and not being on top of things. I can have a serious 'pity party' as a result. Luckily my husband is so understanding and helps me stand back and access the situation which caused me feeling of self-doubt. He's not a therapist but he might as well be one :)