Boy Genius

It feels like this week has just flown by, I really need to find a way to make my days last longer and then find a pill to allow me to keep up.

On Monday morning I took Kye to see Anya Smyth the Educational Psychologist that Kye was assessed by before the summer. We gave Du the option to see her because he wanted to know if he also had ADHD on account that he can't sit still, stop fidgeting, etc. The 9.30am appointment in Kilsheelen ended at around 1pm and much to Du's disappointment he does not have ADHD. Disappointment because he's a bit odd, obviously. His constant need to do something is associated with his Dyslexia, apparently his mind is just wired up like that and there isn't really anything that can be done. His Dyslexia is also what makes him forget everything (same as Kye) and also why he has to know every precise little detail. Du put that bowl in the cupboard for example, will only work if he knows what cupboard, which space and if it has to go in other bowls, which ones go below and above it.

Actually, that description might be a little unfair but if you replace the bowl with a u-bend and me with Coni, his need to get it right, please his dad, be a good apprentice and subsequently a plumber results in it all getting a bit complicated sometimes.

The really good news is that although his Dyslexia holds him back his overall intelligence is average with only 5% of the worlds population being more intelligent than him when it comes to perceptual observational intellect (at least I think that's what it is). From a career point of view this would mean he should do well in things like architecture and engineering and that plumbing may not be testing enough in the long run.

Of course Du isn't really up for going back to take his Leaving Cert so his plan is to continue with the Plumbing, take as many complimentary courses as he can find like Auto Cad and see what happens. He may go back as a mature student when he has his apprentiship and some more experience under his belt. Either way the assessment means he now knows for sure that he's bright and he has a valid excuse of sorts for being a little nuts.

We have an appointment today to discuss Kye with one of his resource hour teachers today. Mrs Fives works with him and his Dyslexia and has brought him on no end. The biggest problem I'm having is trying to keep him motivated at home in order to complete the extra work he needs to cover. Ideally, I'd also like to begin filling in the gaps in his knowledge when it comes to being on par with his peers back home, not sure where that's gonna fit in at the moment. He has been really tired this week, walking around with big black circles under his eyes. He's eating even less than usual, this morning I basically had to force one and a half digestives and half a glass of orange juice into him. He has swimming today and will be sitting around for a couple of hours after with wet hair after, then hurling this evening but he'll still only eat plain pasta for dinner I bet.

I'm gonna go and get on with some work before our meeting, I'll post up how we get on and try and get some photos of the kids.

xxxxx