Middle School: A Dyslexia Diagnosis 5 of 9 part series

 Our district was able to do your evaluation over the summer. Eighth grade began with the option of in person, or virtual. We agreed that you would try it in person and see how it goes. That didn’t last very long, and I was ok with that. I had been working hard to restore your confidence and the thought of you being in school all day where I couldn’t protect you didn’t sound like the best idea. You were still very fragile and my new normal was sitting by your side for every one of your classes.

Welp, the day is finally here – another meeting. This time it was virtual because of covid. I’ve always felt so outnumbered at these meetings. The school psychologist reviewed her evaluation with the team. She identified a reading deficit, and the team agreed to an IEP with ONE reading goal. ONE. We ended the meeting and called an advocate. I wasn’t crazy. This kid has dyslexia! I think………..

We signed a contract with an advocate well known in our state. We took her suggestion and scheduled our son for a neuropsychological evaluation with a doctor in Ipswich, MA. In the middle of the pandemic when you were not supposed to travel outside of your state (CT) for more than 24 hours, we hopped in the car and went anyway.

Our son spent the next two days being evaluated by a wonderful and caring woman. After she finished, she pulled us into her office while our son sat outside in the waiting room. She shut the door and told us that not only did he have dyslexia, but dysgraphia too. She explained that he was reading at least 3 grade levels behind. I think my body went numb. I’m not sure what I was feeling at the moment, but it wasn’t good. We hopped in the car to travel the almost 3 hours back home. I drove so my husband could catch up on some work emails. And I cried all.the.way.home. The immense guilt I felt in that moment isn’t something any parent should ever feel.

Here we were again, another meeting with the school, this time armed with an advocate. It was recommended in his evaluation that he be placed at a private school that could remediate dyslexia. However, the district proposed putting him in what they call “the reading academy” at his middle school. It was almost as though my soul left my body, and a rabid feral mama bear took over. I don’t remember exactly what I said, but when I was finished the school psychologist said: “Mrs. Beauchemin, we hear loud and clear that you are not in agreement with keeping him in district.” You got that right buddy! Our meeting ended in favor of our son. OMG! Don’t move, DON’T BREATHE! Let’s just end this meeting before they change their minds. VICTORY!

The private school did not have any openings for his 8th grade year, so we spent some more time bonding while he participated in virtual public school. He did not have a full schedule like typical 8th graders because of the trauma he was still working through. I spent my days sitting by his side while he pushed through trying to get to the end of each day. His perseverance is admirable. This kid had been knocked down so many times, and he never gave up. Next up, 9th grade in a new private school! Phew. I think we’re going to make it!

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