Hello
R.M.
Regarding
your question about IQ and TS, each individual varies: it can depend
on what, if any, other disorders besides TS are present. ADHD is one
that can lead to a higher incidence of learning problems, but there
is also research to suggest that an additional diagnosis of OCD may
also make individuals with TS more prone to various symptoms that could
also cause school problems (e.g. explosiveness and sleep difficulties).
It
is often the case as well that individuals with these disorders DO have
a high IQ but still have problems DEMONSTRATING what they know -- this
in fact is the definition of a learning disorder (plenty of ABILITY,
but for one reason or another ACHIEVEMENT, or the output of said ability,
does not match the individual's cognitive level of functioning).
Regarding
your son's school situation, while I can understand, appreciate, and
support the need for individuals with disorders to still be accountable
for their actions, they also need to be provided with a flexibility
in the MEANS to the ends expected of them. This flexibility on the part
of the school is borne of education in, and empathy for, the conditions
the student endures. Otherwise certain situations and expectations are
a "set-up" which lead to further failure, frustration, and
behavioural and emotional problems on the part of the individual with
the disorder. These experiences, in my estimation, can produce much
more long-standing and crippling consequences than the detrimental experience
of, for example, switching schools and potentially missing some curriculum
in doing so.
If the
school your son attends is not willing to learn about appropriate strategies,
modifications, and mindframes for working with TS+, and if they are
not following the plan set out by professionals in the IEP (which, at
least in Canada, is not legal), then you have little choice but to pursue
your rights and I applaud you mightily for doing so. Far too often people
are unjustly treated and made to live with the consequences of someone
else's ignorant actions.
While
I always agree that you can 'catch more bees with honey than vinegar',
if the school has left you no choice but to watch your son sink in esteem
and academic opportunity then I believe you are making the right choice
to force the issue.
Hope
this helps R.M. Best of luck to you and your son.
Dr. Dunc.
