₦airaland Forum

I am a teacher who has taught both in Nigeria and abroad. I am currently living abroad and I have a student I am tutoring with some similarities with your son. For instance, I have come to realise some gifted children do not like repetitive task, which is peculiar with your son too.

Besides children with special needs, such as those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and several more, there are also children who are gifted and talented. From the description of your child, he could be a special child, a gifted child or a combination of both.

For me, your son may be a gifted child whose needs are not being met at school. He probably needs more challenging work that is above his current grade level.

Every child can learn irrespective of their attitude or challenge. Finding what works is one of the biggest challenges for both teachers and parents alike.

From a teacher's point of view, his teacher's need to find out how he learns. Also, they have to make modification and accomodation (these are teacher-related terms, you can Google to have an idea) for him. This can also be applied at home to provide additional support in his school work. He may not necessarily need to go for an ADHD evaluation. Again, I won't rule out that option. You need to explain to your wife it is only an assessment just to be sure so that you leave no stone unturned.

As a parent, I will recommend you find out how best your child learns and harness it to support him at home. Find out what he enjoys. Have you tried coding classes? You need to find out what works best for him.

Sending him to Nigeria may not be the solution when you have not identified the root of the problem.

Hope you find my suggestions useful.