Bothered by writing with a pencil | ADHD Information

My son who is fourteen complains about the noise a pencil makes, Says the noise is really irritating and often gets very frustrated and angry when using one. School insists that he uses one for scan-tron tests. I have switched to a larger lead size in his pencil...still not working out very well. Would like to know if anyone else has experienced same with their child. Thanks....

Thank you for your inputs. I am going to check out that book also, (The out of sync child). My son also complains about tags in his shirts, likes to wear only 100% cotton shirts, cannot stand loud noises.. ....so this sound like some sensory concerns. I'm glad to hear that he is not the only one .  No, my child has never complained of that. but I, (and I'm not ADD) have that same complaint! I always write with a pen! When I must write with a pencil, I HAVE to keep the point extremely sharp.  It seems to help some. Also, mechanical pencils seem not to make that same noise, although I cant use them because I use too much pressure when I write. By the way, I never knew of anyone with that same idiosyncrosy before. Glad to see I'm not alone.

I would wonder if he has other "quirky" irritations.  I spent three years trying to explain that my youngest is not just "adhd".  His brother was, but Ian was different.  I came across a book called "The Out-of-Sync Child."  That described my son to a T!    He is now diagnosed as Sensory Integration Dysfunction.  The book is filled with great ideas to help.

Right off hand a couple things that I can think of that might help are:

1.  Give him ear plugs or the headphones that block out noise (sold at Menards or any lawn store.)

2.  Talk to the school, because they may be able to accommodate.  They could have him take it in pen then someone else transcribe it in pencil.

Ait and listening therapies for si pateints is a must our son has done 1 and will get other this summer. Ask a therapist about these.he has this also. rshn

Mechanical pencils work better because of grippers.

Thanks to all for the input!!! It has really helped. I have talked to my son's school and accomodations will be made for him. I have made an appointment for an OT referral. I had a discussion with his psychologist about SI and at first he didn't believe he had it. He said only Autistic children display quirks and sensitivities to things. But As my list of "quirks grew he agreed that seeing someone in OT might be of help. I think that the doctors and therapist's get in the "bad" habit of thinking all adhd/add children fit into a one type model. "One size fits all" 

Thanks to everyone again! Sometimes it seems like I am on a constant up hill battle......this time it went smoother with your input and suggestions. ~Kelly 

 

That is the problem with SI.  Many believe it is an autistic disorder.  All autistic kids do have SI problems, but not all SI kids have autism.Si treatment  at younger age not true, I had as a teenager did help. Most Dr's. and psychologist don't even know about SI issues. Attend work shops to learm all about it. I have hours in this area.

Handwriting with out tears great for kid that doesn't like a pencil at first.I copied her straggegies. After vision therapy for son's visual processing problems great writing now.Diagnosed at age 5. Therapeutic optomoterist.

My son is 10 & is ADHD he will not wear Levi's, he doesn't like the way the feel. He also doesn't like to wear heavy coats, even when it's 10degrees outside(to confining). Getting him to wear a long sleeve shirt or sweat shirt is almost impossible because when he raises is arms the sleeves ride up & it drives him up the wall. We tried buying larger sizes but he isn't to happy about that either. Any suggetions?. As far as writing with a pencil, I was & still am that way. I am not ADD, but anything smooth bothers me. I can't write with or touch chalk or the chalk board. I can't touch paper after I wash my hands unless I use lotion immediatly. I can't walk barefoot on smooth surfaces(maybe I need meds). I had my mom, when I ws in school write a note to my teachers & they had no problem with me using a pen. When it came to testing I found that using a dull well rounded pencil helped. It ws nice to see someone else with pencil issues, not just me.

meerkat11 thanks for the info...

My son saw his Doctor today and we talked at length about being sensitive to many different things like the ones you listed. He told me he finds that most adhd children he has treated have some form of sensory "frustrations". My son also is bothered by long sleeve shirts....I have to find socks that do not have a thick seam running across the toes. I have given up on oxford dress shirts. I have purchased a few shirts from Lands End and he really likes them because they are 100 % cotton and are really soft. You might look up a few shirts from them.

As far as medications, he is on ritalin LA, and today the doctor added Wellbutrin XL. He said that he finds that adding on wellbutrin (dose of 150 mg) he finds children tolorate sensory frustrations better. I hope it works . As far as the pen vs. pencil issue goes I informed his school that he will not be required to use a pencil anymore. I purchased erasable pens, so far so good. The only problem is that he can't stand to sit next to other students writing with a pencil!...I will keep trying.....I did get a silent chuckle to myself when he told me that!!  This child will keep me on my toes for sure!!!!

Glad things are working out.

TessaTL.......When you had your child tested by an ot how old was he/she? I mentioned this to the doctor today....if there was hearing training skills he could be taught or ??? He said he knew what I was talking about but said that SI  training needs to be started when they are very young to see real improvements. Was this the case for you? ~KJ 

 

 

Went to another workshop last night about it.  It was really good.  It can be treated at any age.  However, it is rare for adults to be treated.  Not because they haven't got SI issues, but usually they have created ways of coping.  SI is a problem if it interfers with daily life. 

My son was evaluated for this when he was 6 almost 7.  His psychologist had no idea what it was.  The good news is my student teacher that I have in my classroom has been taught about it.  Future teachers should have some idea what it is. 

We have seen tremendous improvement.  Our insurance didn't cover the costs, so the OT helped me set up a program that has worked really well.  His teacher is also very helpful.  One of the most amazing moments has been watching my child that couldn't stand for water to be near his body, swim for 45 minutes with a snorkel tube under the water!  Makes me cry.

TessaTL38419.6753240741Si therapy can ge given at any age. Some Dr.'s believe if not given before 10 un useful. Bull. I did it as a teen. This is to fix week areas. your brain is still developing and not fully closed until 20's. Read in a medical book.Contact Si challenge local area they can give therapy centers who take adults also.Dallas Texas has Lakewood therapy who does all the Si work shops. Have 6.5 hours in this area. A lot of things we did as part of play as a child.Todays kids I see want no outside time or very little. Ours get no choice in this area. There is a web cite on SI material just look on internet. Here husband/dad makes our sons. daniel's mom38421.3817476852

Beetle-

20% of all kids have some form of SI.  Lots of times people say it is only autistic children.  All autistic children have SI, but not all SI are autistic.  Our psychologist didn't know anything about it, but does now.    An occupational therapist has to diagnose.  Good luck!