Central Auditory Processing Disorder

Question: What is central auditory processing disorder, how do you get it? Are you born with this disorder, can it be caused by something happening to you. Like you not having it until you fall at age 5, please explain this to me

Answer: What Are the Signs and Symptoms? Symptoms of CAPD can range from mild to severe and can take many different forms. If you think there may be a problem with how your child processes what he or she hears, ask yourself these questions: * Is your child easily distracted or unusually bothered by loud or sudden noises? * Are noisy environments upsetting to your child? * Does your child's behavior and performance improve in quieter settings? * Does your child have difficulty following directions, whether simple or complicated ones? * Does your child have reading, spelling, writing, or other speech-language difficulties? * Is abstract information difficult for your child to comprehend? * Are verbal (word) math problems difficult for your child? * Is your child disorganized and forgetful? * Are conversations hard for your child to follow? These, as well as other behaviors, may be signs of a central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). It's an often-misunderstood problem because many of the behaviors noted above may also appear in other conditions such as learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and even depression. But kids with CAPD can have a coexisting disorder - the most commonly seen is ADHD. Although CAPD is often confused with ADHD, it is possible to have both.

Question: Is anyone else homeschooling a child w/central auditory processing disorder? I homeschool my 13 y/o son and we use a christian curriculum, which is great but I'm wondering if there is anything out there that I can supplement with to help specifically w/his disorder that is cost efficient and is accessible to folks like me. Any ideas, suggestions or life experiences with this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Answer: I don't have any experience with it, but you may want to take a look at Little Giant Steps: http://www.littlegiantsteps.com/auditory… I had the opportunity to hear the owner, Jan Bedell, speak and she is very knowledgeable and has some innovative approaches. Her company also has a store that sells relevant materials, and she also offers consultations. Here's another link that may be helpful to you from NATHHAN, a group that supports special needs homeschoolers: http://www.nathhan.com/audvis.htm Hope this helps!

Question: Would someone with central auditory processing disorder benefit from a hearig aid? I know someone that has this and they are only 15, and I know it is a mental thing. I have heard that a therapist can help them hear better but I'm not sure how that works. Would a hearing aid at all be beneficial?

Answer: CAPD or Central Auditory Processing Disorder CAN be helped with a hearing aid. Although the issue is based centrally (nervous system) many children and young adults do well with amplification. Some use an FM system, so that the teacher's voice is transmitted to the person's ear direclty (a bit like TV headphones). Using a hearing aid helps as it maintains the "signal" above background noise, which is the main challenge individuals will have if they have CAPD.

Question: What is the best treatment for Central Auditory Processing Disorder ? Also What is the best treatment for Sensory Integration dysfunction?

Answer: Various speech training and reading methods are used to treat Central Auditory Processing Disorder. Methods include reading to speech, reeducation orthophonique, and Fast ForWord. Behavior modification is also helpful.

Question: Is a central auditory processing disorder considered an learning disorder or an mental disorder ?

Answer: Neither. Disabilities are not considered disorders when categorized. Central Auditory Processing issues are a specific learning disability. It would otherwise be a psychiatric or intellectual disability - not a mental disorder - which it is not.

Question: Absence/Petit mal Epilepsy vs Central Auditory Processing Disorder? Absence seizure/Petit mal Epilepsy vs Central Auditory Processing Disorder? What's the relationship?

Answer: There is no relationship. Epilepsy is a disorder that is caused by abnormal brain activity. Absence seizures are brief - 1-5 seconds often, and may be accompanied by staring and lip smacking. These can occur multiple times an hour. They are diagnosed only with an EEG, and the pattern is unmistakable. Children with Absence seizures often miss conversation, instruction, etc - because their brain is effectively turned off during the seizure. The article on central auditory processing disorder describes this problem of one with hearing/language processing and can occur in people with ADHD.

Question: Is a central auditory processing disorder considered a learning disorder or a mental disorder ?

Answer: Learning disorder

Question: How has a parent dealt with there child having Central Auditory Processing Disorder? I have a feeling that my 8 year old son may have a type of CAPD. He exhibits alot of the symptoms and I wonder if I should go get him evaluated. The thing is, is that he is doing very well academically. But he tells me that the other teachers (art teacher, computer etc.) get frustrated with him because he may want to clarify some instructions. They always seem to sit him at the back of the class. My son would tell me that he would get nervous if he wants to ask another question. I don't want this to eventually hurt his self esteem. I find that at home I would repeat myself over again until he understands. I know that teachers do not have the patience. But again he is very smart and inquisitive so the teachers are not aware the the problem. How did you deal with this and what was the best type of school enviornment for your child?

Answer: My child does not have this problem. The problem she has is simpler. She has IBS. She has trouble going to the bathroom. She also has to eat small snacks through out the day instead of regular meals. Even though I had explained this when school started, I had to contact the nurse, have a written note excusing her to use the bathroom when she needed and for the meals. I then wrote and e-mail to the teacher she most had problems with explaining in detail what IBS was and the complications of it. I also was very polite and considerate and thanked her for her time and understanding on this issue. I even told her I felt my daughter had alot to learn from them all and thanked them for teaching her. I asked her to please show this to all of her teachers so that it would help them all to understand her better. I told her that I supported them, and that it wasn't an excuse for her to not complete her work and I would back them one hundred percent. I also called the principal and informed him of it all and he was very helpful. In the end, I won my battle. I tell you this because sometimes even teachers don't understand and aren't aware of the complications a child might have with a paticular illness. Find some info that they could better understand your childs condition and copy one for each teacher to have. Send a note to your childs classroom teacher explaining why and give the other teachers your number in case they should have anymore questions. Tell them you appreciate them and their time they take with your child. I hope this helps. If it doesn't, I would hold a meeting with all of them present and the principal. Good luck!

Question: Is Central Auditory Processing disorder considered to be a Pervasive Developmental Disorder?

Answer: Your question fascinates me, not because I know address (unfortunately, my area of specialization in the field of psychology is far enough away from your interests), how to see who will give the answer in simplest possible way. Never lack opportunities to learn! Best wishes to you !

Question: Central Auditory Processing Disorder And how to treat it??? When a child has Central Auditory Processing Disorder(APD) What should the teachers be doing for them besides wearing a amplifyer because my school is to small for a Speach and Language Patholigest and We dont have a IEP. What can the teachers be doing for me? I am studying in home 5 hours a night or longer I always got a book and I listen in class and I still get 40's and 50's and a ocasional 60. What can I do or they be doing? As well should a Child with CAPD be taking french courses or Special ed? Where can I find info on what to do? Would someone with CAPD have trouble in math getting numbers mixxed up or would this mean they have more than one LD?

Answer: Even without an IEP you should have a Section 504 (of the Americans with Disabilities Act) plan, if it's a school that gets federal or state funding. That will give you accommodations, like sitting at the front of the class & having the teacher's or a peer's notes given to you, so you don't have to take notes in class & can just pay attention. A foreign language may be OK, but you could request to learn Sign Language or Computer Science as an alternative to a foreign language, OR learn a language that is pure translation (like Latin) and only translate it, using a dictionary, instead of the speaking part. You may benefit from Special Ed, if you qualify for it. Ask your local public school district about that. If you get numbers mixed up you may also have dyslexia (MAY!!), so a full evaluation for Special Ed sounds like a good idea to help you, even if you are in high school.

Question: I suffer from a learning disability called central auditory processing disorder since birth. As far as? carbs, calories, etc., what should I limit my intake of to improve my disability greatly? What specific vitamins and minerals should I take as well? Thank you. I am in desperate need! I feel I am all out of answers. Please help!

Answer: Much research is still needed to understand APD problems, related disorders, and the best intervention for each child or adult. Several strategies are available to help children with auditory processing difficulties. Some of these are commercially available, but have not been fully studied. Any strategy selected should be used under the guidance of a team of professionals, and the effectiveness of the strategy needs to be evaluated. Researchers are currently studying a variety of approaches to treatment. Several strategies you may hear about include: Auditory trainers are electronic devices that allow a person to focus attention on a speaker and reduce the interference of background noise. They are often used in classrooms, where the teacher wears a microphone to transmit sound and the child wears a headset to receive the sound. Children who wear hearing aids can use them in addition to the auditory trainer. Environmental modifications such as classroom acoustics, placement, and seating may help. An audiologist may suggest ways to improve the listening environment, and he or she will be able to monitor any changes in hearing status. Exercises to improve language-building skills can increase the ability to learn new words and increase a child's language base. Auditory memory enhancement, a procedure that reduces detailed information to a more basic representation, may help. Also, informal auditory training techniques can be used by teachers and therapists to address specific difficulties. Auditory integration training may be promoted by practitioners as a way to retrain the auditory system and decrease hearing distortion. However, current research has not proven the benefits of this treatment. Learn about central auditory processing disorder (CAPD)and how you can cope with it. ... Diet, Nutrition & Supplements · Bodybuilding & Training ... http://www.nutricraze.com/Central-audito… Take care as always

Question: ADHD Inattentive vs Central Auditory Processing Disorder? ADHD Inattentive vs Central Auditory Processing Disorder - (C)APD? What's the relationship?

Answer: they make u hyper???

Question: My son was just diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Disorder he is 6 years 10 months old.? What is the best treatment for Central Auditory Processing Disorder. Also he may also have Sensory Integration dysfunction. And he is being tested for an autism spectrum disorder. Is it likely that he has autism or aspergers?

Answer: Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that ranges from severe level (called autistic disorder) to more mild range (called aspergers disorder). Children within the autism spectrum have deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication, repetitive behaviors and social interaction. It is possible for a child to have autism and a central auditory processing disorder. Many children with autism also have sensory dysfunctions. It is best for you to wait until all of the testing is completed on your son. Then ask the examiner to go over test results with you so that you can understand it and also ask about treatment options. If you don't understand something, ASK! Don't be afraid to ASK. You son's school district will be able to also help with programming.

Question: Central Auditory processing disorder and Learning French? I have Central Auditory processing disorder(CAPD) and in school I struggle with frech and I take about a hour to translate everything I have to look up in the dictionary for EVERY WORD .. I have trouble pronuncing and remembering how to say different things, Would this be because of my CAPD???

Answer: I work with students with this disorder, and some of them are not able to take a foreign language. Depending on how severe it is, your parents can have something put in your IEP that states that either you are exempt from a foreign language, or that the school must grade you on a Pass/Fail basis, and not a letter grade. Good luck!

Question: Is there any medication for Central Auditory Processing disorder, how do you get this disorder? Can someone please explain if you are born with this or do you get it from something happening to you? Is there anything out there to help correct it, medication, surgery. My son is 18 reads at about a 2nd grade level, is so frustrating to see him, other wise normal have to deal with this. Please help, alcohol seems to be his means of medication so far. He was not diagnosed with this until his junior year. I can't get him to put much effort into reading at this point, we lost him many years ago, calling him lazy and not trying hard enough. Does anyone have information that can help him, any info appreciated, understanding the condition, or treatment. Thanks

Answer: wow, that sounds really painful. ### What is central auditory processing disorder (CAPD)? CAPD refers to the process of how the ears and brain take in auditory information. Children with CAPD can hear well, but they don't listen well. Their brains don't pick up the electrical signals coming from their ears. Children with CAPD have trouble listening, understanding speech, and developing language. Therefore they have difficulty in using auditory information to communicate and to learn. CAPD is a set of problems that occur in different listening tasks -- receiving, analyzing, organizing, storing, retrieving and using information based on auditory stimuli. These difficulties may become exacerbated in noisy or unfavorable acoustic environments. Warning signs Some warning signs that might lead a parent to think that CAPD may be a factor in a child's development include: Family history of similar difficulties with auditory processing or history of hearing loss History of frequent middle ear infections in the preschool years Hypersensitivity to loud sounds Developmental speech and language delay Poor readiness skill development or poor early academic achievement At the present time, causes of CAPD have not been defined. The suspicion among scientists is that problems may arise from neurochemical abnormalities too subtle to identify. Back to top. CAPD - the diagnostic dilemma CAPD can resemble other disorders and should be differentiated from impairment in hearing, intellectual capacity and ability to sustain attention. Most cases of CAPD develop in the early elementary grades when the curriculum demands require a child to be an active listener and to take in more complex auditory information. Difficulties in this area are common to the children diagnosed with attention deficit disorders , learning disabilities , behavioral problems or emotional disorders. How are characteristics of CAPD observed in the classroom? Children with CAPD may have difficulty in: following auditory directions remembering auditory information learning information presented auditorially understanding speech, especially in the classroom environment remaining attentive and non-distracted More fine-tuned difficulties appear in: auditory discrimination, such as localization and pitch decoding, such as blending, sequencing sounds phonological awareness, such as rhyming, manipulating sounds, deleting sounds, and segmenting sounds Back to top. Specific characteristics of CAPD (ASHA CAPD Task Force, 1996) Sound localization and lateralization - where is the sound in space. Ex: where is the dog if I hear a barking noise. Auditory discrimination - distinguishing one sound from another. Ex: pat/pad; rice/rise. Auditory pattern recognition - similarities and differences in the patterns of sounds. Ex: apple/appeal; apple/chapel. Temporal aspects of audition - the sequencing of sounds into words. Ex: change the /ch/ in peach to a /s/ (peach/peace); change the /ee/ in sheep to a /i/ sheep/ship) Auditory performance decrements - the ability to perceive words if other sounds are present. Ex: listening to the teacher assign homework if there is a lot of noise in the hallway Auditory performance with degraded acoustic signals - Ex: perceiving the word if part is missing. The series of abilities listed above are the results of CAPD, not the cause. Back to top. Evaluation for CAPD Assessment should be interdisciplinary and collaborative. Parents who suspect that their child may have CAPD should first consult their pediatrician to rule out other possible problems, such as faulty hearing. A team approach is essential: other professionals who may need to be consulted include an otolaryngolgost (ear specialist), speech-language pathologist to assess language skills , and educator, a mental health professional to rule out factors such as behavior problems, and an audiologist who administers the actual tests. Tests are designed to measure highly specific skills - discerning speech among background noises, auditory memory, auditory discrimination, integrating sounds coming from different locations, among other abilities. The tests are not valid for children under the age of 7 because they have not yet developed the necessary auditory and attention abilities. Treatment Although the above-listed abilities are critical to sound auditory processing, isolation and treatment of each ability separately is not helpful. An integrative approach which takes into account the interrelationships among abilities is effective. Children with CAPD seem to do best in a one-to-one situation and in an acoustically quiet environment. This can best be accomplished when remediation plans consider the following: Back to top. Modifying the listening environment when appropriate Classroom acoustics should be modified - Reduce reverberation within the room by adding room dividers, bookshelves, acoustic tiles, carpet, wall hangings, bulletin boards, etc. A self-contained, structured environment is sometimes helpful. An open, unstructured teaching environment should be avoided. Preferential seating, such as being closer to the teacher, can be helpful. Face-to-face communication should be facilitated. However seating should take into account the student's ability to follow when the teacher moves around. Children who take cues from other children may do better when seated toward the rear of the classroom. Child should be seated away from the hall and street noise. A quiet study area should be provided Provide pauses for extra processing time. Consult with an audiologist to ensure that the acoustic environment is appropriate. For some children, the use of an auditory trainer which beams a teacher's voice directly into earphones that a child wears, is helpful. Some classrooms can be "wired" for better auditory processing. Back to top. Using strategies for improved communication Consider input vs. intake. Input refers to all the language to which a child is exposed. Intake refers to whether the child notices, hears and listens to the input and how the child interprets the information. The goal of improving communication is to adjust the input for maximum intake. Gain the child's attention by using alerting cues and signs, such as calling the child's name or by a gentle touch. Monitor the child's comprehension. Periodically ask the child questions related to the subject under discussion. Restate material by rephrasing what has been misunderstood rather than repeat the information. Use brief instructions. Reduce complexity of the message. Pretutor. Familiarize the child with new vocabulary and concepts to be covered in class. Parents can be particularly helpful in this activity. List key vocabulary before dealing with new material. Present information in several formats. The children need to interact with information in a variety of ways, such as in small groups, individually, collaboratively with others, and to have different opportunities and ways in which to express themselves. Multisensory approaches are helpful. Write instructions on the board. Provide visual aids. Jotting key words on the board or providing simple written/picture outlines may be useful. Auditory attention can be enhanced by having child listen to tapes, transcribing from tapes, and playing games such as Simon Says. Provide breaks since children with auditory processing expend more effort in paying attention and in discriminating information than other children. Back to top. Teaching a child strategies to help interpret, organize and synthesize auditory information Using categories to organize information. Grouping information to be learned into meaningful chunks. Reading and summarizing by thinking of a title for the story. Learning to solve math word problems by extracting important information and determining what process to use to solve a problem. Solving riddles. Practicing with contingency problems such as: "if you like ice cream more than spinach, count to ten." Teaching the child to be a self advocate Promote self assertiveness by teaching a child to ask the teacher to slow down, or to give directions or information in another way. Help a child to bypass her difficulties by giving her a list (in words or pictures) of the tasks you'd like her to accomplish or of the directions you'd like her to follow. Pair those directions with brief verbal prompts. Strengthen areas of where the child excels so he doesn't feel hopeless. Help children learn how to reflect on what they are learning, monitor their learning, and to be aware of when they are inattentive and develop strategies to stay focused. Back to top. Special Intervention Software The following materials may be helpful as an adjunct to other interventions to help the child with CAPD. Earobics Step l - for children 4 - 7. Six interactive games that focus on auditory skills. Step 2 - for children 7 - 10 I for adolescents and adults (ages 10+) Fast ForWord Computer-based training program from Scientific Learning (ages 4 - 12) LocuTour Media CD Programs The Listening Program Based on the Tomatis Program Other Programs Thinking Publications Metacognitive workbooks ##### First Five Things to Do After Your Child Is Diagnosed with CAPD From Terri Mauro, Your Guide to Parenting Special Needs. FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! 1: TRY a simulation of what it's like to have auditory processing problems. 2: BUY "Childhood Speech, Language and Listening Problems" to learn how to deal with the disability ... and the tests and the IEPs and the specialists. 3: JOIN AuditoryProcessing or another e-mail support group to get ideas and support from fellow parents. 4: READ messages from the hearts of parents of children with CAPD, and open your heart to the possibilities. 5: VISIT our listing of auditory processing links for more information and ideas. Do you have suggestions for parents of children newly diagnosed with cerebral palsy? Please share them in the forum. Sponsored Links Auditory Processing At-home listening program for children and adults with CAPD www.rmlearning.com AIT Auditory Integration Autism, ADHD, APD, Dyslexia, SPD. Berard AIT Experts Help Your Child! www.aitinstitute.org ADHD Incentive Charts With EasyChild encouragement system ADHD kids focus on being good www.EncourageSoftware.com More on Central Auditory Processing Disorder What Is CAPD? Preparing the School for Your Child with CAPD Say What You Mean Good Books The Child with Special Needs Inclusion: 450 Strategies for Success What Did You Say? What Do You Mean? Suggested Reading Homework HELP! Study Buddies Make Facts Stick School Survival Kit

Question: Can a person with Central Auditory Processing Disorder join the Coast Guard?

Answer: Call a recruiter, He'll tell you if you can or not, you will need a waiver if you are allowed http://www.uscg.mil/contact.shtm thats the website to contact them, i couldnt find a recruiters phone number, so you'll have to Email them. good luck Semper Paratus ;-)

Question: Students with Central auditory processing disorder? Hello, My name is Miss Lilly and I have a student in my grade 8 math and language class(thoose are the two classes I teach grade 8) and she was Diagnosed with Central auditory processing disorder and I dont know how I can help her. She is failing math and she is just bairly passing language.. she listens in class and they have a sound system for her and I talked to her parents and they wanted me to find out they dont seem to care. As her teacher what should I be doing for her because anything I can do I will. Miss Lilly

Answer: Here are some strategies you can use for a child with CAPD: Visuals are very important. They reinforce the auditory message. Ask her to sit near the front of the room, so that she will have an unobstructed view of your face. Being able to speech read you will allow her to have a visual of your speech. Also give as many visuals as you can. Write new vocabulary on the board, especially if they are multisyllabic. Write directions on the board after you have given them. Give her a copy of the class notes, or ask a student to copy notes for her, so that she can pay attention to what you are saying rather than trying to listen and write notes at the same time. Allow her to orally clarify written answers. Refrain from asking yes/no questions, instead asking wh questions to check her comprehension. Keep in mind that the more background noise there is in the classroom, the harder it will be for her to process what is being said. Turn off computers that are not being used, try to refrain from using fans or self controlled HVAC systems, and keep the classroom door closed during instruction. If you are transitioning from one activity to the other, make sure you are clear about what you are transitioning from and what you about to transition to. Give her as much individual attention as you can. She may need directions and assigments rephrased. Do you do a lot of word problems in math? She may need those rephrased, so that she knows what is expected and what steps she needs to take. These are about the only things you can do if she does not have an IEP. What she really needs is individual theraphy from an SLP, and auditory training, either by an AV therapist or a teacher of the deaf. The educational implications and needed strategies for children with a hearing loss and children with CAPD are very similar, and a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing will be able to meet her needs. Good luck!

Question: Central Auditory Processing disorder? Would Children with Central Auditory Processing disorder(CAPD) have trouble with getting out what they are trying to say and stutterness???

Answer: CAPD is a disorder that affect how people perceive sounds or verbal information. New research has taken off the "C" inn CAPD because there is no scientific proof that it's a central disorder. APD could affect language as well. Competing background sound may impact the difficulties alread present. This particular disorder is diagnosed by an audiologist. Stuttering is a completely different thing. There is known cause for stuttering. It's considered a syndrome due to the many facts affecting its course.

Question: Central Auditory processing disorder "Tips"? If you have Central Auditory processing disorder(Capd) what can you be doing to get better. I have a really bad mind in math. I dont know my muttipycation tables yet. As a kid I use to know them off by heart before I would go to bed because my mom or dad would ask them to me and by morning they were all forgot. As well I have a bad side in french and I take like 15 minuets to find ONE WORD and I have to look things up word for word. Also when I do any subject I always study soo hard and my final mark is like a 60 or 50, Aswell when I am in Language we have to do silent reading and I read but I dont understand a word that I am reading when I read in my head my words get all scrumbled in my head. I know that words but when they are turned into sentces I dont understand. Also I suck at spelling. I have to use spell check to do this now. When I do reports my teachers complain about my grammer and spelling but I try so hard and it still turns out bad. What should I do to improve?

Answer: Robyn, you need to ask your school for an IEP. That is an Individualized Education Program that is provided (free of charge) to all public schooled children. You have to have a DR's evaluation (of your disability) in hand to request it (IEP) from the school. They will provide specialized classes. If you are failing or near failing you can apply for a tutor under the "No child left behind" program. Do your teachers know about your condition? If not you and your parents need to set up a meeting with your guidance counselor right away. Have him work with you and all of your teachers, to allow you to study in the way that best suits your learning style, right now, then he can assist you in getting tutoring and an IEP. When reading you might try to whisper or sometimes just moving your lips helps you retain info better. Are you using traditional (5X5= 25 6X5=30) rote methods for memorizing your multiplication tables or skip counting? Skip counting teaches multiplication progression as in 5, 10, 15, 20. There are CD's availible for you to purchase that have these multiplication progressions on them that are set to songs. Sometimes singing a song for a CAPD person is a better way to retain the info. Try math-u-see, it's the one I choose for my son. He is an auditory learner and I know he likes the songs better than the repitition of traditional methods. http://mathusee.com/ You also may want to supplement the curriculum that the school is providing via textbooks with a CD or DVD that teaches you French via the spoken word rather than a book that you have to look things up in constantly. This link is to a Free French curriculum online. Go to the French section and follow the directions. http://www.loquella.com/index.html Don't get discouraged, you will learn all of the things that you are studying sooner or later. Just don't let a "grade" determine your self worth. Your obvious persistance in trying to learn is the true indicator of what you are all about.

Question: Familiar with Central auditory processing disorder...? My son is 18, a couple years ago diagnosed with central auditory processing disorder. Thoughout school he was called lazy and stupid , without help until 8th grade.Not until 10th was he diagnosed with the reading disability. We ( teachers and myself/his father ) had beaten him down so badly by this time he had nothing to left to give. Starting getting into trouble,drinking,& drugs. He graduated, reads at 2nd grade level is there any chance that can change. I heard that this can be related, he had tubes put in his ears at age 6, please help if you have any knowlege to share.

Answer: My daughter has an auditory processing disorder caused by difficult birth circumstances. We found out early and got her the extra help she needed for reading, but we also found out that there is no permanent solution for the problem. We thought if we found out why, it would help. The truth is that worrying about "why" wasted time getting her help. The disorder has nothing to do with intelligence. My daughter (and your son) is as smart as anyone else is, but reading is like swimming with weights on for them. They have to work harder at it than we do and it wears them down. It's horrible for their self esteem. What they need isn't an end to school - it's a different way to learn at school. There are some colleges who have compensatory learning programs set up for kids like your son.They are equipped to teach "around" the disability. One is Southwest Texas in San Marcos, Texas. Get him into counseling as soon as you can. Get yourself (and his father) into family counseling as soon as you can. The effect on all of you can be devastating, and your son needs lots of help before you lose him. The problem is not going to go away and you have to face it, or you can't help him face it. Good luck. Never give up on him. He might surprise you. Then you might surprise yourself.