A Reader Asks… When will my son with ADHD learn how to tie his shoes?

Posted on May 16, 2007. Filed under: Asperger's syndrome, Aspergers, ODD, add, adhd, adhd odd, angry child, attention deficit, attention deficit disorder, autism, daycare, defiance, defiant, difficult child, difficult children, dyslexia, dyslexic, failing school, kicked out of daycare, meltdown, meltdowns, oppositional defiant disorder, out of control, parenting, parents, trouble at school |

It depends. Most kids will want to know how to do it by age 5. Children that show no interest in learning or have a lot of trouble learning it often have dyslexia or ADHD or both.

My son has ADHD and I thought he would never learn. Finally I wrote a little song that went with the actions and we practiced together, me on my shoe and he on his, step by step. As he got each step right, I gave him a few cashews as reward. After about three concentrated attempts with this method, he got it.

The secrets are these:
*He must practice on his own shoes while they are on.
*You sit beside him, not facing him.
*You make it a game with a fun little song that describes the actions in a playful way.
*You give him one-on-one attention.
*And you reward each step with verbal praise and a treat.
*And you stop before he gets frustrated.

*Be prepared to teach him 21 times, so you will be patient.

*And tell others of his huge success (with him present). Social recognition is important.

Good luck.

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