<p>My son was recently diagnosed with dyslexia (LD) and ADD. He is a junior. We will most likely not have time to get any sort of accomadations. His school counselor and teachers have not been helpful because he has a 3.97 GPA and is currently succeeding in AP and honors courses (math/science). They turned down our request for a 504. They think we are just trying to play the system to help him raise his ACT score. He has taken 2 practice tests and 1 official test. His reading score ranged from 12 to 20 (the variation is luck of the topic--he does better if he is reading about something he has already been exposed to). His math ranged from 25-28. He was only able to finish about half of the reading test in the allotted time. Has anyone had this issue? His composite ranged from 20-22. He is looking at programs in pharmacy and engineering that require minimum ACT scores of 26-27. I'm wondering if I submit his dyslexia and ADD diagnoses along with his application, clarifying that he was given no accomadations during the testing, if it would help or just cause them to throw out his application! I am so frustrated that we didn't pinpoint his issues earlier---yes there were signs, but because of good grades we never were too worried. Until we realized that these stupid tests will never accurately reflect his potential academic ability!</p>
<p>ACT is really a speed test so if he has focus problems try the SAT. Atleast give him a practice SAT because the problems require less speed.</p>
<p>I suggest you contact an ADD/LD advocacy group near you or in your state. Soon. I think you can challenge the denial by the school district. Your son is obviously very bright, and certainly could benefit from something as simple as extended time!! Find an advocacy group for advice, or a lawyer specializing in education rights. You will not regret it.</p>
<p>As an HS Junior with ADHD, I completely understand your situation. I don’t get any special accommodations either.</p>
<p>However, I would consult legal help regarding dyslexia. What they are doing may be violating the Americans With Disabilities Act.</p>
<p>I have ADD (inattentive) and also did not receive any extended time or accommodations. It certainly was very frustrating. First time I took the ACT I didn’t finish either the reading section or the math section. Next time I finished just barely, after practicing A LOT (I’m talking about dozens of practice tests) and taking double my Adderal medication that morning (not something I’m really proud off). </p>
<p>But as I see it its even more unfair in your child’s situation. As the previous poster mentioned, the ACT might be violating laws by not allowing your child the time he needs.</p>
<p>Hi treedoctor,
Don’t give up. ACT is committed to providing testing accomodations. Please read here for more information: <a href=“http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/disab.html[/url]”>http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/disab.html</a></p>