My daughter has taken the Educational Records Bureau CPT 4 twice now, both prior to starting ADD meds. Her scores were dismal on both tests, averaging a 3 stanine. Has anyone had the experience of the ERBs both prior to and after medication? She needs to take the ISEE test this winter for Junior High applications. EEEKKKK! Any advice? Thanks ~Debra

In fourth grade I was not on medication for ADD. When we did a specific writing prompt as practice for the fifth grade Writing WASL (Washington Assesment Of Student Learning) I wrote about a page and a half. I was diagnosed in fifth grade, and began taking meds. By coincidence, that writing prompt We'd practiced in fourth grade was the same as the real test. This time around, I wrote about three and a half pages. My score went from around a 2 or 3 out of 4, to a 3 or 4 out of four. The ADD meds really seem to make the difference for me.

My only other suggestion is eating healthy. I have read that some ADD kids are sensitive to artificial colors or preservatives. I had trouble thinking in fourth period the first two weeks of this school year, until I heard that the school's pizza was filled with preservatives that could do this to me. My thinking is much clearer now that I changed my diet.