Tracey:  My son is 12, and man does this sound familiar.

Our sons are have a real blessing here -- they think differently, process differently and in so can see things in the world, pick up on things, that so many of us cannot.  But as their brains work differently, and process differently, there is no doubt that many tasks just take different time and approach.

There is NOTHING to be embarrassed of with this -- it is your son and his marvelous brain.  I've found that a rich connection with the teachers, making sure they know about his ADD or ADHD, that they truly understand that he processes differently -- can help him in many ways in school work.  They can determine what accomodations can be most helpful for him to learn on his terms.

Also, there is no right answer here and medication is always not without considerations.  But allow me to strongly advice you to consider this option.  They do not always work, but when they do it is stunning.  Ned Hollowell (whose books are well worth reading if you haven't) describes it like giving a person who is nearsited glasses -- their personalities don't change, but all of a suddent the world comes into focus.  When it works, it can be profoundly liberating.

Needless to say, however, that is a decision for you, your familly and very much a doctor.  There are several different drugs out there -- this site has some good overviews at http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/drug-informationhtml

though there are some newer ones like vyvanse too.

All best, CMSchroed