Ben was absent the first 20 minutes of class - in the bathroom. When he returned, we pulled problems from the textbook to use as a review for his first test. Ben was slow to get started. The first problems involved vocabulary on rational/irrational, integers, whole numbers, etc. Ben couldn't recall these definitions so we did a mini-tutorial to explain the terms and given examples. Then we moved onto solving equations. As Ben was solving, he paused for a while. I wasn't sure if he was thinking or sleeping. I allowed him to finish the problem at his pace. When he was done, I asked him if he minded if I asked what happens in his mind when he takes breaks and closes his eyes. This is a paraphrase of his response, "When I have to do things that are difficult, my brain begins to shut off even though I don't want it to." I asked him if this happens when he's doing things he enjoys. He said Yes, it does. If it takes brainpower- it's likely to happen, whether he enjoys it or not. I thanked him for his willingness to tell me those things. It helps me to understand his processes. We will continue to do the review for as long as it takes until he agrees he is ready for the test.