Just got back from parent/teacher conference. My DS (11) is doing so so, even though his test scores show him to be almost at high school level. He has problems with fidgeting, paying attention, etc. Teacher and I both agree he needs assessment for ADD. Does anyone know what this entails? I've been arguing with docs for years that he might have it. They tell me, don't worry, he'll grow out of it. Well, he's 11 now! When questioned, my DS tells me that he CANNOT sit still, like its an itch that needs scratching. Also, different thoughts keep flying into his head when trying to pay attention.
If anyone can give me any advice, please do!

Just got back from parent/teacher conference. My DS (11) is doing so so, even though his test scores show him to be almost at high school level. He has problems with fidgeting, paying attention, etc. Teacher and I both agree he needs assessment for ADD. Does anyone know what this entails? I've been arguing with docs for years that he might have it. They tell me, don't worry, he'll grow out of it. Well, he's 11 now! When questioned, my DS tells me that he CANNOT sit still, like its an itch that needs scratching. Also, different thoughts keep flying into his head when trying to pay attention.
If anyone can give me any advice, please do!

ADD or ADHD is a medical diagnosis. The school cannot test for this.

I seems like 50% of my students are either ADD or ADHD. If your son is found to have it, please don't use the condition as an excuse for anything at school. There are ways to help him deal with it, yet succeed at school (and beyond).

There are many different medications available today (many are time-release, so he may not even need to take any during the school day). You and your doctor would have to try one to see it is affective for your son. If one doesn't work, then another type might. You also have to closely watch the dosage, especially at first. You need to be able to report back to your doctor so he can adjust the medication accordingly.

There is much debate today about the "over-medicating" of ADHD.

Diet can have an enormous effect on ADHD. You might want to discuss your son's diet needs with your doctor.

Your first step is making an appointment with your family doctor.

(I am a teacher, with a special ed background.)

I agree with much of what Sunsailing has already said. I also have a few things to add.

I had an experience with one of my children. Our school tested my daughter in many areas and then we went to see her dr. who made the diagnosis based on his own evaluation and the school check off sheets.

We decided to NOT go the medication route, but did accept for that school year the modifications set by the teacher in the classroom. She was in no way ever excused from work, nor did we (well...we still don't) ever let a label be a reason or an excuse for misbehavior or not trying her very best.

I've heard many times how she just can't...But, I've always taught her that she CAN and try to help figure out how with her and give her the tools she needs to succeed.

My daughter has had more difficulties than some with paying attention and staying focused, but over time she has learned to cope better with her individual challenges and I've learned how children can be very different from one to the next.

I know that some people, probably those with true ADHD continue to have struggles into adulthood, though they do learn coping techniques and seem to overcome it from the outside. I don't think true ADHD would go away though.

I say true ADHD, because while I believe there are people out there that may have this, there are probably many more who do not and a label was slapped on them to make everyone feel better or to make things 'easier'. I think that sometimes schools and/or doctors are too quick to medicate and find an easy answer. But, this is just my opinion, my experience and my observation, so I could be totally off base here.

I'm really just saying all this to say, be careful with labels, just as Sun said, do not let this be an excuse or interfere with your child's full potential, think long and hard about medication and do not let anyone, the schools or doctors bully you into anything. Do lots of homework yourself and trust your gut mama!

I don't have much time to right now or I could type much more, if you have any specific questions feel free to post or PM me.

Piperdiva,

My son (7) has ADHD and ODD.

He is a constant challenge, we did finally decide to medicate for school only. (I cried when we did decide to) It is a painful decision. He needs the "extra" bit to help him along. He went through several tests with the family doctor and a child psychologist. He is on the high end of the ummmm...active and disruptive and destructive scale. Not only is homework and school work affected, but his social life and our family life. Basically for him to succeed in school he needs the meds. The decision isnt for the teachers or us it was for his benefit. We see a child psychologist as a family unit to help us as one, and help DS as an individual.

He doesnt "get off easy" because of the diagnosis. He's a smart cookie hes always been told he can do whatever and anything he sets his mind to. He knows he has ADHD. He does try to use it as a crutch but we don't allow it. His homework is supposed to be done IMMEDIATLY after getting off the school bus while he's still in academic mode. We have no PS2 or game boy or x-box......

His diet has been altered. He reacts badly to caffeine (chocolate) and red and yellow food dyes. Much of our family life has changed. You avoid situations that are going to be a stressful event. Eating in a restauraunt with the whole family (McDonalds or otherwise) just leaves everybody exhausted, stressed and unhappy. Shopping ANYWHERE is unheard of with him! I really havent got any tricks up my sleeve. You go with what works for you, your child, your values, alot of the small stuff you don't sweat and choose your battles carefully.

I had posted previously on this subject.

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=8505&highlight=adhd


Believe me, there is a bigggggggg difference between an active child and a child with ADD / ADHD.

Feel free to PM me.

Regards
Heather

I agree w/the PP, it is by no means definite that your son has ADHD! So try not to worry yet. He may just need to learn how to focus better, which Sylvan and other routes can help him do.

My stepson had/has (I haven't seen him in a long time) ADHD. At the time he was diagnosed, he was 7. His teacher insisted that we get him tested. We had to fill out a sheet and the teacher had to fill out a sheet as the first step, b/c if the sheets were different, it would probably mean he just adjusted his behavior to whom he was with...and ADHD kids *can not* adjust their behavior...not for anyone! But our sheets were 100% the same so that was the first nail in the coffin stating that Kris had ADHD.

He also had to see a neurologist to rule out possible "light" seizures (that would have looked like he was just looking off into space), but he didn't have those.

Finally, a psychologist was necessary to rule out psychological causes, and of course a once-over from his pediatrician was necessary.

At that time we put Kris on Ritalin. ADHD is not just a kid who is rambunctious. In Kris's case, if he was crossing the street and he saw a leaf, he would literally run to get it, even if he was running directly into the line of an oncoming truck. This may sound silly/funny but it freaked me out: he used to walk into trees or ride his bike into trees constantly. The reason was that he would be riding along when a sound or a sight or a breeze OR ANYTHING would make him turn his head toward it...it was a compulsion...*he physically could not help himself, he physically could not force himself to stay focused*. He also obsessively chewed on/swallowed things, like zippers (he would yank them back & forth until they came off in his hands, and if we yelled "Kris!" he would stare in surprise at his hand--he had no idea he was doing it), or chewing/eating pencils and crayons.

ADHD can take a lot of different forms but it is not just a lack of focus. If your son can *ever* focus then there's lots of hope for him that he does *not* have this condition at all. It might make you feel better to have the evaluation, though. An evaluation can uncover a lot of things. There may be something else that's very fixable, that your son needs in order to learn to focus better. Hang in there. Your son is going to be just fine b/c he has a mommy who cares enough to check this stuff out!

I agree w/the PP, it is by no means definite that your son has ADHD! So try not to worry yet. He may just need to learn how to focus better, which Sylvan and other routes can help him do.

My stepson had/has (I haven't seen him in a long time) ADHD. At the time he was diagnosed, he was 7. His teacher insisted that we get him tested. We had to fill out a sheet and the teacher had to fill out a sheet as the first step, b/c if the sheets were different, it would probably mean he just adjusted his behavior to whom he was with...and ADHD kids *can not* adjust their behavior...not for anyone! But our sheets were 100% the same so that was the first nail in the coffin stating that Kris had ADHD.

He also had to see a neurologist to rule out possible "light" seizures (that would have looked like he was just looking off into space), but he didn't have those.

Finally, a psychologist was necessary to rule out psychological causes, and of course a once-over from his pediatrician was necessary.

At that time we put Kris on Ritalin. ADHD is not just a kid who is rambunctious. In Kris's case, if he was crossing the street and he saw a leaf, he would literally run to get it, even if he was running directly into the line of an oncoming truck. This may sound silly/funny but it freaked me out: he used to walk into trees or ride his bike into trees constantly. The reason was that he would be riding along when a sound or a sight or a breeze OR ANYTHING would make him turn his head toward it...it was a compulsion...*he physically could not help himself, he physically could not force himself to stay focused*. He also obsessively chewed on/swallowed things, like zippers (he would yank them back & forth until they came off in his hands, and if we yelled "Kris!" he would stare in surprise at his hand--he had no idea he was doing it), or chewing/eating pencils and crayons.

ADHD can take a lot of different forms but it is not just a lack of focus. If your son can *ever* focus then there's lots of hope for him that he does *not* have this condition at all. It might make you feel better to have the evaluation, though. An evaluation can uncover a lot of things. There may be something else that's very fixable, that your son needs in order to learn to focus better. Hang in there. Your son is going to be just fine b/c he has a mommy who cares enough to check this stuff out!

My son's symptoms are very similiar to yours. It takes zilch for him to get distracted. The doctor, who is NOT a "lets just medicate the child" advocate, felt that my son needs the meds. My son himself said that he cannot stand the constant fidgeting and mind wandering. It took so long to diagnose (he is 11) because he showed no aggressive tendencies and his grades are average (on diagnostic tests he scores high school level).

Sunsailing, I understand your concerns, but he DID "pass" ADD assessment, unfortunately. I at least want to give meds a try.

this is just an assement, not a diagnosis. please dont assume i am as knowledgeable as a professional in ascertaining whether or not your child is ADD or has any other so called disorder. this is strictly my opinion on the very little information i know about your child or the disorders mentioned.
that said, here are my ideas,and i am a homeschooling mother so maybe my :twocents: will be helpful in diffusing/ascertaining the situation :wink: this is just my point of veiw.

when i was 111, i, too, was told by a teacher i needed meds. because i couldnt sit still, was very bored, ect. in her class. the dr. said the teacher was the one who needed the meds, not me. its normal for children to want to explore their world, and be bored to tears in a class that was as rudimentory as hers was. i hated classrooms. four walls for 8 hours was like jail to me, and i wanted out.

meds. too many drugged up children. just so the teachers dont have to learn how to teach properly, as every child is individual in their thinking processes...to drug them up so that they conform to the four walls routine makes me sick, and sad.

Poor Piper. This is pretty tough on everybody, I know. I know you want to do whatever it takes to help your child. Only you truly know your child. If you feel medical intervention is worth a try, then you should go with what you feel is right. So many parents jump for the pills but you have taken a lot of time to really mull this over. You should do what you think is the best thing for your son and your family.

I know it's tough...I feel for you...hang in there,

Thank you Glendora for understanding. I have taken the time, years actually, to get to this point. Now, I'm just waiting on pre-authorization from the insurance co. to get the meds.

I have ADD (got diagnosed as an adult; I totally consider your son lucky to get diagnosed NOW), and am still struggling w/ the decision to medicate myself. For now I've decided I will absolutely not go on meds unless it starts really interfering w/ life. So far I'm just practicing self-discipline, which works fine for me, but if I was 11 years-old, I think I'd utterly fail at this (heck, I already fail at this occasionally).

Anyway, my journey started by going to a psychologist for severe depression. After the 2nd session she asked me if I'd ever heard of executive function dysfunction. 4 months and $2,000 later, I got diagnosed. I took a bunch of battery and academic tests with one of the leading experts on LDs in the Bay Area (hence the price), some were fun and others were mentally brutal, but overall I was really surprised to find what my strengths and weaknesses were. After all was said and done, I was given the option of medicating myself, but I chose not to.

From what I hear (from an ADD/ADHD board I visit from time to time), meds can totally clear your head. They're more of a bandaid than a cure-all; your son would still need to learn to cope w/ his symptoms. If he gets on the right ones for him, they'll just help learning to cope with them a lot easier (than the brute-force way of doing it, like I am). I guess I just don't really go on them for myself because my case isn't severe... Oh yeah, if you havent' found it yet, the board I'm referring to is @ www.addforums.com.

Hope this helps some, and hang in there!

an update: my son is doing awesome! he has friends, he willingly helps me when i need it, is responsible, made deans list, etc. etc. amazing!

Sounds like your son has a very typical case of ADHD. My grandson Charlie (10+) has it. He was diagnosed in the 2nd grade. Your son sounds very much like my Charlie in that he is a smart child, but having trouble sitting still and focusing. Charlie spends a lot of time with us (grandparents) and I volunteer at his school, so I was very involved in his diagnosis, and continued follow up.

Diagnosis is a combined team effort, involving family, doctor and school. Teacher & Family both had to fill out detailed surveys on Charlie's behavior. We then took them with us to the Doctors office, and had a family conference with the Doc. It was determined that Charlie did infact have ADHD, which means an acute difficulty in focusing on the task at hand, as well as being hyperactive (figety). We decided (as a family) with the Doctor to medicate Charlie. He take "Concerta", which we think is a good drug. The Doc wanted him to take this because he takes it once in the morning, and it lasts all day. (no midday dosing at school, like with Ritilin). He also only takes the meds on school days, no weekend or holidays or breaks from school.

Meds have been a godsend for all of us. Charlie went from a 2nd grade child failing school, due to his inability to sit still and focus, to a 5th grade student now at the top of his class. He is an honor student, in the GATE (Gifted and Talented Edu) program. His reading and math are at a 10th grade level. Had we not diagnosed him, and got him on the meds this would have never happened.

Most kids with ADHD (ADD) are very smart kids, they just need help and understanding. We have had to work hard along with the teachers to give him a little extra time on things when he is having trouble, which still happens occasionally, even on the meds. Meds don't make everything perfect, just a lot better. But he is a great kid, and very loved.

Meds are not right for every kid - but for many, they are the answer. There are many great web sites and books on the subject. Take time to read and learn as much as you can - you will need to be able to help him learn to adjust and not feel bad about his situation. Self esteem problems can run hand in hand with ADHD.

If I can be of any help or support, please feel free to PM me any time. I understand what it is like. Remember ADHD is a real physical problem. It has been determined that there is a brain abnormality that causes it. Some kids outgrow it, and some don't. Charlie had a teacher in the 3rd grade that was still taking meds for ADHD.

Hope some of this helps!!

I also have a son who is ADD possibly ADHD. I have never had him formally evaluated, but as a mom I just know. I homeschool him so I am able to keep him on track with one on one attention.

I have chosen not to medicate, but for those who do, I know it is a very hard decision to make for the sake of the child.

I thought I would add a thought though from our personal experience and then those who read it can use it or leave it as they choose.

My son is in second grade, and has struggled with lack of focus, fidgiting, and being hyper for several years. One day in particular I noticed something that gave me a clue. He was really calm one day and I gave him a Gogurt. (yogurt in tube) Within 20 minutes he was a wild child boucing off the walls. Literally driving me crazy. He had done this before, but this was the first time he went from calm to wild so abruptly before. I went to the internet, my favorite resource!! I stumbled across www.feingold.com . I started reading it and some of it made a lot of sense. I figured I would give it a try because all the things they suggested getting rid of were not important anyway. We are talking artificial dyes, artificial flavors, and certain preservatives like BHT, and TBHQ. I started a food diary with him and wrote down everything he ate and his behavior. The website did say that it can take from a month to six weeks to see a big improvment. I got rid of all dyes and those preservatives. I started to see a big improvment, but not enough. I then found that some people also have a problem with High Fructose Corn Syrup, so I cut that out too. Huge difference, but still some tweaking necessary. I then found out that some people can't tolerate lots of Salycillates. Naturally occuring chemicals in many fruits, like apples, tomatoes, etc. I then scaled back on those and saw a dramatic improvment in my daughters whiny behavior. I thought it was just her age, but all of a sudden she is calm and less emotional. She used to be almost PMSy. (She was three) I am getting all of this info mind you from Feingold. I still do the sallicylate fruits, but I limit how much they have and try not to over do it as it seems to be a build up thing. Too much is bad, but a little is okay.

My son is still a normal active 7 year old boy, and I never expected him to become calm and mellow, but if he gets to a point where his behavior makes me want to scream and hide, I look at his diet or something he got on his skin (like dyes in soap and shampoo), and I usually find a culprit that snuck in.

At his worst he sucked on things, chewed on things, gave his arms hickeys, it was awful. Even recently he was gnawing his pencil ends to death and chewing his erasers up. It was pretty bad. I tried to figure the cause out and then I looked at the handsoap I bought :brickwall. It was clear, but dyes were added to neutralize it and make it look clear. I got rid of it and in a day or two, no more chewed pencils. I am just one busy mom dealing with other food issues (my baby is allergic to milk and soy) I have a lot of ingredients to read and it can get overwhelming, but I find it is worth it in the long run. My children are thriving, and when my son doesn't have something accidently that he shouldn't have, we get along great!!!

I find a lot of safe foods at our local Trader Joes store. In fact most of the Trader Joes brand is safe although they have a few things with High Fructose corn syrup, and a few with artificial Vanilla in it, but for the most part it is safe. For halloween and valentines day we bought them safe approved candy and traded them. It works out. We even have safe cookies that I think are way better than Oreo's. I have several people who agreed with me on that!!

Well, this has gotten much longer than I expected. I normally don't bring it up because I don't want to make people who don't choose this route feel bad. They have to make a choice that they feel works for them and their families, but I share it for those who might not have known otherwise so that people can make an informed decision.

Cheyenne :grin:

Hi Cheyene....

Good things to point out. Not to worry you couldn't make us feel bad about not doing it the way you did, we know we did the right thing for Charlie. The important thing to note about our story and yours is that every child and family is different....and ADHD is not one issue, but unique to every situation. We cannot home school Charlie - so he needs to be able to function in an environment with lots of distractions. You are fortunate that you can home school. That eliminates most of the need for meds right off the bat. We have also gotten Charlie off most sugars and artificial things as well - but it didn't affect his ADHD one way or the other. That is the tough part about this - it seems that each family has to struggle a bit to find their own path with treatment.

Best!

(Quote: The important thing to note about our story and yours is that every child and family is different....and ADHD is not one issue, but unique to every situation. )

Very true. Diet doesn't help in every situation unfortunately, but it can be a good starting point.

I am glad that the meds are helping Charilie. Fortunately there are meds for those that really need them. Meds have a place and should be used when necessary. I don't think there is one size approach fit for everyone. It would be better I think though if doctors and others in authority would mention diet as a cause first and try to go that route first. Some doctor's might, but too many don't.

Oh well, don't want to really get on a soap box about doctor's and schools.

Cheyenne

I raised a son who was diagnosed at 7 with classic ADHD and early childhood depression. I personally did not believe in such diagnosis. I thought he was brilliant and hyperactive. He was on medication for 6 years otherwise would not have been able to stay in public schools. We and the doctors took him off at age 14 (because Ritalin becomes uneffective after puberty). He struggled until he was 18 and has now learned to cope in very positive ways. It was a very challenging and difficult span of time for us all. He is 19 now and doing very well. He now controls his own outlets. Sometimes the hardest part of raising and a challenge child is assisting them in learning what success feels like. They seem to think they fail due to lack of attention or completion of projects. I think for most ADD/ADHD children it gets easier when they become adults.