Posted: 13 November 2009 at 1:50pm | IP Logged

It sounds like it could very well be ADHD.  One of the classic symptoms of ADHD is lack of impulse control.  Kids ACT first THINK later.  It's something that many times they absolutely cannot control.  That's why they get the confused look on their faces after the impulsive act and why they say they don't know why they did it.  It's because they never thought about it first, they just acted.  It's very difficult for these kids (and us parents!) to understand and even if they try most times they can't control themselves. The only time my son can control himself is when he's medicated.

Also, the fact that the school is documenting his disruptive behavior may actually have a silver lining...If your child's behavior is effecting his learning or the environment of the children around him then the school is required to give him and IEP or 504.  This is an educational plan that they have to follow and you can add all kinds of things to it to help him.  For instance...some of the things you were talking about that you want them to start doing. 

Is he being evaluated privately or just by the school?

Posted: 13 November 2009 at 5:15pm | IP Logged

I started with his pediatrician who referred us to a child psychologist.  The child psychologist did all of the testing then sent a recommendation to the pediatrician for medication.  The pediatrician was the one actually writing the prescriptions. 

My son had a hard time getting the meds right so we went to a psychiatrist who has been wonderful.  I think a phychologist is fine for the diagnosis but if you are thinking about medication, I would go straight to a specialist in those types of medications-a psychiatrist or a neuropharmacologist.  Good luck and ask any questions that you have.  We've all been through this!

Posted: 14 November 2009 at 10:58am | IP Logged

It was great reading your story! You have descibed a lot of the same qualities as my 8 year old son. He is also said to be 'easy-going'. Only if he is pushed will he finally become passive aggressive (then he just ignores the teachers, test, ME). And I have always said the same, I think he is easy going because he doesn't notice! He was the happiest, best baby but looking back now that I have 2 other younger children he never attended. And when he is one on one you'd never know that he has severe ADHD combined. When he was tested he was actually handicapped in that area but his IQ was still above average.

I also had him tested simply for the fact he was being labled the trouble maker that was just out to interrupt the class. He was almost held back in first grade but with alot of help, an IEP, and a pushy mom I am happy to say he is at grade level.

Posted: 17 November 2009 at 10:40am | IP Logged

My 7 year old son exhibited a TON of impulse control symptoms. Medication has helped significantly.

I would definitely start with your pediatritian - our refered us to a child psychologist for the evaluation (which took only 3 Satruday mornings).

Keep us posted!

Posted: 18 November 2009 at 3:24am | IP Logged

Would you ever evaluate privately? That is what we did, it was thorough and accurate. It came with noone pushing back due to the cost, which is what the school is doing, and they may not accuratley diagnose your child.

Also a lot of adhd'ers can be gifted AND learning disabled.

I had a pediatrician refer us to a children's hospital to a pediatric neuropsychologist. My son was diagnosed just shy of 5. Meds were begun shy of 7, but should have been started when he was diagnosed.

Posted: 18 November 2009 at 5:45am | IP Logged

Is there any assistance for even just your children? I would think there would be some state assistance program. We here in Massachusetts have Mass health for the children. It is state funded but they get their teeth fixed and there health checked.

Can you call your pediatrician and see if they can referr you.

I know here in Mass we are penalized on our taxes for each month we have no insurance. That is why I work, besides the $$