My son is 8, he has not been diagnosed with ADHD yet (oct appt) but we are 99% sure he has it. He has all the symptoms and it runs in my family. We put it off and just dealt with it, I look at him (my little boy) and don't have the heart to take him, we didn't want to have to put him on meds. Sometimes I am open with his adhd and sometimes I'm not. I guess because I try to protect him, I don't want him labeled or treated differently. Does anyone else feel this way? Last school year was tough! He sat next to the teacher most of the year, got notes home about his behavior every nite, got suspended off the bus several X's because he can't keep his hands to himself. And I finally had to come out with his adhd with the school. Then they wanted him to see the schools physiatrist. My jerk of a neighbor caught wind of it and made comments about having a special needs child like it's a bad thing, curse word. That's why I don't advertise it. I use to feel sick every time my cell phone rang saying school calling, I'm already worrying about this school and it hasn't even began yet. Any input?
I don't know about everyone else, but the phone calls and notes just get old, and don't bother me much anymore. It's like they rang the firebell one to many times, and now all I do is glance up. It only took one school year for me to feel this way.
Do they want him to see the school psychiatrist for a Special Education evaluation?
If you don't want him on meds, visit the Alternatives board.
Thank you for your replies. I feel better :) They wanted him to see the psychiatrist because they think he has anger issues, which he doesn't he's just hyper and silly. They haven't mentioned anything about Special Education. His last teacher use to say he doesn't keep his hands to himself a lot of the times, I don't see what goes on in the class room but boy's will be boy's they get a little physical ( here I go with defending him lol)...... One thing I didn't like was the teacher use to make him write a note to me saying that he is mean to all the other kids, that he hits them etc I thought that was inappropriate. I will check out the books and the alternative medicine forums, thanks! As far as my neighbor we don't get along he is just a sour person. He is very nosey and I think he found it out through the school. Thanks again!! lil*once38958.7315277778Hi and welcome. Just try to keep in mind that you are doing the best you can for your son. Remember, being in trouble all the time and constantly being told you are doing something wrong takes its toll, also. As for your neighbors, it's not their business and you should just refuse to talk about it to them, if that is what you want. Personally, I think of ADHD as a medical condition that needs treatment, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Don't let your son think that it is shameful! There is a book called "The Gift of ADHD" that recasts ADHD in the most positive manner. And maybe you could come up with a few snappy comebacks the next time your neighbors makes a snippy remark!If meds make you un-comfortable you do not have to use them normally behavior mod should be used first and meds being the last resort. Once tested and if it rings true at least with documentation you can help him more at school.Welcome Lil*once:
Reading your story was like looking at myself. I actually had to look to make sure I didn't write this post! I knew for a long time my son was ADHD, but feared medication and what people would say. You know what I found out....medication is a dream for ADHD kids and most people I have told, have been very supportive...those that haven't been are no longer on my list of people I care to associate with!
There are other altneratives to meds, but after a year of finally doing meds, I am sorry I waited so long. My son finally can make and keep friends and the notes are less from school. This year he will start the school year on meds so I am excited to see what the new kids think of him.
Good luck and don't let anyone make you feel like you are doing anything wrong..meds or not!
Mars
yeah. i guess you could try the alternatives, diet, yoga, ect...My 8 year old has ADHD and every year the struggle in school seems to get worse. In first grade, we tried Concerta and she was a zombie so we just dealt with the "unruly behavior" and non-stop talking. We now have a new baby and the ADHD has gotten worse. I'm sure part of it is jealousy but she is driving me crazy! She talks back all the time, never does what I ask her to unless I'm playing drill sergeant. I'm at my wits end. We tried Adderall but she had terrible headaches. No we're trying Strattera and haven't seen any difference in her behavior. Last year her teacher placed her in a spot so she could have "constant supervision." Every Tuesday she would bring home her progress report and control talking, stay in seat, and pay attention were always checked. She could never remember what her teacher talked about but always said, "We didn't go over this in class." Do I sound a bit frustrated or what!!!! I think I sent 4 boxes of crayons to school not to mention all the other articles because she loses everything. I feel like I yell at her constantly but I don't know what to do! HELP!!!
Hi all,
New to the board here. I have been reading posts for 2 hours before joining.
My son, Dillon turned 7 Aug 7th, 2 days after school starts, lucky him! He was supposed to go into 2nd grade this year, but I put him back in 1st because he got in plenty of trouble last year and did not learn much. He is a bright bright boy that loves to talk and build things and draw and color and help DH build fences, hunt, pick veggies, etc. We do so much with him. He loves to swim and snorkel and ride horses. In school almost every day there is a note, not paying attention, talking out, wiggling around, not staying on task. He hates school and he hates homework. This year he is not as bad as last year so far though. And he is learning more this year already. I had him to his doctor about 1 month ago. He sat us in the office, asked me what Dillon does and labled him ADHD. Gave me some forms to fill out and for the teacher (I did not give the teacher them yet). Said he would have to refer him to an ADHA specialist to actually lable him that for sure. I am not sure I want to follow suit yet. I hear if he is labled ADHD, I have no choice to put him on meds???? Maybe I am wrong. I don't want to try meds just yet. We are bumping up out discipline with him (we slacked off) It gets trying!!!!!!!!! He is disrespectful. I have had him on Glyconutrients, Calcium/Magnesium, learning factors EFA's, extra omega 3's, and tried camomile, rescue remedy and Stress J. Lavendar under his nose........But he only gets all this once a day, I am starting the Omegs 3's 2 x's a day. He is much better, but he will not be quiet during class and stay on task most days. He gets distracted easily. I think me and his dad have some sort of ADHD also, never diagnosed though. I am willing to try drugs although I am homeopathic, but my husband is totally against it, adamit about it. I really don't know where to turn. I want him to behave in class and learn. I am so confused right now. I don't know what to do!
After reading about all the others in the same boat, I don't feel so alone now.
Thanks again for all your posts, I am so glad they have this forum. It helps a lot to know your not the only one. I read all the post and my heart goes out to all the children that have to deal with these everyday struggles, it's hard.....for us parents to it can be really overwhelming at times and you just think why my child. But just to know that we can reach for our keyboard and someone else is there that understands you and has been through it, is going through it. We all will get through it, it can only get better with time!! :) Many xoxo's..........
Hey I just wanted to add something. Over the summer, I was so overwhelmed it was a nightmare. I was getting really depressed and desperate. Recently, I started volunteering helping "differently abled" children, some of who can't walk or talk, etc. In addition to the satisfaction of helping the little kids, it really helps me to keep our issues in perspective and to have a brighter outlook. Just wanted to share......Hi and welcome! Don't worry about your son being labeled and "having" to put him on meds. No body can tell you you have to put your child on medication. I waiting a year after being dx before putting my son on. I tried all other options first. You and your hubsand have to do what is best for your child. The schools cannot by law tell you to medicate your child! However, having an accurate dx will get him the special help he might need in school.
Mars
Hi Lil*once said, "We all will get through it, it can only get better with time!!"