Hi I'm new to the forum and really have little or no idea what ADHD is about, except that it's suspected now (not diagnosed yet) that both my sons have it. My boys are 8 and 6 and the six year old has Beckwith Weidemann Syndrome too :), so yeah. Never a dull moment in our house.
I have been in constant liaison with my 8 year old's teacher the whole year. She is one of the ones who pointed out that she thinks he has ADHD and he has since been to a psychologist, also thinks he has it but can't diagnose. I will be taking him to a paediatrician soon to see whether we can get a diagnosis.
My son also has self esteem problems and since he started school a year late really doesn't feel capable in his class. I've spoken to his teacher endlessly about this and she has assured me that she encourages him. But I'm getting the impression that like most people she doesn't understand my son and is being too impatient with him. He hates getting in trouble and really feels bad about it, yet just seems to keep on being naughty. Sometimes I really don't think he can help it, other times I think he can. When he has a particularly bad day at school he's absolutely impossible at home. What's to be done?
I would begin by requesting that he be tested by the child study team and putting and IEP in place for him. Teachers are not supposed to make any kind of medical diagnosis for a child. They can make modifications for him either by putting him in a smaller classroom or getting an aide in the class for him to redirect him when he gets distracted.Hi, what is IEP?
Unfortunately the school he goes to (in South Africa) does not have the sort of resources you mention. The teacher did not actually diagnose him but the frustrating thing is that neither she nor the psychologist seems to be able to tell me where I can take him for diagnosis and treatment. What sort of an aide did you have in mind to redirect him when he gets distracted?
Hi Gutsy,
An IEP is an individualized education plan. It is part of the laws in the US to ensure a proper education for individuals with disabilities. I do not know what you have available in South Africa. If you can find a child psychiatrist, that person can diagnose and treat. Please read all you can about ADHD to better help you son. Check out the top thread of the parents board for Ogram's marble system. This type of positive reinforcment behavior plan can be used at school and home (it may not be enough on its own but is a good start). Here is a place to start reading:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/adhdmenu.cfm
http://www.ed.gov/teachers/needs/speced/adhd/adhd-resource-p t1.doc
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