2nd son ADHD? | ADHD Information

My 8 yr old was diagnosed about 2 years ago with ADHD, ODD. The effect on the family and his siblings is about as yu would expect. Now his little brother's teachers in Prek are complaining that he: won't sit down and listen, needs constant attention teaching 1 on 1, wanders away and throws temper tantrums when he doesn't get his way, can't FOCUS in class.

Prior to this year at school (he is now 5), I had no real complaints from his other teachers. This year, he is different, but I am trying to be as objective as possible and look for any ADHD behavior that was so apparent in my older son.

My ADHD son has been very difficult to live with until medicated and even then his ODD makes him quite the little terror. And I know that this kind of behavior can be learned, especially when my older son gets so much attention when he acts this way! perhaps my 5 year old wants the same.

My husband is also quite indulgent with him  ( the baby, last child, etc.) and he rarely hears no from him (good cop, bad cop, you know )I think he just may be spoiled, but don't want to dismiss it as only that.

Please give me some thoughts about this! I would never do it, but am tempted to slide him some of my son's focalin and see what happens. I suppose it would help him (heck, it would probably help me get better organized!), but up to know, my gut instinct is that it is simply learned behavior and can be overcome with proper discipline.

HELP!

 

 

 

 

 

I would go to class for a full day and observe. If one parent has ADHD or ADD, a child has a fifty seven percent chance of having it.I would not give him the meds either. If he has ADHD without the ODD also, it is a whole different ball game also. If you can wait it out just using traditional discipline methods and start documenting behaviors I would. School is coming to end and most kids can't focus right now. Kindergarten is more structured and you can get a better feel. If things continue this way in both environments next year go to your physicain and request an evaluation. As Beth-Ann says you've got the experience and knowledge.

I would NOT give him your sons meds, even though I know what you mean!

What works for one, does not always work for another.

I would definitely observe him in the classroom. Because ADHD is genetic, there is a strong percentage that he does have it. However, it may different that his older brother's. It could be more of the inattentive or more of the hyper/impulsive. 

Since you have the older son with adhd you are already a pro, this should be a piece of cake for you!!

I found that as my son got older, his adhd, impulse control, got worse, along with the labeling. That is when we had to medicate.