So many questions! | ADHD Information

I'd say get another assessment

then research, research, research.

There *are* ways to deal with "difficult' children. I don't know why the counsellors aren't helping you in that area.

The more skills you have the more success you will have as loving parents..Good luck!

At 4 the chances of a diagnosis being accurate are iffy at best. There is such a wide range of normal at this age that sometimes a comprehensive evaluation is impossible.

My DDD was not diagnosed until age 8, and even then I was skeptical, have had 3rd, 4th, 5th opinions.

It is possible, if she has a Sensory disorder that she does not have ADHD. I would deal with the Sensory issues first, then worry about the rest when she is older. Maybe about 6-7 have her evaluated by a Neuropsychologist.

 

Hi all, I'm obvoiusly new here. I have a fantastic little 4 year old girl who was diagnosed with ADHD back in June.  Her psychiatrist and counselor have both been sources of stress for our family, as they don't seem to be doing much of anything to help her, save for writing prescriptions. We, like the majority of loving parents, want desperately to be able to help our little girl with more than just a pill each day. Has anyone else had this problem? Or is it normal for things to be so slow-going? I'm not looking for an instant solution here, I'm just looking for some help.

Amaya is a sweet little girl, but cannot focus on even the simplest of tasks. She's been actually regressing in some areas over the last year or so (bedwetting again, decrease in motor skills, etc.) What the doctors have told us is that they suspect there could be some Sensory Integration issues, and probably Generalized Anxiety Disorder as well. We were told that Amaya would need to be evaluated by a Pediatric Development specialist, but where do you find one of those?

As for medications, she started on a low dose of Focalin which actually only made her more hyper and less attentive. We moved on, skeptically, I'll admit, to Tenex (1 mg at bedtime) and it hasn't helped with the ADHD, but has seemingly caused her to become emotionally manic.

She has 2 older sisters who can barely stand to play with her for long. She has no "friends", just Mom and Dad. It's heartbreaking, as I'm sure we all know, to hear your little girl (or boy) say to you, "But nobody likes me". I just don't know what to do for her.

I'm sorry if this is all rambly, but this forum has been a godsend. I don't know any other kids like my own, so I certainly don't know any parents is this situation. Right now, on this forum, is the 1st time I've ever been able to talk about these things to anyone who has any idea. Is this all normal? How do you all cope, and help your children cope?
I agree about the sensory issues. Sensory integration disorder can be diagnosed this young. Find a qualified occupational therapist. Start with your insurance company, why pay if you dont have to. Not all insurance companies will pay. Does she go to school? You could TRY to get them to evaluate her, but IMO, if the doctors think it's SPD, a private OT will be better. You may be able to find a developmental ped at your local childrens hospital. The OT also. Read the book The Out of Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz, it's gives excellent insight into SPD and treatment. It's amazing what 20 minutes on a trampoline and being rolled in a blanket can do to a child's hyperactivity . Diane V39371.0990393519

Have you thought of putting in a gyn class for children her age? It is a great place to have fun, do sensory "things" and play with children her age.

do you have a integrated preschool?

my son has sensory integration, as well as adhd. He was sent to "early intervention when he was not yet 2, and stayed until age 3. he then was sent to a preschool where he would not be "kicked out" for his disorders, and was to receive speech and ot.

My son receives OT for his sensory issues at school, along with speech therapy. He is on an IEP.

Please feel free to ask any questions.