ADHD/GIfted Identification Help | ADHD Information

My son has speed issues, too, so his score came in just under the gifted level.  His doctor noted that the lower scores were due to his inattention.  Any tips on getting the school to acknowlege his giftedness so he can get what he needs for his education?  The more "interesting" the topic, the less intrusive his ADHD symptoms are.

My daughter has a 504 in place for her ADHD and a Gifted IEP.  It is a strange road to travel as some teachers cannot undestand how a child that is so smart can't pay attention or doesn't spell correctly, etc.  She did have to be tested individually (after much pursasion) for the IQ test as the whole 'group setting' was just too distracting.  I would pursue the gifted testing - my daughter absolutely loves the gifted program and she will continue through middle school and high school (she is in 4th grade now).  The gifted program along with the accomadations under her 504 plan changed her whole attitude towards school.  Good luck!

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all the feedback.  Couple of notes... When I say my son isn't "on the go" at home this is true.  However,at home he is able to direct his attention in areas he is interested in (eg he has more free time to do the things he wants to do).   However, he still isn't what I would classify as a hyper when we are directing his activities.    The teacher does tell me when they are working on math and science she has his 100% attention.   I aslo admitt that he can completely hyperfocus when he is building his legos... and I read that can be a add/adhd marker.

I talked to the school and the only way he can be accepted into a gifted program is for him to have qualify test scores (which I do understand the reasoning).   They will not re-test him until 2nd grade.  I haven't asked what happens if I find out that he has adhd (would they retest).

After observing what is happening in the classroom when volunteering I can see why he is getting in trouble.  The kids are working on sounding out short vowel sounds and he is fluent reader.  The other day the kids were counting by tens and he was counting by 30s.

I have to have him tested so we can find the best way to accomodate him and his learning style.  Especially if adhd is in play here.   I don't want him to lose his love of learning because he is getting in trouble at school. 

Sorry for the ramble.  I'm still just lost.  It is hard talking to people about this.  Just not something you go around telling folks.. I think my son is gifted but then again he may have adhd.  I find myself doubting the abilities I do see in him.

Neuroticmama

Another avenue you may want to consider is having him tested yourself.   We went to a Children's Hospital for the ADHD testing and the school accepted those test results without blinking an eye.  You could have have him tested for adhd and IQ then submit the results to school. 

I agree with 2girls, you may want to go for the private testing. It'll cost money, but it's going to be a better evaluation and you dont have to wait.Neuroticmama -- Oh my gosh, we could be living the same life. My 5-year-old son , who is in preschool at the local elementary, sounds very similar to yours. He is super super smart -- already knows how to read, can memorize just about anything, is good with numbers, etc. He can even remember what day he was sick a couple of months ago. The kid can even play Monopoly by the rules. His teachers are aware of how smart he is. He can pay attention to an activity but is very hyper and implusive in the school setting. It's like the more people you put around him, the more excited and impuslive he gets. He has no problems from an academnic perspective but is challenged when it comes to social situations. For example, he can get very touchy with his friends, trying to tackle them for no reason. He can't stand in line and has a difficult time waiting his turn. We thought it was a matter of boredom, which I think some of it is, but slowly began to feel he just couldn't control himself when "stimlulated." He also reacts quickly if another kid does something to him. For example, if another kid hits him, he'll hit right back rather than telling the teacher, etc. I started to become stressed in social settings not sure if he'd have a good day or a challenging one. We started taking him to a child psychologist a couple of months ago just for our own mental health (is he normal/is he not/what is normal/blah, blah, blah) and are working with her on some behavior modification, trying to get him to stop, breathe and think before he responds. It's positive but part of my suspects we'll have to look at medications down the road. We're awaiting the results of an early screening (not sure of accuracy because he is so young) this week. So glad I found this message board!

I can also relate to your no major issues at home thing. Our son is great with just me or my husband for the most part, a bit more challenging when around his younger sister, hyper in the school setting and/or another setting where he knows his peers, and on an even higher level in a setting with kids he doesn't know, like a play place of some sort. It's like the more action he's around, the more hyper and impulsive he gets.

Hi,