I knew my son was ADHD from a very early age. At the age of 4, I was told he was just a difficult child. His doctor diagnosed him during a visit for some other reason when he was 7.
Go to a psychiatrist that specializes in ADHD. I wish I had, We switched at 12 because we had all kinds of new problems that came up with puberty. With the new doctor, we have started a screening for Asbergers.
Don't wait too long, the earlier you start the intervention the better it will be for your son. Be consistant in all the things you do. Make sure your son get adequate rest and a good diet.
Hello and welcome.
My 5 year old was diagnosed in September. I knew from the time he was 2 years old that his behavior was different than other childen. My ped. was very relucant to do anything, thinking it was simply "boys will be boys". When my son entered Kindergarten this year and was constantly disciplined with time-outs, loss of privliges, and frequent trips to the principal , I knew this wasn't typical behavior. Seeking help from a psychiatrist was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. Good luck to you!
We have a 5 year old son that we beleive to have ADHD. he doesnt listen well at school or home. He is very smart. but just doesnt "remember" rules or rather does remember but ignores them. Like when his teacher tells him to play in area 2, he will end up in another area and she makes him go back to 2 then winds up in another area again. she asks him which area he is supposed to be in and he tells her area 2, so he remembers. that is just an example. he blurts out spontaneously in class without raising his hand. his teacher is certain that he is ADHD. she has been really patient with him. because she beleives it isnt all his fault. we remind him everyday of the rules and to be good at school and listen. my question is where do we start the process? pediatrician or just go straight to the specialist? we have done the questionaire from school.5 is kind of young. Some of these things 5 year olds just need to learn. There are children, however, that are diagnpsed at 5. IMO see your pediatrician and start ruling out other possible things that could be mimicing ADHD symptoms. Have his eyes and hearing tested, those kinds of things. In the menatime you can start a behavior plan (see ograms marble thread on this forum) and maybe add high EPA Omegas supplements. Many threads (long ones) on the alternatives board regarding different Omega's. Give him some time to grow while you sort of"get the process started". If after all this you feel you need a diagnosis and the pediatrician thinks ADHD, ask for a referral to a neuropsychologist for solid diagnosis. If the time comes to think about medication, that should be managed by a psychiatrist (trust me go to a psychiatrist). It sounds overwhelming and like a lot and it is, but he's only 5, you have lots of time, may as well try as hard as you can to get it right. In the menatime, read, read, read, research, research, research, research, and always give yourself enough time to sort out the mounds of opinions and adivce you'll get to see what clikc with your beliefs and how you feel is the best apporach for your son.