Back from Dr. more confused | ADHD Information

QUOTE: The pediatrician did mention that many "borderline" kids can thrive very well with behavior modification therapy. 

That sounds like a good plan for your son- as he seems to already have developed some skills to correct his own behavior- he would probably thrive with some coaching behav. mod.  Maybe ask your ped. if they can recommend a behav. mod therapist. 

My son also is really smart and does great with one on one but gets wild around large groups (gets better as he gets older).  I always felt he would do better with a smaller class size like a good challenging private school could provide.  We considered this with my son but because of finances kept him in public.  He has been able to keep up just fine in the GT program with accomodations.  I am actually glad we kept him in public- the large class size was an obstacle but he learned how to deal with it.  We just got news that he has been referred to take Algebra I with the GT 7th graders next year when he starts 6th grade at the Middle School.  I am terrified (we think math is his worst subject)  but he is PROUD!

Best of luck, I think a super-charged, brilliant 6 year old with a set of caring, proactive parents is going to do GREAT in life. If you feel you need answers now so you can begin treatment than get a psych. appointment. 

Thanks for the advise.   My son's behavior at home is not an issue.  However at school he is flipping his "card" this happens almost on a daily basis.  Yet, usually once the  card is flipped (goes to yellow) he will usually correct his behavior.   He only goes to "red" about 3 times a month (where his folder is signed).  He has never been to the principals office.  He also seems to have made several friends. Yet, again the teacher did flag that his behviour is effecting peer relationships in the classroom.

The issue wasn't because he couldn't pass the test.  Testing into the program would only pull him out 2hrs a week anyway.  The issue was that the teacher has noticed one on one my son is fine; but in a group he can become over-stimulated.  The test I think only highlighted the concern since she felt he was gifted and should have passed.

The other reason I'm searching for an answer is because I have heard he is gifted and that he more than likely has adhd from his teachers 2yrs in a row.   I just want to be doing all that I can to make sure he is a success.   If he has adhd lets learn to manage it now instead of when he is older and behavior problems have greater consequences.

The pediatrician did mention that many "borderline" kids can thrive very well with behavior modification therapy.  Thus the reason she offered to write the dx and let the school make adjustments.   My husband and I both felt like the school isn't best equipped to decide the modification.  Shouldn't a therapist help with this and it be tailored to the child's special needs.

I really am so glad I found this forum.  Thanks and many blessings to all you wonderful parents.

Neuroticmama 




I have to agree with DianeV.  I've talked with you (neuroticmama) previously about my own son, who is now 7.  He has a very similar school history to your son's.  Except for a couple of things.  My son displayed the same issues at home.  And our son's teachers have been much different.  My own personal opinion from what you're describing is that your son's teacher doesn't know how to deal with him so she's categorizing him in effort to get YOU to do something to "fix him" for her.  (Grrrr... that stuff makes me mad, let me tell you!)  How you fix HER, I have no idea. 

As I've said before, my son - just like yours - was called "gifted" when he was 5 and 6, too.  But, even taking him to a neuropsychologist when he was 5 didn't give us a dx of ADHD.  He actually said that he didn't show ANY signs of ADHD at that time.  NOW, however, is a different story - because he is 7 and the situation and symptoms are different; more pronounced, let's say.  That's why I agree with DianeV.  Because from my experience and from what our doc told us, at ages younger than 7, are a lot less accurate.  And, as she said, behavior modification can be done for anyone.  And it certainly can't HURT him, right?

Anyhoo... how soon is the school year over?    I'm hoping your son has a much better teacher next year.

I think I agree with the others. Since his behavior at home is okay. Not many kindergarten children could sit still for testing like that. I would wait at least another year, or until the syptoms worsen. You should be proud that they feel  he is gifted.

 

Is the big problem that he didn't pass the gt test?  That could be just a bad day, or he just might not be a good test taker yet.  Are the adhd symptoms the teacher is reporting really major?  Like is it affecting his ability to have friends, is he in constant trouble which in turn harms his self-esteem?  If not, I would relax and see how he matures.  If there are still a lot of problems next year, then I would go for a psych consult.

By the way- get used to having the doctors put the ball back in your court- ultimately- they all do this.  The decisions are your to make.  I have yet to find the doctor who just says- "OK- her is what we need to do..."  I wish it were like that, but alas, it our burden and privelege to choose what we think is best for our special kids.

Good Luck

 

KidsInSpace39485.8697569444Hi everyone,

I'm just back from my pediatrician screening with my son.   I have to say I left more confused and full of questions.   I previously mentioned that my son was flagged by his Kindergarten teacher for possible giftedness and adhd (his preschool teacher said the same about him).   Everyone thought my son would sail his gifted testing but didn't; it raised focus issues since the gt test would havr to be stopped 2x due to his not following instruction.   Long story.

Anyway, had initial meeting with dr (DH said this had to be 1st step).   She had us and his teacher fill out a questionair that ranked his behaviour into categories (something I'm sure you guys are familar with).  My husband and I did not rank the behavior to classify him as ADHD or ADD.   We were very straight forth in our answers.  However, the teacher's observation did flag him for adhd.     Not any surprise here.

The pediatrician mentioned that even thought the criteria for dx is clear; actual dx can be subjective!?! She said clearly there was a disconnect between behaviour at home and school.  Felt that the brightness may play a part in the situation.  Then she put it back in my husband and my hands.   She said she could write a dx to school if we felt that by doing so that it would get him behaviour modification to help his learning style.  When I asked her if I should take him for further testing (IQ, ADHD) she didn't know if that was necessary.   What's that?  

I left dismayed thinking that she would have placed him or any kid on drugs based on a 1 page questionair that was based on subjective observation.  I know many of you mentioned seeing a neoropshchologist.  I'm curious how this testing differs?  I have always respected my pediatrician but today left me questioning her judgement.  Not, that I don't think he has adhd.  I know something is up. I'm just not convinced it is adhd.  The few family members and friends I told we were having this testing done thought we were crazy.  They don't see it in him; but then again they don't have him for a student.

Once again, so sorry for the ramble.  I appreciate any advice.

Neuroticmama



He is in Kindergarten? IMO, wait another year (at least). Unless he is "out of control". You can start a behavior plan and maybe some high EPA Omega's and give him more time to mature. After age six the psych and academic testing available is more involved and more in depth. At that point you can take him to a neuropsychologist and they can rule in or out ADHD and giftedness or any learning disabilities.Wait another year and DO NOT use a pediatrician, use a Neuropsychologist. How much is his behavior a problem? My son is gifted AND has an assortment of other issues. When he was tested at 6 yrs old, he tested gifted. At 8, the teacher couldn't get him to do the test, so his scores were useless. His teacher is convinced he is gifted and listed about 12 reasons for the psychiatrist. Subjectively, he has the signs that are less measurable, objectively, he has always read several grade levels ahead and has an amazing memory. But, he is ADHD and he has emotional issues. Does your son make friends? Has he had aggressive or destructive incidents? I think whether you should wait or not depends on the severity of his issues.  I hope that helps. I was able to put off meds until age 7 - some moms have to start at 4 or younger. I met a mom the other day who had no issues until her son turned 12. I have found research to help more than anything. Good luck.

[QUOTE=nueroticmama]
The other reason I'm searching for an answer is because I have heard he is gifted and that he more than likely has adhd from his teachers 2yrs in a row.   I just want to be doing all that I can to make sure he is a success.   If he has adhd lets learn to manage it now instead of when he is older and behavior problems have greater consequences.


Neuroticmama 




[/QUOTE]

For sure you want to deal with things before the conseuqences are too great. The point is just that the criteria and testing for a SOLID ADHD diagnosis are significantly more likely to be accurate closer to age 7. It all depends on the situation, obviously. You can start a behavior modification plan on anyone. I think any child who is having any kinds of "issues" needs "behavior modification".  No reason not to begin the process either, it can take months to even get appointments with specialists. You just dont want to be questioning your diagnosis later if you dont need to.