Please answer one question | ADHD Information

They changed the definition of the disorder a while ago and did away with the ADD label. Now the new official name for the disorder is ADHD. Same thing as before pretty much now we're just classified into 3 subgroups: Hyperactive, Inattentive, or Combination Hyperactive/Inattentive.

Your husband is most likely ADHD Inattentive Type.

I have one question, has anybody had a child with ADHD who actually did good at school (concentrating, grades, behavior - very polite, shy, quiet), but at home did not want to do chores, fight with sibblings, acts out at church or quiet restaraunts, and disobeys rules to play video games or computer (an 11 year old).

I believe my son has ADHD but he does fine at school, and around people he respects (neighbors, martial arts teacher, etc) - IS THAT POSSIBLE?

lol ya that was basically me in grade school. im a soph now and from the horrible add expierence find other ways around pills

i will forever hate my math teacher because she was the reason i was put on meds. i couldnt help correction her in class so i get pills

Just one thing I'm curious because some one told me that they have actualy completly gotten rid of the seperation between ADD and ADHD. Is this true and if so why? My husband is extreamly ADD he has a very hard time concentraiting on any thing for long and fits a lot of the above symptoms he however is not a hyper person he's very laid back and relaxed he may fidget while sitting but he's not one to run around and is able to sit for long periods. Most people never even realise he has a problem unles they spen long periods of time around him. If they still do seperate the two then perhaps this is what is going on with your children?

Actually, I recently found out he DOES have problems at school, even though he is polite and gets great grades - he says he doesn't pay attention in some classes "because it is too boring". His intelligence hides his disorder at school. Even if he doesn't have ADHD symptoms at school, having symptoms at home and in social situations would qualify. He is primarily inattentive vs. hyperactive. They should have another subtype called "angry, aggitated, and touchy all the time ADD"

This is my son!! I just have to extremely firm in reward and discipline routines, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't good luck

Hi there, i just finished answering to your other post re your son's behavior. You are describing my son....polite, well-behaved at school and in society but at home he would drive me and my daughter up the wall (not him)!

That's the reason why - because he wan't hyperactive at school- his teachers complained of lack of concentration, distraction, disorganisation, would get up to go to the other end of the classroom to get something. Sometimes he would follow directions if spoken to calmly and quietly. However he would become restless and disoriented if they yelled at him or punished him. That would put him off-balance. Of course he would act up at home and then he would make me yell. But my son was not diagnosed until the age of 16 with add. So we've been living through hell all these years. Very soon he will have to undergo tests by a neuropsychologist and we will have a better assessment in which areas to work with him.

Regards

hi, I posted this for your other message, but jic others only see this board, I thought that I would put it here as well. DSM IV Criteria of ADHD.

From Eileen Bailey,
Your Guide to Attention Deficit Disorder.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! DSM IV Criteria of ADHD

A. Either (1) or (2)

(1). 6 (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Inattention

(a) often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
(b) often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
(c) often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
(d) often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish
schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behaviour or failure to understand instructions)
(e) often has difficulty organising tasks and activities
(f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).
(g) often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
(h) is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
(i) is often forgetful in daily activities

(2) 6 (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level

Hyperactivity

(a) often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
(b) often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
(c) often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
(d) often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
(e) is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
(f) often talks excessively

Impulsivity

(g) often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
(h) often has difficulty awaiting turn
(i) often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)

B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.

C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school [or work] and at home).

D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder)

314.01 ADHD, Combined Type - if both A1 and A2 for at least 6 months
314.00 ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type
314.01 ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

deang00838333.5377662037

Yes, I was the same. I had an off the scale IQ and managed to mimic and memorise things. This got me through until this year (3rd year uni) when I got diagnosed. I have Innatentive ADD. I spent most of my time in class daydreaming as I couldn't concentrate. Hope this helps- good luck!

IF my son behaved well in school I'd probably let him 'run the house'. (not literally) But I think that we all have something to be 'thankful' for and yours of course is that he does well in school....Do you reward him for being so well behaved in school? Sounds like he has 'home' issues that make him angry and upset...not school issues. If only my son would behave in school I'd be delighted to 'reward' him!![QUOTE=christacey]

I believe my son has ADHD but he does fine at school, and around people he respects (neighbors, martial arts teacher, etc) - IS THAT POSSIBLE?

[/QUOTE]

HI IM 28YRS AND HAVE 5 BOYS, MY ELDEST SON 9YRS HAS ADHD, MY 2ND CHILD 6YRS HAS DYSPRAXIA/ADHD MY 3RD ALSO HAS DYSPRAXIA/ADHD, THE OTHER TWO ARE JUST BABIES BUT I WOULDNT PUT PASS THE THOUGHT OF THEM HAVING IT TOO!

YESTERDAY I GOT DIGNOSED WITH ADHD MYSELF! I KNEW I HAD IT AS IM NOT LIKE ANY OTHER PERSON OF MY AGE, IVE GOT A BAD TEMPER AND EVEN THE SMALLEST THING MAKES ME FLIP, I GET IN SUCH RAGE THAT I DONT KNOW WHAT IM DOING, THE LIST COULD GO ON. ITS A RELIEF THAT IVE BEEN DIGNOSED, IM JUST LIKE MY ELDEST SON, IM GOING TO HAVE A BRAIN SCAN SOON AND THEN IM GOING ON A SLOW RELEASE TABLET LIKE RITALIN, MY ELDEST SON IS ALSO ON RITALIN AND HAS BEEN SINCE HE WAS 3YRS OLD

HAVING A CHILD WITH ADHD IS HAD WORK, HAVING 3 KIDS WITH IT IS EVEN WORSE AND HAVING IT YOURSELF AND COPING WITH IT ALL ASWELL AS HAVING THE KIDS GOING INTO ONE, WELL LETS JUST SAY ITS NOT QUIET IN MY HOUSE LOL

I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE IN THE SAME BOAT AS ME

THANKS FOR LISTENING XX

[QUOTE=grhojo]

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HI OVER HERE IN THE UK ADD IS CALLED ATTENTION DEFICT DISORDER

ADHD IS ATTENTION DEFICT HYPERACTIVE DISORDER

MY KIDS HAVE ADHD AND SO DO I, I THINK ADD IS THE SAME AS ADHD BUT WITHOUT BEING HYPER IF THAT MAKES SENCE?

ye does i'm also from the uk and i got ADD not ADHD i only just found that it is Differnt in other countrys are ADD is your Inattention type of ADHD, and yes i have founda very big problem in school and collage (also are collage is differnt to ur's it like the last 2 year's of high school but doing a one type of subject rather then all of them) i did a preveus post which i think some ppl read lol because seeing as we all got ADD/ADHD we have problems reading through them all lol

In the U.S it's all classified as ADHD then there are different categories to describe your specific condition. Like your classified as one of the following:

ADHD Hyperactive Type

ADHD Inattentive Type

ADHD Combined Inattentive/Hyperactive

Honestly you described me as a child. And I think I'd probably be a candidate for mild ADD which I guess is simply ADHD. It just wasn't diagnosed.

I was an angel at school, but I would get terribly distracted but was good at hiding it. I often had good teachers that knew how to keep me paying attention. I am also very academically competitive by nature which motivated me to stay on top. But my mind wandered so much and yet my quick intelligence normally saved me. However, I didn't retain information and overall did not receive a good education because I would just learn the information short term. I missed a lot throughout my education because I wasn't paying attention. My teacher's often thought I was bored - but I just wasn't paying attention because my mind wandered.

I was also soooo rebellious at home and the teacher's pet at school which infuriated my Mom!!! But I have to tell you there was lots going on at home that I had problems with, so I don't think that would just be the ADD talking. I had attachment and anger issues with my Mom, who was also the "PTA President" at school but a real bitch at home quite often - QUITE THE RAGER HERSELF!!! I acted out just like my Mom did - unpredictably and sometimes uncontrollably. Believe me.....Children LEARN.... and The Apple often doesn't fall far from the Tree!

I personally don't believe these behaviors always come from NO WHERE! Especially when the symptoms are prevalent in one environment but not another. That could be a symptom that something emotional is going on that could be environmental. The patterns of relating to one another might be unhealthy. I think sometimes the style of parenting doesn't complement the child's personality creating friction within the home and within the child. The fact that behavior is a bigger problem at home is a clue that there is something going on within that child. At least it is something to look at.

IMHO to know for sure you have to get past your child's exterior personality and into their heart and see and HEAR how they are feeling - do they feel loved at home, accepted for who they are, etc.? Because I was always smiling around the 'public' but inside I was really hurting. Most of my hurt came from my parent's (especially my Mom's and my siblings) unapproval of ME! I didn't suit everyones expectations.

I also don't remember my mom hugging me or telling me she loved me - I remember her yelling at me and throwing things at me if she was really angry. She always expected behavior of me that I couldn't deliver at an early age, and she was generally disappointed that my areas of strength were not areas that interested her as a parent. I wasn't a 'naturally compliant child'. Those kinds of kids make ANY parent look good!!! I was the child that was very independent, very challenging - but not totally unable to be parented. I just needed my parents to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of 'ME' and to love me as I am (not how other children are such as 'perfect' siblings)!

As an adult I had a lot of problems in college at first, but eventually I learned that I had a problem with authority in general (helped along by my childhood rebellion) and I have really worked that out. I acted out this 'authority issue' in various ways such as not attending classes in college I didn't think were important, etc. Once again if it was a class that followed a syllabus closely I could get away with doing my own thing and pulling it out at the last minute. Always trying to outsmart the system. FINALLY I learned that it was much easier to attend the classes (to follow the system the way it is intended) but I have to write notes to keep my attention or my mind will wander. I had to learn all this on my own through a little bit of counseling as an adult and through trial and error because of my upbringing where there was only ONE acceptable way to do things, and this way didn't allow for my mild, undiagnosed ADD. By the way, I did eventually grow up and move away and then I was more successful in life, obtaining a Master's Level education. I own two successful businesses, but I had to overcome a lot because of my undiagnosed condition and my home life.

One thing that was interesting is all the extra attention teacher's gave me. I appeared to be the happiest girl in the school - bubbly and smiling. But I was really sad inside because I didn't feel my parent loved me as-is. It seemed she always wanted me to be less trouble than I was. I think she missed out on the true gifts of who I am simply because she didn't appreciate my positive traits. I am just different than most, and am incredibly successful because I am very brave and forthright. I was a special child, not a detriment to my family!

I don't know if any of this rings a bell but my advice is to love your child for who they are MORE and criticize who they are NOT - LESS. I think some of what you describe is a behavior problem for an untreated ADD kid that has some emotional issues as a result. JMHO.

I have two kids, both with AD/HD (one inattentive, one combined). The oldest you'd never guessed he had it, unless you went down that list, but he was the best kid in class, etc. And got pretty good grades too. One of his teachers thought him a genius and had him program all her calculators (in Calculus).

The other one, well.........hmmm.......yeah, I did say he had the "H" in there didn't I? He's the extreme opposite. With rage and all thrown in (courtesy of bipolar disorder). And did I tell you both my husband and I have AD/HD also? My hubby has the inattentive with me having the combined.

So our household (when our oldest was still home) was not always the best place to be. But go out in public? Or visit the teachers and talk about their behavior in school? I'd look around and wonder who took my kids and substituted these lookalikes in their place!
Since posting my original message in December, my son was indeed diagnosed with ADHD - he has the predominately innattentive type. His psychiatrist - who has much familiarity with ADHD and has been in practice over 25 years stated that most of the time when rage and extreme frustration are involved in children the diagnosis is ADHD (unless it is something worse i.e. tumors, bipolar, etc).

[QUOTE=i_am_pauls_mom]IF my son behaved well in school I'd probably let him 'run the house'. (not literally) But I think that we all have something to be 'thankful' for and yours of course is that he does well in school....Do you reward him for being so well behaved in school? Sounds like he has 'home' issues that make him angry and upset...not school issues. If only my son would behave in school I'd be delighted to 'reward' him!![/QUOTE]

Yeah, it is good that we don't have school problems. Sometimes the "home issues" are just waking up in the morning, being asked to do something (like put away his coat), or for no apparent reason blurting out something rude to a sibbling or one of us parents.

Yep, my son is 7 and ADHD, I am 35 and ADHD. We are both gifted, but I opted to not pursue a "gifted" program as a child since I am Inattentive/Impulsive and had the high honor of "daydreamer" from most teachers. My son is the same, but a stellar student and his teachers all claim that he is the best behaved when they can catch his attention. LOL

Deep empathy and a strong need for justice is common among ADHD people, so good behavior is not a surprise.

BTW, any tips for helping my son to remember his homework. I have tried checklists and even going to his class to ask if he has everything, only to find out that he did in fact leave it in his desk.