Need Feedback on ADHD diagnosis for teen | ADHD Information

My daughter also has inattentive-type ADHD. Although my daughter was diagnosed at age 5, I think it is very common for this type of ADHD to be overlooked and missed until the teen years. These kids generally aren't bouncing off the walls and driving everyone crazy; they're just sitting in the back of the room, spacing out, forgetting to turn stuff in, losing things and not doing as well as they could be. My niece was diagnosed in junior high.
What kind of testing did the psychologist do? I think ususally for ADHD they use a "connors scale" (not sure if that's the right name). Parents and teachers fill out  questionaires which are then reviewed by the doctor and the diagnosis is based on that (hopefully with a thorough physical, etc. to rule out other conditions).
I guess it would be possible for ADHD not to be picked up by testing depending on what type of testing was done and how well it was done.
I think the bottom line is, if your son is having difficulties in school (and life) because of ADHD symptoms, then hopefully the diagnosis will provide a better understanding of what's going on with your son and allow you and others to find ways to help him.
How is your son doing on meds?
You might also want to check into 504 plans and IEPs (like KJ mentioned). These can allow for accommodations at school that can help your son.
There's a ton of information out there, and unfortunately a lot of garbage too, but the more you learn and are informed, the more you can help your son.
Good luck and let us know how things go.
My 16 yr. old son was recently "diagnosed" with ADHD-inattentive by his therapist. He had a learning evaluation done last year, but the psychologist indicated that no ADHD was found based on the testing - although he does have some fairly significant working memory and reading comprehension issues.

Although I have always heard of ADHD, my longtime assumption was that it was only hyperactivity based.  We have known since my son was 8 or 9 that he was spacey, didn't follow directions well, easily distracted, loses things often, makes careless mistakes, doesn't turn in homework, etc....that appear to be the hallmarks of ADHD (he also talks a lot) - but attributed that to his cute, absentminded personality over the years.

My question is...when my son's therapist suggested this diagnosis based on his work with my son - he has d since just started on meds to see if we notice any changes in his schoolwork and performing tasks...

Is it possible to have ADHD that is NOT picked up by testing?  As I have continued to do research on the topic and the symptoms of ADHD, I feel that they all describe my son.  Not just sometimes...all the time!

If you have any feedback on your experience or thoughts on this...it would be so much appreciated.  I have been so confused over a lot of this.

Thank you!

I'm running off to a meeting so I can't comment right now, but I did want to mention a book that I am currently reading that you might find interesting (my 13 yo DS has ADHD).  It is called Late, Lost and Unprepared.  A Parents Guide to Helping Childfren with Executive Functioning by J. Cooper-Kahn and L. Dietzel.  The working memory deficit as well as many other things are discussed.  My DS has a significant working memory problem.

ETA: Executive Functioning is a probelm for ADHD people and apparently you can have an EF deficit and not be ADHD.

Greyhoundmom0339897.6196180556Please?  Anyone else have any insight?

I'm not exactly sure what your question is...

Are you asking if it's possible that a Dr could be wrong?  Of course.

Which Dr are you questioning?  Seems like you are questioning the most recent, but that your own reading is confirming it...I'm confused.

If it's just a basic nagging feeling of uncertainty of how to proceed...my suggestion is pretty much the same as always...get a full neuro-psych evaluation.  The evaluation is QUITE comprehensive and will explore more than just ADHD.  At the end you should have a confirmed diag (or not) and a good list of recommendations (including if there are simply weaknesses to be concentrated on versus something that fits a Dx). 

With those recommendations you can go to the school and incorporate them into an IEP that will assist with his education. Plus there will likely be at home and parenting type recommendations as well.

The other thing I would recommend is a neuro evaluation.  I would ask about the qEEG (BEAM study)...this can confirm an ADHD diag, but may also indicate the need for treatment that may help in some of the areas you mentioned (if something shows).

If this does not address your question, could you try to restate it.  It seems from your note that even without the Dx that you all were/are managing well...is this not true?  Like a new 'label' wouldn't/shouldn't change your approach... So why start meds??? Do I understand that?

KJ