You just described me at that age. It got harder and harder for me as I got through high school and then college. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 31. I was always told that I was spacey, forgetful, lacked willpower and motivation, and just needed to try harder. That took a serious toll on my self esteem over the years.
Trust your instincts. You know your kid better than anyone else. If getting treatment now will help her a) understand her situation, b) succeed in school, and c) develop a healthy sense of self...I say go for it.
Hi. I'm new here. I have an 11yo daughter who just started 6th grade. She has a late birthday, so she just turned 11 and is the youngest in her class. I've suspected she has ADD(inattentive) for several years. Last year i spoke to our pediatrician, but he felt since her grades were good, it didn't matter if she had it or not. I was worried because I knew middle school would be a lot harder. She now has 6 teachers instead of one, more responsibility, etc. Her older brother has ADD (but he also has Asperger's Syndrome, severe written language disability, and epilepsy). Things really got bad for him in middle school. She is doing exactly the same things he did. Forgets to turn things in, forgets assignments, has no idea what is going on or what the assignment is about, brings wrong books, loses everything, etc. Last year the pediatrician suggested we hold her back a year since she is so young. Even though she was passing, he felt it was probably immaturity. We chose not to do that. My husband says there is nothing wrong with her, that she just doesn't care. (He said same thing about oldest until he was diagnosed.) I feel confident she does not have Asperger's.
We have an appt this Thur with pediatrician. She has a 50 average in language arts because she has so many zeros. My husband, daughter and myself will be meeting with the Dr. I just have that gut feeling mother's get that she HAS ADD. How do I get anyone to listen to me? Has anyone else had this problem and what did you do? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
My suggestion is TRUST YOUR GUT! If your pediatrician doesn't listen to you then go to someone else! A specialist may be better anyway. If your doc thought that just because she gets good grades everything is just great then he doesn't have a clue about ADD/ADHD! If you request it, the doctor should at least do the evaluations. If he says no then go somewhere else! Good luck! Thanks so much. Started daughter on Vyvanse and she is doing great!!! Doing great in school and much more pleasant to be around. She is not forgetting everything anymore!