Aaargh! | ADHD Information
I just came back from a visit with the comprehensive team at our children's psychiatric hospital. Yikes. My 7 year old daughter was assessed privately (i.e. not through the public system) by a psychologist and the experience was fine. The psychologist referred me to the children's team to get advice on both meds and behavioural therapy all at one spot because she had severe side effects from Concerta.
This time, there was no testing (they said they don't do that) but only a meeting to discuss her issues. After a number of questions that are clearly innappropriate to answer in front of a seven year old (history of suicide in the family, my daughter's specific issues, etc.), they finally got her to go out so I could answer the background questions without her there.
Anyway, although she has a clear diagnosis of adhd with a processing speed in the 3rd percentile, they made me feel like I was wasting their time as she has also scored in the very superior intelligence range. The talk was like: "you want to see what we get in here.....", meaning, "your daughter has it good compared to the dregs society throws at us to deal with". She is intelligent enough to get by....
Maybe I'm overreacting but is it so wrong to try and find answers for my daughter who is clearly struggling with schoolwork and attention?
I do not know if it is the same terminology. I would call your special education department and discuss it.
Here we put in writing the request for an evaluation. Then we either send certified mail or hand it directly to the department. They have 30 business ( school ) days to complete the evaluation. We mark the calendar also!
Call your school and ask!!
This is also a great website, they may be able to help with questions in your country -
this too, http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/
But remember this is based on US info. Not sure of how Canada does things.
BETHANN40198.5008796296If she is having trouble in school with an above average IQ then of course
you are looking for answers/help. I would look else where.
That is so odd. Where you in the pediatric neuropsychology department?
We were at our children's hopsital for HOURS while they were testing him. Then we waited several months for the evaluation and we were then called up to come in and discuss them.
They did ask us to fill out paperwork with all the usual questions, but that had nothing to do with the time they spent alone with our son.
I would definetly go somewhere else. I might even complain. That is just really odd. 
If your daughter is above average but not performing at school at the level that she should be, then you want answers.
Have you had the school evaluate her for learning disabilites? Gifted children can also have learning disabilties.
My daughter was just diagnosed, mild but also not getting the grades she is capable. She is now being tutored by the school every morning before school begins. It is helping.
The processing slow speed is common with unmedicated adhd.
What was the context of these comments? Were they trying to make you feel better? Many adhd kids with high intelligence literally can get by through about 3rd grade unmedicated. Then they hit the wall. Was this what they meant? Also, were these residents or student doctors? If not, was this a mental health team dealing frequently with ADHD children?It was a mental health team that deals with ADHD. They were steering away from medication entirely. I didn't get the sense it was a "wait and see" approach. I've decided that I am going to (for the moment) work with her teacher to try and figure out what works best for her learning style. However, if her teacher tells me that it is not helping, I'm am going to have to get more advice. I'm just not sure where to get it.
I would start the process through the school. Has her school evaluated her to see if she qualifies for a IEP or 504 plan?
I will pursue the school option. I am in Canada so the terminology is a little different but I do think they offer the same sorts of individual programs. Any idea of what such a program would look like?Yikes! If you have any other choices I WOULDN'T go back to them! And NO it isn't wrong to try to find answers for you daughter! It's the responsible thing to do! There are way too many doctor's out there to put up with being treated like that! Shame on them! 