Whats Your Opinion On The Add/adhd Diagnosis In Grade Schoolers?
My 10 year old is showing all the classic symptoms according to her teachers and misc other websites, but i’m old school. Born in the 70’s I was taught that if a child misbehaves often, they just need more/better parenting (with my parents it was “hand to butt talks”). Im struggling with taking her to the Dr for her problems for fear of a diagnosis that; one will follow her forever and two, may be wrong. So do I bite the bullet, trust the Dr, and give her the magic pill or do something else?
Some history- My daughter at 10 is very bright and artistic. She has a very caring nature, and tries to please my wife and I, but does very bad in school (grades). She is very forgetful and looses everything and extremely fidgety.
I would make sure it’s ADHD. My child was misdiagnosed with ADHD. I wonder why the medication was not working. It turns out I was right and my daughter had sensory dysfunction disorder with asperger’s. my cousin also has both too and I never knew. I was reading that many kids are being misdiagnosed with ADHD.
I recently gave in and brought my 7 year old son to the doctors about his terrible school work and lack of attention in school, and his hyperness and fidgeting. I was TOTALLY against even the thought of giving him medication. They had his teacher and myslef fill out evaluation forms regarding different things my son does or does not do in school and at home. As I was filling out these forms and “evaluating” my sons actions and behaviors I realized that I was EXACTLY the same way. Hyper, energetic, easily distracted, forgetful, not interested in doing my school work or paying attention. Thats when I broke down into tears and thought, “I don’t want my son to have to struggle like I did. If my mother was able to get help, medication, for me when I was younger maybe I would’ve been able to reach my potential in school and not get Ds and Fs.” I didn’t get these grades because I was uninteligent or couldn’t comprehend what I was learning, as a matter of fact the teachers always told my mom how smart I was I just wouldn’t apply myself or pay attention or concentrate on my school work, but I just couldn’t calm my mind down which kept my mouth going, which kept my body going which interfered with every aspect of my life. Knowing how I felt when I was a child and knowing that they now have medication to control that I couldn’t NOT give my son the chance. He’s been taking Adderall for about 2 months now and he has improved SOOO much. I had his Parent Teacher conference last night and he is above average in ALL subjects in school. Which we knew he could! It can’t hurt to talk to the doctor, if he/she thinks it’s right and you want to have your daugher go on the medication then go for it. If he/she doesn’t think it’s right for your child they will tell you. Not to be rude but, it’s not the 70’s, as much as they all need a good hand-to-butt every once in awhile, mecical technology has come extremly far and with ADHD they can’t help how they are, it’s a chemical imbalance and there is help. Check out http://www.adderallxr.com and read about the side effects and the pros and cons, you can also do an evaluation right on the site that will tell you if it might be something your daughter needs. I hope this helps. I wish I had someone to go to when I had questions and concerns and didn’t wait so long to go to the doctors with my son! Good Luck! =)
you know the teavher is the best judge, and if she feels that your daughter has it, she probably does, you should have her evaluated. also with adhd there are three types, i only remember two of them because thats what my daughter has, impulsive, and hyperactive. usually thet only want them to be on meds if it is effecting them at school.
Im a parent of a daughter who has ADHD.. she is all of the above you mentioned bout yours. only difference is that she is able to sit still now .. she is taking Strattera and has been on it since she was in the 1st grade. Let me just mention this. I was told by the doc when I was scared bout all this in the beginning.. That a child with ADHD … sees things in fast forward, it is like you driving threw a pouring down rainstorm and you know how it is .. this is thier life without the meds.. everything is fast forward.. he did suggest putting her in sports.. fast paced ones.. She has been playing soccer now since she was 4 and excells at it.. fast paced..so don’t worry bout the label.. But when and if it is decided.. YOU need to make sure to get a GOOD Iep for her in school.. to protect her and get her any extra help she may need.. I belong to a good adhd add yahoo group.. you should join it and see what other parents like me have to offer you. hope this helps..
Have you read anything that links adhd to diet? My son was diagnosed with adhd in 2nd grade and put on ritlin. He was creative, outgoing before and withdrawn and quiet afterward, of course this made him easier to deal with in the classroom I do not think medication is the answer to this problem. If my son had been stimulated more in class and allowed to be creative he would not have had the problems with school that he had later. I am not convinced that medication makes up for unmotivated teachers who just want everyone to be the same with no challenges. Please look at every alternative before medication, Sugar and nutra sweet are ofter the cause and perhaps your child just needs a different type of classroom. Don’t give up or give in, I will never again jump to give a child a drug when a little extra attention would do the same.
people are always saying “Don’t drug the kid!” but w/o meds my son does crazy, dangerous things. this is a symptom of adhd. your brain lacks the chemical pause between thought and action. with meds, he thinks a bit before he acts. this is critical for an active child just getting out in the world. but adhd is more than being unable to concentrate. teachers are using this as a means of controlling class clowns and other children who are to handle.
Don’t know about your child but my friends love taking Adderall, great drug!!
I seriously do not agree with druging childern for behavior, it is similiar to giving you kid a joint to calm him/her down, no matter if a doctor prescribes it or not.
Oh btw giving your kid adhd drugs is like raising a zombie… DRUGING CHILDREN IS BAD!!!
I used to be against medicating (and the very idea of ADHD) just like you until I actually saw how well medicating children works. I teach 3rd grade. If a child does NOT have ADHD, the medicine won’t work. Girls are often under-diagnosed because they don’t display the symptoms the same way boys do. It’s a good thing that it’s been caught early enough to do something about it for your daughter. My recommendation is to give the medicine a shot. It may take a while for her to adjust and to get the dosage right, but if she really does have it, you’ll see positive results. She’ll eventually learn how to help herself and will stop needing the medicine when she gets older. The medicine will activate the parts of her brain that will help her focus, and she’ll be happier for it. Best wishes!
I think a trip to her Medical Doctor is a good idea but not to a pyschiatris, or counselor. With out a doubt antidepressents are over used and who knows what the long term affect will be? My 10 year old was the same way, then again she seem to grow out of it, now she is 12 and a very bright child. I am with you about being born in the 70’s, also getting the hand to butt talks. I just think you should spend more time with her on developmental excersizes at home and take her to her normal doctor. Her normal MD will be able to tell if she has something abnormal neurologicaly and can recommend a specialist if it comes to that. But I think kids are kids and some develop faster than others, the ones that are slower just need a caring push in the right direction.
parenting can have something to do with it, but not everything. even if you did try to raise her more strictly, you are not going to be with her in school to make sure that her behavior is still on track. there are just some kids that need the medicine. i have a few in my class that absolutely cannot be handled if the do not have their medication. it’s nuts! i say that if her grades are really that bad, have her tested and try the medication. if that doesn’t work, then you know it’s something else.
I think its over diagnosed……..too many people want a pill to fix everything and not have to parent their child. I also think its because of what most kids eat, too………..sugar, junk food, not enough fruit, veggies, and such.
Im old school like you, hand to butt talks.
Change her diet, keep her active (no tv, video games,etc), and keep communications open. Try that before giving her a pill.
My husband was diagnosed in the 70’s as ADHD and placed on Ritalin. He was pulled off that when he was in grade 1 as he became suicidal.
As a teen he developed rages. As an adult he tried Wellbutrin (anti-deppresant used to quit smoking) and began having extreme and rapid changes from calm/sweet to anger/aggression. He is now going through the process of diagnosis all over again and having to change much in his life.
About 1/3 of children diagnosed with ADHD are actually BIPOLAR. Try googling ADHD and BIPOLAR. Much research has been done on this.
As we look around at other adults and the prevalance of mental health issues we have to know that signs are there early on. Children arent born 100% perfect. They get many of the same problems adults do.
If you can offer your child additional help at this point to help her better succed in life, does it really matter what the label is?
If she is struggling in school take more time to work with her on homework. Work with the teachers. Get a tutor if you can afford. Share the world with her in ways that she can learn (hands on? then go do “field trips” instead of reading about it).
I think too many children are cooped inside and are bound to get inattentive or hyper as they need physical outlets.
A really good book on managing ADD/ADHD naturally is “Scattered Minds” by Dr. Gabour Mate although I disagree with views that mother-bonding issue is the cause.
My son, who is 6, was just tested for ADD/ADHD (simple questionare I did as well as his teachers did) and the teachers were suggesting medication before he was even tested. The test came back as showing cognitve problems (he had 4 seizures as a baby)and not ADD or ADHD or other disorders.
He has additional support now and I dont really care what the label is- I focus on improving his weaknesses and reward him for his strenghts.
On the other hand, my 9 year old daughter is so loved by her teachers but she is showing signs much like her father. No suspected ADD or ADHD but rapid cycling emotions. I worry about this more as its harder to get the help needed.
Make you daughters life easier and giver her tool to organize her life. Now and forever. Good luck.
I would get an evaluation. Yes medication is sometimes over used but it also helps when it is needed. Many children suffer from ADHD and need the medication and are so thankful when they finally feel good. If it will help your child, it is worth it. Going in and getting the evaluation is just the start after you talk with a Dr. and get results then make your decision. Many times there are other options and the Dr. can give you support and help you make the choice that is right for your daughter and your family.
Don’t put this off. Children are sensitive and a 10 year old is at a tough age. If you can help her to do better in school you should be open minded and willing to do whatever it takes. Also getting the evaluation will pacify the teachers and hopefully get them off your back and your daughters.
I know how you feel I think I cried when I was told the news and for a long time fought with the school and doctors but once I tried the meds his grades were outstanding he was more confident when he went to school he could tell me what happened at school it made him a whole new kid that I liked a lot better it really made us a lot closer so don’t fret try it and if you have any bad feeling when you try it then talk to your Dr it will be OK.
Good Grief I think our society has forgot that kids are supposed to be kids.
SO what if she wants to play and forgets stuff. I bet her brain will mature with time and she will be just fine.
So many people feel that pills fix everything.. just not true.
Here is a link for ADD ADHDhttp://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/t10100…
My 6 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 4. He was diagnosed by a panel of 5 doctors (Canada). I have not had to give him any of the medications that are suggested. What we do at home is have a very structured and consistent routine at home. Always leave a bit of extra time for those days that he tends to take his time. I run a very strict household for the sake of my son. I also do alot of one-on-one with him at home in regards to academics. He is currently advanced in his class academically. Most kids that have ADD/ADHD are very intelligent children, they just don’t know how to slow themselves down in order to concentrate. As parents we need to teach them those skills.
I suggest that you have your daughter to have her hearing, and her eye sight checked just to eliminate these hurdles that may or may not exist. Children with ADD/ADHD tend to having a learning disorder as well ie. dyslixa. Have her tested for that also. A drug cannot fix that. Secondly, look into behaviour management classes for your daughter, but also for yourself. Reasearch and investagate for yourself before you give her the “magic” drug. I can honestly say that I have never had to give my son any type of medication for ADHD. Even with the school pressuring me, I continued with my stand on the issue. It can be done. It takes a lot of hard work, understanding and commitment. Bottomline, your daughter needs to learn the required skills in order to succeed in her education. As for the forgetfullness, you can help her with this. Pack her school bag the night before, give the teacher an agenda book to write down her homework and place it in her bag. You would be very surprised how helpful teachers can be if they see that you are taking a very pro-active rule in your childs’ learning/education. Talk to the teacher. Ask for suggestions for help at home. Ask the school for special classes for children with special needs. Get a tutor, anything. Your child is at an age that her self-esteem and self-confidence can be seriously affected, and it may scar her for life. Trust me I know….I also have ADHD. Which is why I am doing anything and everything for my son.