Information on ADD

From what I have heard ADD is WAY over-diagnosed here - especially for boys. In general, boys learn a lot differently then girls do and our schools are set up for the way girls learn. There is a growing movement to separate girls from boys in grade school and teach them separately - the boys in ways that are appropriate for boys - allowing a lot more movement and "hands on" kinds of things. Boys do so much better in that environment and don't get turned off to learning. Then they don't go through the whole ADD thing and have to talk those AWFUL drugs. My suggestion is that you see if you can find a school with that philosophy in your area - more geared towards boys (or at least geared to both girls and boys, not just girls and the way they learn). There's a really good book on this subject, called, "Minds of Boys" by Michael Gurian. God bless!

If your child's teacher thinks he should be tested, then the teacher is supposed to make the recommendation for testing to the school and the school would set up the testing. If your teacher doesn't know s/he is supposed to do this, don't mention it. If you really want your son tested because you think he has issues, then mention it to the school and they are required to follow-up with having an educational psychologist or other trained professional do the testing. But I agree with the other responses that many times teachers want a child to be diagnosed ADD so that they can get the kid out of the classroom instead or working with the child. That's why I say don't mention the school's requirement to them if you don't want him tested. I've spent several years as an advocate for children who need special education services or who don't need the ones they've been given (like an unnecessary ADD diagnoses and services). It has been my experience that the school's psychologist give the diagnoses that the school wants. Talk to your child's pediatrician and get a referral for the testing.

I also agree with the other responses that told you to go to the library and start reading up on the subject. Find the books that talk about alternative causes of ADD-like behavior. Things like diet, being bored in school, learning disorders, etc. can all cause kids to act up in school without it being ADD.

F., just a word to the wise, for a teacher to suggest that is insane, i would ask her where she got her phd from inorder to diagnose that...your child just may be active. the school system is so quick to place blame on a.d.d then to deal with an active child. i would talk to an actual doctor maybe their peds. hope everyhting goes well.

Talk to your pediatrician. There are also preliminary evaluations that can be done (surveying the parents/teachers, etc.) to determine whether or not further testing is warranted. Personally, I think a lot of teachers want children to be ADD when they're not. I also think a lot of female teachers are unprepared for the amount of energy boys have. Also, take into consideration your child's age. Is he older than 6? ADD should generally NOT be diagnosed before that age (if then). Maybe try an herbal such as ginkgo biloba if your son truly is having difficulty concentrating.

First and foremost, have you had any problems with your son? Not being able to sit still for longer than 30 seconds, jumping from topic to topic without waiting for an answer for the original question etc? My 7 1/2 year old son was diagnosed in kindergarten. Since then, he's repeated kindergarten, and I thought we were going to have to repeat first grade as well, until we moved up here from Georgia. My son has developmental delays, along with ADHD and its a chore to talk to him without getting frustrated. It's like 10 t.v.'s going in his head at once.
If you are having these issues at home, then the teacher may be having them at school too. On the other hand, the teacher may just be wanting to not have to deal with an active little boy. What I would do, if you are having problems, take him to the pediatrician, and they will send home surveys, one for you, one for your spouse, one for his teacher and one for like his grandparents or team coach. Afterwards, he'll take all the information and make a diagnosis from there. If you can find a doctor specializing in ADD/ADHD, then that is even better. We were lucky enough to find one in San Antonio, where we lived at the time!
If you don't think there is a problem, then don't worry, there is only a few weeks left in the school year and he'll be out of the teacher's care. You are the mom, you know your child better than anyone else. Good luck!

H.
Mom of 5, two diagnosed with ADHD. (so far)

go to his pediatrician. she will ask a few questions and get the information she needs to be able to determine if your child is ADD. once she does this, she will write a prescription (it may take a few times to get it right). remember, you will have to call the dr's office every month to get a new prescription and have to pick it up. it's a controlled substance so it cannot be called in.

good luck

Probably won't get very far with the school district.
I would suggest going to your Pediatrician and getting forms for family to fill out as well as teachers.
My 15 year old,after being tested in 3rd grade and again in 6th grade we finally determined what wa the prob. Luckily we had a wonderful Psychologist test him for learning diasbilites(with the school district) and nothing showed up.
ADD is considered a disability with the schools as long as its documented with a doctor.
Have been in your shoes!!!! Keep in mind there is no certain test to diagnos ADD..
Good luck

It looks like you have receieved a lot of helpful advice. I just wanted to let you know that my ten year old son has ADHD also. He was diagnosed when he was six years old. I have an ADHD blog that may help you. You're more than welcome to stop by... http://adhdguide.blogspot.com/. Best wishes to you and your child.

dont jump the gun, alot of kids who's teachers want them tested are just doing it becouse they dont know, or dont want to find a solution to a behavoir problem. talk to his doctor, and let him tell you what to look for and if there any non drug alternatives for his problems.

I homeschool my children so I have not had to deal with a teacher telling me this. I would be very cautious and do a LOT of research before submitting to tests and medications. I am not totally against either but I think that many boys get labeled for ADD when they are really just normal little boys who have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time. So do enough talking to others in this same situation, trying to find a variety of solutions so that you can feel comfortable with your final decision, whatever that may turn out to be. There are dietary changes (eliminating sugar and food colors are the most common) that can really help in a number of cases.

Hi F.,

It sounds like you are surprised by the teacher's suggestion of ADD? As a parent, I would do the following:
-ask the teacher for specific examples and reasons of why the teacher thinks your child be tested
-ask the teacher if he/she has tried any behavior modification techniques to keep your child's attention (ie: charts that break down your child's day into smaller parts and receives stickers, etc. for staying on task for "X" amt. of time. Has the teacher moved your child to a closer proximity to the teacher to keep attention?
-Has the teacher consulted the guidance department with her concern?
-You as a parent have a legal right to call a meeting with the teacher, guidance counselor or school psychologist and other team leaders to discuss other options for your child
-If you are looking to have your child tested, you can contact your pediatrician and they can recommend an independent group OR your school district can have the school psychologist perform some tests to see if this is a true diagnosis.

Unfortuately ADD is often misdiagnosed. I am all for medicine if it is impeding with your child's learning, but there are MANY ways to work on this first.

Best of luck to you!!!
L.

I agree with the previous response. I think the best place to start is with your child's pediatrician. The can do preliminary tests prior to any further testing, but be cautious. Nowadays, it seems that any child that acts up or doesn't want to focus on a task for one reason or another they immediately want to diagnose as ADD or ADHD. Make sure that the medications are warranted before agreeing to unnecessary treatments. Also, there are quite a few books out that you can check out at the public library to read that are quite informative. You might consider reading those first. You know your child better than anyone else. After that, if you think it's in your child's best interest, pursue it with the pediatrician. Best of luck to you and your child.

Does he attend a public school? If so, the teacher shouldn't have ever said that to you. Technically, now you could make the school district pay for his doctors visit. Are you seeing signs of ADD/ADHD at home? How old is your child. I would be glad to discuss this with you further if you would like. J.- school psychologist

How old is your son? What kinds of problems is he having?

As a school system employee I can tell you that teachers are not supposed to make suggestions like that to parents. It is inappropriate and unethical. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but I try to discourage teachers from making comments like that.

Forget going to the pediatrician. Make an appointment with the Duke Univ. Med Ctr's Dept. of Psychiatry / Attn. Deficit Disorder Program and get some real answers. I don't agree that the school year is almost over and you won't have to worry about the teacher- you have to worry about your son and his ability to focus and learn. Be proactive! My daughter was diagnosised with ADHD just after her 5th birthday and my son with ADD just before he turned 6. Having a diagnosis has allowed us the resources needed to help our children and has made a world of difference for each in them in the classroom setting and at home. Good luck.

Hi F.,

I've been through everything with ADD/ADHD with my son who is now 9 years old. I agree about the fact that meds are way over prescribed and this disorder is way over diagnosed. Not knowing what to do, I had my child tested and put him on meds per doctors advice. HUGE MISTAKE!! His personality completely changed as he went from bing completely happy to crying all the time and having fits of rage. In my opinion, I'd rather have my child be a C student at school than have him an emotional reck. After his crazy outbursts, I did more research on the meds and found out some alarming stats- risk of death etc. The lesson that I learned is to take control as a parent and DO NOT rely on teachers, doctors, etc. My son is doing well now, as I have adjusted his diet, I give him Multi-Vitamins as well as DHA (Fish Oil -Omegas for brain and nerve development) and minerals. He's pretty much completely ADD/ADHD free with no terrible meds and their side effects. Please try changing your childs diet before turning to drugs. It will really make you feel like a better parent and it's in your childs best interest.

Best of Luck,

J.