My step daughter is in the 4th grade. Her teachers requested a conference to tell us she is not doing well in school. She's almost failing! They say she's constantly figiting with something and can't stay seated. They also say it takes her twice as long to finish tests etc. as the other students. She is below the level she needs to be in reading and the highest grade she has now is a C in math. I've been reading on ADD and ADHD and it dosnt really sound like her. She seems fine at home. Although it takes her FOREVER to complete homework, even with help. We are meeting with a counselor outside of school that she has seen prior to deal with some family issues (that's a whole other topic) and are in touch with her pediatrician.
Anyone ever deal with this or something like it?
My son is 10 and he does have ADHD. we found this out when he was 4, just in the last 2 years did we finally find the right meds for him, he's on concerta and is doing much better in school & at home.. I didn't want to put my son on meds either, it was the last resort and has proven to be the best.. just keep in mind that every child is different.. best of luck to you & God Bless....if I can be of any help feel free to email me..take care
Your step-daughter sounds exactly like my daughter. She was diagnosed with ADHD back in March. I recommend to go ahead and get her tested. Even if she doesn't have ADHD it is better to know for sure. My daughter did behave very well at home and was completely out of control at school last year. Testing can also help identify other issues your step-daughter may be having such as depression. I was her age when my parents divorced and I was in therapy also. She could be acting out due to anger or depression over the seperation or having a new parent. Having her see a counselor is a very positive step.
Best Wishes,
Manda
Talk with her doctor about your concerns. My son had similar issues when he started first grade. His teacher recommended speaking with his doctor. He was assessed by several teachers, his counselor, and us. He did have ADHD and after treatment he has had a lot of success this year at school. I am very thankful to his teacher for recognizing a problem although at the time I felt really ticked off since he didn't have problems the previous year. Let me know what the doctor has to say.
This sounds like my 1st grader. My pediatrician said that he sees this problem often and that teachers seem to be very eager to label kids add or adhd and get them put on medication. He said that my son is a very active boy which now probably would be labeled as hyperactive but used to be considered "all boy"...in other words, he's a kid and sometimes kids don't want to sit and listen to a teacher for 40 minutes. Anyway, he did suggest changing the diet to eliminate or at least cut back on sugars and white flour and things like that and to include more fish and vegetables. I would definately try that before labeling any child as a problem. On the bright side, when my 18 year old was in 2nd grade, his teacher decided he was add and wanted him on ritalin...after finding out that 11 out of 25 kids in her class were medicated, I had him put into another classroom. In 5th grade his teacher said that he was immature and probably started school too early so he held him back a year. My son is graduating next year and is an honor student
Hi C.,
My son has ADD. he was 10 when we had him tested. He also had alot of trouble keeping on track in school. Not alot of attention span. And absolutely no comprehention when he had to read a book. We had him tested by a physologist and he told us he had ADD. The doctor put him on Adderall. The teachers saw an immediate differance in him at school. He gets all B's and an occational C. Good Luck in what you do. No parent wants to put their child on meds., but if you want to help her and the doctor suggests it, I wouldn't hesitate.
