Advice on 3 1/2 Yr Old Misbehaving in School

I'm so happy to see that you are getting him evaluated at your ISD. If they can't help you, I bet they can steer you in the right direction!! My older son has problems, but didn't qualify for the ISD program. We have been getting him therapy through Our Children's House Baylor. Therapy has done wonders for him.

I wish I could help you with a school. I know there are some around that specialize in "special needs" children, but I'm not sure were they are. Try the Dallas Child magazine and other local parent resourses. I bet if you call around someone can get your there.

Good luck to you, and if I come accross anything I'll let you know.

I agree with Adrienne about labeling. I read both of those books before I had my son, and I am thinking I too need a reread. They were good. Dr. Dobson does advocate spanking in a non-reactive way, which doesn't hit a chord right with me, but there are days.... No, but as a former teacher, I would say to avoid the testing until your son reaches the age of formal school (don't know if you're starting him in K or PreK at your school). They will be the quickest to let you know there's a major problem. However, they are not allowed to tell you your child has ADHD or even suggest testing (every district has different policies as to exactly what the employees can say). But you'll know. I like Adrienne's Karate idea too. Does he respond well to consequences? If not, that's really hard. Best of luck.
R.

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble. It would be very difficult to deal with knowing your boy is capable of love or gentleness but has a hard showing it. Maybe you can find a church in your area that will be willing to help. They may already have child care and may be able to give him one on one. Call some other day cares in your area and tell them your issue first, if they can't help maybe they know someone or place who can.

Hope things work out for you and your boy,
T. Lee

Here are some on-line resources of about ADHD. I was thinking that knowing some of these before his testing my help aid in understanding what ever they come up with.

ADHD
http://add.about.com/cs/adhdinpreschool/a/earlyindicators...
http://www.playattention.com/
http://aacap.org/page.ww?section=Glossary+of+Symptoms+and...
http://aacap.org/page.ww?section=Facts+for+Families&n...

It sounds like your son is bahaving a lot like my son did in Kindergarten last year. We were not asked to leave the school, but he did kick several of the teachers there and was sent to the principals' office several times during the school year for acting much as you described.

My pediatrician was against having my son tested for ADHD at such an early age because he did not want that label to follow him throughout school, so he offered some alternative suggestions.

First, he recommended that I read "The Strong Willed Child" and "Bringing Up Boys" both by Dobson. Secondly, he suggested that I enroll my son in strict, regimented Karate program.

I was skeptical, but I have to say that after incorporating some of the techniques in the books over the Summer, I really began to see a change in my sons' behavior. Additionally, the Karate program he is in really enforces courtesy, integrity, respect and self-control and my son really likes it.

We are about three weeks into the school year now and my son has not had a single incident. My fingers are still crossed, but it seems like we are off to a good year...

Hope this helps you. Good luck and please wish me the same!