Help My 5 Year Old Daughter in Kindergarten Diagnosed with ADHD

The laws regarding issues like this are under 504 plan. Please consider though that your child has some other issues too since she's been seeing professionals for some time and she may qualify for an IEP instead.

Being in public school is better for resources when it comes to things like OT and a few other things. The school can often find funding to help with these services if they're done through the school system.

Something else the school should do is provide an aide or an extra aide in her classroom so the teacher can teach while the other person keeps your daughter safe and IN the room. There are many things the school is obligated to do under the laws.

So google 504 plan, IEP, and the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP.

Kate,

I don't seen anything in your post about medication. You're a nurse, and you've said you know this is a biochemical, neurological issue. Yet, you also see that these issues manifest themselves in behavioral ways, many of which are detrimental to her academic and social progress.

While some people with attention deficit disorders can manage without medications, others truly need them.

You said she was seen by the psychiatrist 2 weeks ago. What conversation did you have about medication then?

I realize these are powerful medications, and that some people do have negative side-effects, BUT these medications---when prescribed and monitored by the right professional in the right dosages---are more often helpful and just what such children (and adults) need.

We have two boys with attention deficit disorders, one is 20 and on medication since age 17. It has been very helpful for him. Our 9 year-old is currently not on medication, but we are revisiting that now.

Call your daughter's psychiatrist tomorrow morning to discuss your options.

Just a thought...our son was diagnosed with ADHD type symptoms but he had severe food allergies to corn and wheat! With all food modifications lots of people have sensitivities now. It's worth getting checked out.

Let me guess ... she seems normal when she's focused on something she likes? In fact, you would say she hyperfocuses on those activities? Very typical ADHD child.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. First, listen to the psychiatrist when he/she talks about medication. Medication is a key component to the treatment plan and I can't begin to tell you what a life-changing difference it made for our son. Second, talk to the psychologist now that you have a diagnosis about tips specifically for kids with ADHD. A skilled psychologist should be able to give you tips to manage daily life.

Don't waste your time finding "natural" solutions, because they don't exist for ADHD. We all wish there were vitamins and diet changes that solved this awful brain condition, but that just isn't the case. I've been reading up on everything about ADHD for 8+ years now and have seen no scientific proof of any natural approaches making a marked difference. When I was at CHADD's national conference a couple years ago, the researchers there said the treatment option with the best track record by far is medication combined with therapy. Listen carefully to what the psychiatrist has to say. Psychiatrists are experts at treating ADHD and you need that expertise right now.

Since our son started medication and behavioral therapy at four, he's gone from being the kid who was kicked out of preschool and had one friend to being the honor student in junior high with a group of friends. He has a 504 plan in place with accommodations at school, although his teachers say he's doing so well now, we may not need those accommodations.

As you get started in dealing with ADHD, join CHADD and subscribe to ADDitude magazine. Both will help you feel less alone in dealing with this condition and give you information about the latest research.

She is normal. Kids tantrum sometimes, and some cannot sit still. They are normal. Some kids don't transition well because they have such a capacity for being in the flow that they don't want to give it up.

I worry that you seem so sure there is something wrong with your child that you've been taking her to specialist her whole life. My mom did that to me, and guess what? I had no self-esteem and I felt unloved. Why? Because she didn't see me as normal.

Stop making a problem. Just love. That is all they need.

Homeschool her. She will thrive. Trust me on this one. I have a child that would be a nightmare in a school, but at home, without any pressure to learn, she is thriving! Taught herself to read fluently at 4, and now, at 6.5 reads and does math at a 3-4 grade level, and she loves reading science books.

Smart kids don't need busy work. They need to be trusted and given resources. They'll handle the rest.

Check out the Feingold diet.

If you haven't yet, I would write a letter to her teacher, the principal, and the school counselor that details her diagnosis and your hopes/goals for her this year. I would also look into services for her if you think that would be beneficial (an IEP).

I completely agree that dietary changes that eliminate food intolerances of allergies can alleviate ADHD symptoms dramatically.
You can try an elimination diet or blood test for food allergies, but removing artificial colors*, preservatives, and generally all junk food is a good place to start.
TV and other "screen time" (iPAD, computer) can also trigger ADHD symptoms, so removing that element completely could offer major benefit as well.

I will also add that just this week I am removing my daughter from Kindergarten to homeschool. That's likely not an option for you, but I wanted to tell you that she has had emotional issues we have never seen before now that she has begun kindergarten because of the rigorous schedule and environment, and we are pulling her out for her wellbeing. She was also in preschool for two years and did wonderfully the entire time. I've heard from so many other parents that "kindergarten is just a difficult year" but I wonder why no one has questioned why it is so difficult. I believe 5-years-old is too young for the scheduling and rule-following expected in kindergarten today, and that's a big reason "why".

Good luck to you and your daughter!

(*banned in the UK for causing hyperactivity and found in most kids candy, breakfast cereals, etc. in the US)