Troubles with 7 Year Old Child Diagnosed ADHD

I have a 4 1/2 year old with that same problem. It actually took me TELLING the teachers what to do. You need to have a sit down with the teachers and possible special ed instructor and explain to them your concerns with the school deeming him as illiterate and math incompetant. I have my daugther in an early intervention program. Have you begun to medicate your son? If so then you should explain to the school that it could take as long as 6 months for the medication to take effect. Im sorry you are going through all of this especially with all the heartbreak you have had to endure. I myself have lost a child not to sids but to being hit in a caraccident and having a stillborn. Don't let the school bully. They are there to educate your child. Remember without your child, they wouldn't be there. Try to come to some sort of agreement with them. Hope this Helps!

H.

My prayers are with you during this difficult time. When my son was in first grade his teacher suggested I get him tested for ADHD. The year previously was a rough one for us due to a messy divorce between his Dad and I after 9 years of marriage. To say the least I was very open with the teacher and the school about was going on and how my son was being affected. Per the Teacher, Nurse, and the Counselor, I was told that he showed tell tale signs of ADHD and that I should go see his Dr and get diagnosed. So I took him to the Dr's and filled out a bunch of paper work and also had the teacher fill out portions of the paperwork also. Surprise! After analyzing the paperwork, it came back that he had ADHD. Mean while the focus from the teachers and counselor during this time was just on his behavior. He was put on Concerta a time released medication that in the beginning seemed to work but after a month or two he continued to exibit the same problems as before being put on meds. So we must have changed meds at least 6 different times over the next 3 years. The Dr questioned why the meds would only work for a couple of months at a time and with a child with ADHD they should work. To make a long story short at the time he was diagnosed yes he exibited all the signs of a child with ADHD but trough trial and error we found that it was the stress of the divorce that was the problem and with counseling not affiliated with the school I took him off the meds in 4th grade and now have had no problems with him at all. He is now in 7th grade. I must say that in my opinion I felt as though I was railroaded into the situation and I had to learn the hard way. I also believe that if I would have followed my gut and did what I felt was right without input from the school I would have saved alot of stress not only for my son but myself. There is nothing worse than feeling like you are not a good mom. Please go to your r and have her do all the tests that need to be done and get counseling for him children are very complicated and do not understand things the same way we do so he might just be stressed out due to the loss of his sibling and the hurt you are feeling. They are very receptive to that. I wish you my best and hope you and your family are able to get through this time of need. Take care and congrats on the new pending arrival.

I'm sorry to hear about your families trials & tribulations. My sincere condolences go out to you and yours.

It sounds to me like your son is overwhelmed with all that has taken place & is perhaps lashing out more than normal and/or losing himself at school as a result. If you know he can do the work then that must mean he's just not doing it while he's away from home - for whatever reason.

I have a brother, a cousin, & an adult aunt with ADD and another brother with ADHD. I know that that when they are medicated life is easier for them to deal with & they actually excel in the areas they normally are too distracted to focus on. I would not suggest such drugs for people who do not genuinely have ADD or ADHD as they can be very dangerous for those who don't need them - as with any other unnecessary drugs.

My suggestion would be to get him a Pediatrician here in NM if he doesn't already have one. Work with his Pediatrician to find a solution to the scholastic problems. There are many conselors & programs that the Pediatrician can refer you to. If you don't feel comfortable with the ADHD diagnoses get a second opinion; all too often it's an easy diagnoses given to those who are difficult to deal with when they don't really have it. Knowing for sure will make a difference.

Please keep us updated.

I am so sorry to hear of your troubles. Have you asked the teacher and/or counselor if he has had any specific incidents at school that he may be coping with? Sometimes kids just act out when they don't know how to deal with a problem like bullying or difficult teachers. If he does his homework and behaves well at home, but not school, there's definitely a problem. I would absolutely get a second opinion. Trust your intuition and hang in there!

My deepest sympathys for you. I have a daughter who is now 7 years who as ADD. It is mostly a inherated problem. She got it from her Father. Your best bet at this moment in tiime given all that your family as gone though is to first seek cousling for your son. The old wise tell that kids bounce back is an understatment. If with 6 months cousling is not help, or doing the same time talk to you doctor about ADHD testing. My daughter as been through alot of tormoil for a child, lost of a brother, (not in the smae way as your son.) loss of several family members due to death, and haveing her whole world turned inside out. She is in cousling with a wonderful women, if you want you want her number contacat me and I will give it to you.

Peace and love be with you
C.