Talk to me about ADHD

So, many of you know the behavioral issues I've been encountering with my identical twins over the years. i'm wondering if I should at least get this evaluated. They will be in first grade in the fall. there kinder teacher never came out with concerns about this particular issue but did mention attention needing to be brought back to task frequently, some impulsivity, poor fine motors skills, frequent frustration when they can't "get" a task. I'm more concerned with the behaviors outside of school as this is what I live with. It seems like no matter how hard they seem to try they can't help themselves from getting into trouble. I can't seem to distinguish if they're just somewhat bratty kids or if there isn't something more going on (not meaning that all kids with ADHD are bratty...I don't intend it that way but can't think of another way to word it). they are impulsive, forgetful, can't sit still, loud, etc.

I had my nephew over the other day who is the same age as the twins and he is just so different. I referred to him as more "mature" but he seems like most other 6 year olds I meet. My boys are just off the wall. so, I guess I kind of want to know if this is just "how they are" or if there is something more going on. I just want to do what is best for them and right now it just seems like I'm doing (and what I've tried to do thus far) isn't helping.

 

If your thinking you might need an evaluation, then you probably should do it. I imagine that might be through the schools.

An evaluation can't hurt. It might give you some ideas or new tools to use.

Marissa

 

I agree...if any doubt is in your mind, get them evaluated. If mom realizes something may not be right, you are probably right. And as my friend said after her son got diagnosed "it had to be driving him crazy too to not be able to sit still and focus". She said she feared her son getting labeled as a troublemaker when it was indeed adhd and the label would follow him the longer she waited. I remember questioning Jacks first grade teacher during our first conference. She had said that he has trouble staying focused sometimes. I asked her if she thought it may be adhd, she said no that he was doing quite well in school and that typically (not always) but most of the time will be struggling in school because they just can't sit still enough to focus. Of course my friend's other son has adhd and has always excelled in school so thats not always the case either I guess.

Either way, I think I would feel better knowing that I had them evaluated to give them the best chance at school.

Good luck!

 

My son has severe ADHD and here were some signs for us:

1. Falling behind in school--teachers kept telling us that there was a problem and we ignored them. When we finally decided to listen, he was more than a grade level behind in both math and reading. Could not stay focus, bothered other children, etc.
2. Can't seem to remember things you tell them--to this day (he is 13 now) his memory is so short. I can tell him something a million times and he just can't seem to remember at all.
3. Lack of social skills - sometimes a big predictor of ADHD is just the inability to be at the same level socially with peers their own age. My son just does not relate to kids his own age, he tends to still play with those younger than him. He has a very hard time making friends at school.
4. Family members notice that there is a "problem"--when my family members began to speak up about my son's behavior is when we decided that we needed to act (wish we had listened to his teachers earlier)
5. Inappropriate reactions to events--big thing for us is he would just start uncontrollably laughing loudly at inappropriate times (again this goes back to the social aspect).

Now, mind you, my son has severe ADHD. No meds equal chaos for us and he plummeted in school. As pp's said, if you are in doubt have him evaluated. But please go to a child psychiatrist, not just a pediatrician. It wasn't until we started seeing the child psychiatrist that he was finally put on the right medication and now he is excelling in school with no behavioral problems whatsoever.

 

I am not sure if it varies from district to district, or state to state, but I am sure you can start with a simple eval at the school. The school psych will give the teacher and you a checklist to fill out. Then they can compare results and indicate whether there is a likelihood of ADD or ADHD. It is a really fast and simple process. You can then take those results to a child psych or your pediatrician and work from there.

I know that these boys, from the time they were little, have given you a run for your money! I hope you get some help and answers!