ADD or Adhd as I've seen it referred to

[Wenchy]

My 8 year old has been diagnosed with this. Any parent out there, (or someone who knows someone) who has gone through this I would appreciate hearing about:

1) How this news affected you
2) What you did about it
3) The outcome

TIA

 

[Toxick]

My 8 year old has been diagnosed with this. Any parent out there, (or someone who knows someone) who has gone through this I would appreciate hearing about:

1) How this news affected you
2) What you did about it
3) The outcome

TIA

My neice has it. The rough part was the trial and error part of trying to get her medication's dosage calibrated just right. It took a long time too, apparently their body has to adjust to the medicine, so you don't see results right away, and therefore it takes a good long while to figure out where it will land.

The outcome is actually very desirable. All behavior problems have vanished, as if by magic, grades have come up to a respectable level, and problems at home are much less frequent.

I hope things work out for you.

 

[KCM]

My son was diagnosed three years ago with ADHD with anixiety/depression tendencies. He is on a low range dose medication which really helps with the concentration issues. He also has what is called behaviour modifications that we use. This includes such things as helping to establish a time frame/limit in order to get tasks done. It makes him pace himself and he feels as though he is in control of himself this way. He is also involved in the 504 action plan at his school which helps him achieve the level he is to be at in school. He is very smart but has the hardest time initiating tasks or keeping up with the rest of the class. After inacting all the above, we have noticed a complete 180 from last year.

 

[mAlice]

First, who said he's ADD/ADhD? If it's the school, they may have their head up their azz because they can't keep him busy. If it's a doc, make sure YOU agree with him.

They tried to pull this crap on me when girl was in 3rd grade. Girl and I won. I knew she wasn't ADD because I had home schooled her before that and I've seen her concentrate when interested and watch tv for hours or play video games.

The teacher just wasn't challenging her.

I refused to medicate my child so the teacher could be a slacker.

 

[Suz]

My 8 year old has been diagnosed with this. Any parent out there, (or someone who knows someone) who has gone through this I would appreciate hearing about:

1) How this news affected you
2) What you did about it
3) The outcome

TIA

First they are two different things.
ADD= Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD=Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

My son was diagnosed at 7 with ADD. We did all the 'right' things. Went to counceling, medicated him, enrolled him in Leonard Hall (what a waste that was-time and money). Finally, about 3 years ago he refused to take any more of his meds (and we tried them all) cause they made him feel 'weird'. When he first started on some of them we would see a change, but then it was back to 'normal'. He's 17 now-did not graduate last year-dropped out-and has only within the last week decided to go back to school and graduate this year (whoo hoo!). Even with the drugs it was a fight to get him to complete anything if he didn't want to do it. When he was diagnosed, he also had a IQ test. He was off the charts. (most ADD kids are VERY INTELLIGENT)

Well my initial diagnosys still stands. He's just a lazy brilliant kid. When HE is ready to do something or wants to do something he will. And when he does it, he will exceed all expectations. I ride his a$$ constantly.

I don't know if any of this helps you. Bottom line is--You do what you feel is right for your child. Nobody else is going to. You know him/her best. And if you don't agree, see another doctor. BEST advice I can give is this--If it's the school saying this, they know their stuff-they have to take classes every year on this type of issue. BUT don't take their word alone. Get a second medical opinion.

 

[willie]

Please study the situation very hard. Do not rely on just one doctor for something as serious as this. Even with all the media cautions about behavior meds for children (and adults) these doctors continue to feed the problem with pills and some are downright dangerous. I wish there was some good solid advice I could give or guide you to but all I can offer is, study this hard.

 

[STL_RAMS]

My opinion -
I have adult ADD. I didnt start taking medicine til this year though. I tried Stratera, wellbutrin and now I take Aderall (sp?). I have noticed a positive improvement in my concentration and being able to focus on stuff. I have never had issues w/watching TV or playing Video game, but that is very common.
I probally had it growing up also. Once I got old enough I just stopped going to school becuase it was boring and I couldnt just sit there, but I at least would take all the tests so I still got pretty much straight A's.
My nephew is the poster child for ADHD. He has no issues sitting and reading a book (if he is interested in it) or playing the video game he want to play. Its getting him to concentrate and be able to do the thing he doesnt want to do. The little boy is a genius, but you could not get him to apply himself. My Aunt has tried many different behavioral techniques and different medications. Her son now takes Straterra (a non stimulant medication) and is in accelerated classes at his elementry school. It has made a significant improvement in his grades and just him being much more pleasant to be around
I think every child is different and you need to try many techniques before you will find the combination that works best with your child.

 

[mAlice]

First they are two different things.
ADD= Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD=Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

My son was diagnosed at 7 with ADD. We did all the 'right' things. Went to counceling, medicated him, enrolled him in Leonard Hall (what a waste that was-time and money). Finally, about 3 years ago he refused to take any more of his meds (and we tried them all) cause they made him feel 'weird'. When he first started on some of them we would see a change, but then it was back to 'normal'. He's 17 now-did not graduate last year-dropped out-and has only within the last week decided to go back to school and graduate this year (whoo hoo!). Even with the drugs it was a fight to get him to complete anything if he didn't want to do it. When he was diagnosed, he also had a IQ test. He was off the charts. (most ADD kids are VERY INTELLIGENT)

Well my initial diagnosys still stands. He's just a lazy brilliant kid. When HE is ready to do something or wants to do something he will. And when he does it, he will exceed all expectations. I ride his a$$ constantly.

I don't know if any of this helps you. Bottom line is--You do what you feel is right for your child. Nobody else is going to. You know him/her best. And if you don't agree, see another doctor. BEST advice I can give is this--If it's the school saying this, they know their stuff-they have to take classes every year on this type of issue. BUT don't take their word alone. Get a second medical opinion.

I disagree that the 'schools' know what they're talking about. ADD/ADDhD has become a tool for teachers to not have to deal with students. In our case, girl would finish all the work then get up and find a book to read. The teacher found this to be disruptive. After girl had read all the extra reading material in the class room, she started talking to other students when she finished her work. The teacher found this to be disruptive. Well, duh. Challenge her!

We had the big pow-wow around the conference table at the school and the final question was from the psychologist. She asked me if I felt girl was ADD, and why I felt that way. After telling everyone my take on it, the psychologist said that my child was not ADD and that the meeting was over.

Don't get me wrong, over all she was a good teacher. She just didn't want to go the extra mile to keep my child challenged. To this day, she and I have a lot of respect for each other.

 

[Sharon]

I disagree that the 'schools' know what they're talking about. ADD/ADDhD has become a tool for teachers to not have to deal with students.

Not only that, but they get more money $$$ for each kid on meds.

 

[KCM]

I agree with Sharon and Elaine. Make sure that you get a doctor(s) opinion on this not a teachers. My son does better with the behaviour modification than anything else. We built up his self esteem, worked with him on reaching his goal when starting a task and we sought the help of a counselor to work on his depression. The depression was from something totally unrelated to his school performance but effected him overall. His medication is a very low dose and he is actually ready to go on his own without it. My husband's nephew was placed on medication that has TOTALLY screwed him up. It is horrible to see what it did to him.

 

[mAlice]

Not only that, but they get more money $$$ for each kid on meds.

I didn't know this.

 

[KCM]

Not only that, but they get more money $$$ for each kid on meds.

They do? I had no idea.

 

[Tonio]

ADD/ADDhD has become a tool for teachers to not have to deal with students.

You may have a point. I think it's interesting that most kids diagnosed with ADD/ADHD are boys and most teachers are women. It's possible that those teachers never learned to deal with boys' personalities.

 

[mAlice]

You may have a point. I think it's interesting that most kids diagnosed with ADD/ADHD are boys and most teachers are women. It's possible that those teachers never learned to deal with boys' personalities.

I also think that a lot of teachers, and parents, just aren't thinking. These are kids. Kids have a lot of energy and they are disruptive. It's their nature to be disruptive. As an adult, you need to learn how to deal with it.

I think a good parent will know if their kid is ADD or not.

 

[Boudicca]

ADD and ADHD

My son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was six (he is now thirteen.) If your are unsure about the diagnoses get a second opinion from a doctor who specializes in children, not a GP. As with others who have responded to this thread, my son also has an above average IQ. There is an interesting book you may wish to read called, 'The Edison Gene', http://www.addconsults.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=378&SID The book sets forth the theory that ADHD as we know it is not a disorder, but a useful tool for survival.

I have also have many ups and downs with the St. Mary's school system. If you child is having trouble in school, now that he has a diagnoses he may quailfy for support services either under IDEA or 504. If so, it is important that you as a parent school yourself in the laws that are designed to help. A good website for information is: http://www.wrightslaw. com I agree that sometimes the schools simply don't want to put forth the extra effort it takes to engage a child who is challenging. I have experienced the entire gamut of positive and negative behaviors from the school system. The hardest part is often keeping your emotions in check so that you can advocate effectively. We all want what is best for a children and when we see that the school is slacking and putting roadblocks in our way, emotions can flair up.

St. Mary's schools have some wonderful, professional and caring teachers. But you also have those who dwell on the lower end of the caring scale. The schools do not get money for children who are on meds, but only if they are receiving special education services. Many ADHD children have no need for support services offered by the school. For those children that need the help I, for one, appreciate that the money is there for them. However, it can be like pulling teeth to get the school system to come off of that money to provide services. Be persistent and write lots of letters when dealing with the school. A paper trail is much better than phone calls.

Good luck and remember it is not the end of the world!

 

[Wenchy]

Thank you for all of the input, even though some of it scared the you know what out of me. My son's doctor told me in late August that my son exhibited several signs of ADD (I don't remember hearing the H in there, and never knew before that there was a difference.) His doctor is opposed to medicating and prefers behavior modification . He suggested that we see how my son does in school before taking any other steps. I received the dreaded phone call from my son's teacher last week. She's a great person and teacher and wants to work with us regardless of what we decide to do. Elaine, unlike your girl, my son waits until the last moment to complete an assignment in the classroom. He fidgets and talks, and then rushes to complete the work. I have noticed a major change in his behavior at home as well. He literally bounces off the walls, and if I ask him to do something (ie:close the blinds,) he will forget the task halfway through because something else has distracted him. His teacher is calling me today to let me know if there has been any improvement. Thanks again for all of the input and good wishes.

 

[STL_RAMS]

Thank you for all of the input, even though some of it scared the you know what out of me. My son's doctor told me in late August that my son exhibited several signs of ADD (I don't remember hearing the H in there, and never knew before that there was a difference.) His doctor is opposed to medicating and prefers behavior modification . He suggested that we see how my son does in school before taking any other steps. I received the dreaded phone call from my son's teacher last week. She's a great person and teacher and wants to work with us regardless of what we decide to do. Elaine, unlike your girl, my son waits until the last moment to complete an assignment in the classroom. He fidgets and talks, and then rushes to complete the work. I have noticed a major change in his behavior at home as well. He literally bounces off the walls, and if I ask him to do something (ie:close the blinds,) he will forget the task halfway through because something else has distracted him. His teacher is calling me today to let me know if there has been any improvement. Thanks again for all of the input and good wishes.

Wenchy,
Everything you explain here is what I had a problem with. I out off all my work all through school and never really though about it, but also got really good grades as long as I turned in the work. I am noe "hyperactive" anymore, but I used to be very fidgety.
I am 25 yrs old so I dont really know how to modify my behavior..... I made a decision to try taking medicine. I tried multiple different ones (3) and all helped with different things. I find the type/dose I am on now works well for me and I do not expereince any bad side effects. If you want to know anythign more about my personal experience (dealing with it now) just let me know.

 

[WhatNot]

I would agree with some of the others here that said a second opinion was in order. Even if you feel you doctor is the greates it's a good idea to ask a second opinion with something this serious. Hopefully medication is the last resort. Good luck Wenchy.

 

[KCM]

Wenchy, medication is not a cure all for ADD/ADHD. Keep that in mind when you do decide what route you will take. Behaviour modification and an action plan with the school makes a world of difference. As I stated before, my son is going through the same thing your child is. His was so severe that he would break down and cry in school and would not stop. He is now able to keep up with the class, he is not singled out because of his inabilities and is the happiest I have ever seen him. It is very frustrating at first trying to find the medium in all of this. You know your child the best - not some doctor or some teacher - you. Do what works well for the both of you. Be supportive and understanding. I wish you luck.

 

[Wenchy]

Wenchy, medication is not a cure all for ADD/ADHD. Keep that in mind when you do decide what route you will take. Behaviour modification and an action plan with the school makes a world of difference. As I stated before, my son is going through the same thing your child is. His was so severe that he would break down and cry in school and would not stop. He is now able to keep up with the class, he is not singled out because of his inabilities and is the happiest I have ever seen him. It is very frustrating at first trying to find the medium in all of this. You know your child the best - not some doctor or some teacher - you. Do what works well for the both of you. Be supportive and understanding. I wish you luck.

Thanks. My son has an appointment with a specialist Wednesday. After another consultation with his pediatrician, the doctor believes this is "combination disorder." I was given names and definitions, and my head was spinning. He told me my son needs to see a specialist, so here we go. I am only posting this personal information because it might help someone else, and I also have received so much support from everyone in this thread. Thanks again.