Fatherandson,

Although some of the symptoms you describe would fit with the inattentive type of ADD, it sounds as if there is something else going on. There could be a learning disability (has nothing to do with intelligence) or a type of developmental disorder instead of, or in addition to ADD. I would take him to see his pediatrician and tell him all of the things you mentioned and he may be able to diagnose the problem or problems, or point you in the direction of a specialist who can, such as a psychologist who deals with learning disabilities or developmental disorders. Asperger's syndrome can resemble ADD and could be another possibility. But you definitely need a professional to make sure you get the correct diagnosis. Don't rely on the school to figure out what is going on. Once you find out what your son has, you may be able to get special accommodations or assistance through the school with an IEP or 504 plan, for areas that your son struggles in. But having your son evaluated by a doctor and/or other professional is the first step. I wish you the best in getting the right kind of help for your son.

Elaine

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It really feels good to hear opinions and responses from other parents. We need to take the first step and see his doctor. Unfortunatley, my son is terrified of needles and his doctor requires blood work done monthly. But if this is the bridge we must cross, then so be it. We have talked with the school psychologists today and the paperwork is about to be turned in to carry on with next step which is his doctor evaluating whether or not he is a candidate for medication. We wanted to try and avoid meds, but we are willing to see if this will help him. Please pray for us and I thank you again....

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Why does your doctor require monthly blood work?

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Hi - I agree that while the schools usually means well, their ability to address these kinds of issues are not fully developed. It would probably be in your best interest to investigate the psychologists/clinical psychologists in your area also. If you have decent insurance, you may be covered for the services. It has been invaluable for our son to work with our psychologist. She did extensive testing and it revealed short term memory deficiency, dyslexia (the medical term for Learning disability) and ADHD. She developed a course of treatment to address his social issues, and also his communication skills. We have worked with her in conjunction with our pediatrician for his general health, and a psychiatrist who prescribes the meds. It has taken three years to get to a good place.

There is usually no one way to address a child with the symptoms you describe. Focus on the positive aspects to keep yourself going. Sounds like your child is really loved.

I hope you find more answers to your questions, and don't hesitate to explore as many avenues of treatment as you can find. good luck!

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What you have described does sound very similar to ADD - attention deficit disorder. My son has the same thing. Although you would be best to have a dianosis from a pediatrition to confirm what the school is saying. Perhaps there is something else going on that could be easily rectified - such as a dietary change that could help your son as well. With all of the new medication choices and information regarding ADD, you will have many options to find the best treatment for your son, and help him reach his full potential. My son is in 8th grade now and doing much better because of his diagnosis and treatments - and he's getting the help he needs. Good luck to you!

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We have decided to transfer BRANCH starting Monday to the school that my wife is a teacher at. We feel that with closer communication throughout the day with his new teacher, there may be a better understanding between of how BRANCHS' thought process seems to work and how he reacts in situations. The teacher my wife has requested for him is excited to get to work in reaching BRANCH and has worked with children like him before. She seems enthusiastic about trying some different avenues and teaching techniques to get BRANCH excited about learning and building back up his confidence. Have an appointment for next Tuesday with his doctor. We feel as if we are growing closer to some answers and remain optomistic about getting good news on treatment and a diagnosis. We also fel that his teachers have done a great job, but feels that they may also feel at a loss in reaching him. I think this will be a positive move and he even seems excited about riding to school with mama and the occasional lunch together. Almost makes us wish we'd have tried it sooner. Thanks for your comments and I will keep you all up to date...GOD BLESS

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I have had problems with my son as well. Little bit different symptoms, but I found a site that may be of interest to you, The Sensory Processing Disorder Network. ( www.SPDNetwork.org) Take a look, there is a lot of informaton here for SPD and a lot of people are being diagnosed with ADHD or ADD when it is SPD. Hope this helps!

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I have an 8 yr old son who is treated for adhd/odd. we received his first diagnosis at age 30 months. I knew at 18 months, something in his behavior wasn't in sync with other kids his age, or my other son (half-brothers) or my sibblings kids. Yet my pediatrician (at the time) kept telling me I was hyper-sensitive. Then I switched pediatricians. The new pediatrician said, "I trust your gut instinct even if you don't" she sent me to a specialist. The specialist didn't want my theories, just did a ton of surveys on everyone in the family, all caregivers, any one who had contact with my son, a lot of other testing, other specialists and we had the diagnosis. I am glad I kept looking for answers. I really appreciate when my (still) pediatrician had said, "I trust your gut instinct, even if you don't" Keep looking, you will absolutely know when you have the right doctor and they have addresses all the issues with your child. Has anyone tested him for autism? Just a thought, it was one of the initial battery of tests on my son, since autism, aspergers and adhd all share some symptoms.

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I have dyslexcia: it affects my math skills, verbal processing and I have ADD. Since no one knew what I had, I always found ways to compensate hear are some of the things I do maybe you can help him learn them.

Also, I take everything literally. No subtle meaning. I dont get a lot of jokes, and just go along so people don't laugh at me.

He is probably quiet now because he has been teased in school, or his teachers have embarressed him in class. I used to ask a lot of questions, because repeating things helps me. In public school, they dont like that. So I shut up. Nor will the public school system honestly diagnose his problem b/c it takes away from their funding. So take him outside of them, the Shriners have a great and free diagnoses centre. I know one is in Ft. Wort, and other places in the U.S. I hate, cannot write from hand to paper....just can't. I didn't start writting until I got a computer. For some reason, my thoughts come more clearly and my hand doesn't hurt since I grip my pens/pencils so hard and I think so quickly by the time it goes down to my hand I am some place else.

© My tricks to compensate: 1. get anything with a keyboard, if he is diagnosed public school by law must allow him to use his laptop.

2. For names: when he meets someone when they say their name have him say hello, sue. then to use their name repeatedly, everytime he makes a word to them say: sue, this Sue that. The more we HEAR it repeated the more likely we will remember. I can meet someone and in 15 sec, forget their name. It is very embarrassing. I have a trick with friends now, if I see someone I am supposed to know with them, I will say I can't remember their name, so they will introduce themselves and I come back with, Oh, I am so sorry I didn't introduce you, yadda, yadda, yadda. It saves me everytime.

It isn't that we are trying to be rude or hurtful, but we are too honest for this "p.c" society. Plus, we tend to say stuff with out thinking because we are ignored or made to shut up, that if we dont get something out quick its gone.

Plus, we understand things differently...no subtle meaning. If you say you are going to go do something, we expect just that, not I will do that after this or that. That isn't what you said.

3. Speak directly and have him repeat the thing you want him to do and explain it how he heard it to you. Don't rush him, or make him feel like he is in trouble.

4. Do not give him over 2, 3 items on a to do list. And NEVER put 1 item with an a, b, c attached. Just say brush your teeth and get pajamas on. Nothing more. We know what that means.

5. Insist the teacher and by law after his diagnosis, have them print out hteir class notes and send them home. I cant take notes, because I cant pick out what is important, so if I couldn't write fast enough, I just stopped and pretended, I was doing something.

Learn what his passion is and help him research it, play it, so he has confidence in 1 thing. Whatever that might be. That way he is proud of something. Not 4 things, just 1.

It isn't that he is immune, but when you carry so much pain inside all by yourself, it is hard to be overly compassionate.

Atleast you are finding out now, I would never want any child to suffer as I did.

I am tenacious and not a quitter. I have done very well for the severity of mine and no one really knows I have anything when I first meet them. It is just a skill you aquire over the years.

Try putting him in acting/drama it will help him communicate and be more expressive.

Please feel free to contact me more.....

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