Hi:

Thank you for your post and for sharing your story. It's amazing how closely your forum post resembles the story of 3-year-old Brandon in this article: Preschool-Age ADHD Children: Too Young for a Diagnosis?

The bottom line is that it is tough to diagnose ADHD in children so young, but that doesn't mean they don't have it. Half the battle is usually finding a doctor who specializes in ADHD and can do a thorough diagnosis. Finding that specialist and making an appointment is definitely a good idea one way or another!

But even before a diagnosis, you can try a few alternative ADHD therapies like behavior therapy and a special ADD diet high in protein and low in sugar.

I hope this helps. Let us know how it turns out!

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I suspected my son had ADHD before he was a preschooler. I couldn't get anyone to even consider diagnosing him until he was 3. I understand why, but my point is that you, as his mom, know better than anyone when something is not quite right. However, don't assume that's it's ADHD. The behavior you describe could be attributable to several different conditions. Find a doctor who specializes in preschool behavior and get a differential diagnosis. The pediatric behavioral health dept at your local hospital is a good place to start.

My son, by the way, does have ADHD but he also has SPD, OCD and more stuff we're still trying to figure out. In the meantime, he is a beautiful, creative, loving child that everyone adores. Don't be shy about getting your son the treatment he needs so his true, wonderful self can shine through.

Good luck! :-)

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I would like to let you know about our organisation, a volunteer, not for profit www.biobalance.org.au where we bring out a wonderful USA doctor to train Australian doctors using scientific methods of measuring blood and urine to work out each child's individual biochemistry and then rebalancing it using vitamins and minerals. The doctors have wonderful success in helping children with ADD and ADHD and because it is very scientific and specific it is not like trying this and that and hoping to find something that works.Eac year in April since 2004 we have brought this doctor out here and every year the number of doctors trained grows because they are finding it helps in many areas of mental health and many of the doctors return year after year because it is such a delight for them to see young children recover. Just thought I would let you know so you can look at the website and maybe get some more help in that direction. If you wish anything further I can be contacted through the contact form on our website.

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I don't think docs like to dx until they are 3 - we knew as early as 1.5 that something was amiss with our daughter, she was diagnosed at a children's hospital at 2 3/4 with ADHD and then with our local pediatric psych at 3. One thing to remember about the checklists is they are suposed to display the behaviors for 6 months, so if he's acting out, that's just it, acting out - but if it's long term then it leads to a dx. My daughter also has sensory issues.

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