Does my son have ADHD?

Paula Sledden - posted on 02/23/2013

julie my daughter lydia is just like this, she is now 8 it all started at the age of 5 when she wasnt keeping up in class. I am in uk and work as a nursery nurse so i knew whatever was going on wasnt my doing or our family life . i took her to the doctors and said about the daydreaming ,she was then given a headscan and i was told to ask the head teacher for a educatioal phyc to see her and do education test mainly for dyslexia .the phycologist came back with alot of results which bordered with autism ie poor eye focus, poor verbal responses to questions ,not being able to describe anything using a maturer vocabulary but very good at working out puzzle wothout having to explain.she was then sent to our local mental health team where after a few visits ,gruelling questions and tests she was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder .they dont seem to give any acurate diagnoses, i feel sad somedays but i know now it wasnt my parenting or something i hadnt done and feel maybe lydia would have been far worse than what she is. good luck we all know what your going through xxx

Julie - posted on 02/22/2013

My son is 9 and in 4th grade. His teacher commented to me that he is a very sweet boy, but is often unorganized, misses things he is supposed to write down, forgets to take things home, nothing is put back or in it's place in his desk. He is totally this way at home too. I don't even think it's a laziness thing. I have read all the classic symptoms of ADD/ADHD. The only part that doesn't really fit my son is hyperactivity. I mean sometimes he's wild and crazy, but he's mostly just easily distracted, forgetful, stares off into space when you are trying to explain something to him. He blames his brain often for not focusing. Homework at night takes us FOREVER! He doesn't have his multiplication facts mastered, seems like the class is moving on without him. I want to get him evaluated more than anything, but his dad carried the insurance and purposely will not give me it because he knows I want him to be evaluated. There has to be something I can do, right? It's only getting worse, and I want what is best for him.

Kerry - posted on 01/15/2013

Several years ago it was over diagnosed, but they realize that now and are doing more to properly diagnose. There are a lot of other things that go along with ADHD, such as sensory problems, etc. Times have changed and they are not sure why so many children are having these problems, but if they truly have ADHD then it is a shame not to help a child who cannot help themselves. My grandson is 4 and goes to a special education school with 9 children in his class. He has a teacher, a teachers aide and a speech therapist in his class, and YES, he still has a problem. He is not drug out or over medicated, he is on a low dose that is basically a miracle in a bottle for me. He doesnt go to a psychiatrist to MANAGE his medicine he goes to a neurologist to help him with the problems that his brain has. There is a huge difference and you need to find great doctors and specialists to give you the best answers for yourself.

Paola - posted on 01/15/2013

I think ADHD is highly over diagnosed. With class sizes getting bigger and bigger teachers can;t pay attention to all the kids so medicating them is the easier way of dealing with the children. You have a genious witch usually comes with special personalities. Many privates schools may offer scholarsaships and may be easier for him to succeed. I have seen way too many children being over diagnosed and medicated.....take from a mom with ADHD and a son who has it too.

Kerry - posted on 01/11/2013

Persons with ADHD are exceptionally intelligent. The symptoms are very similar, but I am not qualified to diagnose. It is something that you should really look into. I would rather try some medication than not. These school years are very important and he needs the best quality that you can give him. My grandson also is very sensitive to sound. Have you taken him to an audiologist? My grandson has negative pressure in his ears and adenoid disease. It is just a suggestion. Good luck.

Paula Sledden - posted on 01/07/2013

sounds more like autism to me my daughter is very similar but she has sensory issues and daydreams alot she got diagnosed at 8 after 2 years of thing add as she is not hyper and a girl good luck

Strict - posted on 01/03/2013

Joanna, I understand your frustration. It is not always conclusive when the diagnosis needs to establish a baseline for the spectrum.
Harvard Medicine may be of some help.

ADHD not just a children’s disease, says Harvard Health Letter
September 2004

Boston , MA —Although attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is usually associated with children, it can be a lifelong disorder. Studies uncover statistically significant numbers of adults with ADHD. The October issue of the Harvard Health Letter examines this disorder and its implications for the adults who may be affected by it.

Estimates on how many Americans are ADHD-afflicted vary, from 1% on the low end to as much as 6%, which equals about 10 million people. Accordingly, several studies show that 80% of ADHD children grow into ADHD adolescents.

The profile of an adult with ADHD can vary from that of a child. Most experts agree that pure hyperactive behavior usually diminishes with maturity. Adults usually have problems with time management, self-control, planning for the future, and being able to persist toward goals.

For ADHD diagnosis, a thorough physical exam is performed first to rule out other problems. Then, clinicians question patients using standardized lists of ADHD symptoms to come up with a score on severity and persistence. For now experts agree that there's no such thing as adult-onset ADHD. Therefore, a childhood history of ADHD symptoms is essential for diagnosis of adult ADHD.

Get evaluated. You need a clinician experienced in diagnosing adult ADHD. Also, find out if there's an ADHD support group or organization active in your area.

Patricia - posted on 01/01/2013

Maybe he is just gifted. It sounds like it according to his reading level and picking up instruments just like that.

Our Daughter is highly gifted and was diagnosed with Sensory Intregration Disfunction- meaning all of her senses are heightened- noises bother her, crowds of people, being forced to do things- being touched-etc.

I wouldn't be so fast to get him diagnosed with ADHD. So many schools get on the bandwagon and medicate the kids just so they can deal with it.

Dee - posted on 11/30/2012

might be sensory issues get them tested for that.you sound like u r describing my oldest son he is ADD and smart like your son but often clashes with teachers. He has oppositional defiant disorder. He has bad disorganization and anixety over certain things. He loves to be right all the and if he isnt he will argue until u r sick of hearing him. he never does homework and only does enough to get by because he says the teachers dont care anyway he has had clashes with teachers since third grade I dont think your son is ADHD my youngest has that and he is totally different than my oldest. Good luck Hope I helped in some way

Paula - posted on 11/23/2012

My son has trouble sleeping at night and would be sittin up late playin with his toys so i spoke to his doctor and she suggested that if he watches tv to stop him watchin it at night and lettin him read books or u read wih him and see how that goes , she also suggested that there is a sleeping medicine that i could give him , if ur son sees a doctor ona regular basis speak to them about it :)

GLENDA - posted on 11/21/2012

my son have adhd he also cant sleep at night this is going on about a month now. with out him sleeping all night he wake up about 5 times a night its like having a new born in thehouse all over again. when he crys and smared i wake up to go see want wrong with him. he keep me up all night. when i do get to sleep good he wake up again doing the same thinkwhen he does sleep good his still get up early. his only 7 years old can any body tel me what to do

Amy - posted on 07/16/2012

Sounds like they may have Aspergers syndrome to me. especially with the sensitivity to noise. I have ADHD as does my son and his father... If i were you I would take him to a mental health specialist and have him evaluated for Apsergers....Its what they call High functioning autism, and they are typically very talkative, very intelligent, and they also can be very gifted at something (his music). If that is the diagnosis they come up with, there are meds that can help, but more importantly, he can get Disability (if you live in the US) and that can help with many things, but it gives him a protected status. The school HAS to help because its a disability, not just a condition... good luck and let us know how it goes!

Paula - posted on 04/02/2012

Hiya my nephew suffers with a form of autism and he is 14 he is a very quite boy and loud noises really effect him and when he was younger he used to mimic what people did and say , try and find out if they can do a test on your son for this ....

Joanna - posted on 03/27/2012

My son is almost 17 now. He has been doing a lot better in the school he is in down in Georgia. He moved down there with his dad about two and a half years ago so his dad could try and help him. His dad had a lot of the same problems growing up. Gavin was still having the same problems at the first school he was in down there, but now he is very happy not only with the school but with the other kids at this school. He fits in. He has been approved to sign up for two AP classes in Social Studies and English and also to participate in a dual enrollment which means he can start taking college courses while he is still in high school. We are all very proud of him and his accomplishments. We always knew he was very smart. now. We just hope he is not taking on too much at once. We are suggesting he only take one AP course. He is thinking about it.

Karissa - posted on 03/27/2012

When my son was in kindergarten his teacher recommended he be evaluated for ADHD because he was disruptive in class. I brought my son to the pediatrician and relayed what the teacher had to say. Without hesitation or referral to a child psychologist, the doctor prescribed an ADHD medication. The doctor told me the only adverse side effect would be weight loss. My son's behavior at school improved practically the next day. The teacher was thrilled.

But after being on ADHD medication for about four years my son was below average in his height and weight and had developed a TIC almost immediately after being switched to a new drug because he wasn't gaining enough weight while on the first one. We finally got fed up with the dangerous side effects of these drugs and took him off. My son has been "med free" for three years. He's tall and muscular, a straight A student, and very involved in extracurricular activities.I look back and know that he never had ADHD-he was just a "little boy."

Before listening to counselors, accepting a diagnosis, or starting your child on medications I would consider your child's quality of life. Does he have friends? Does he do good in school? Is he happy? I don't know why a child like that would need meds.

As far as his comment about the famine in India-he has a rational point.

I need a fan on when I sleep too-I like the noise-it's relaxing.

My kids don't like their food to touch either.

Put him in advanced math or a science magnet program-he may flourish and be a math wiz.

Chin up mom! Study up on autism! You have to be the one to make an educated decision on what's right for your child.

Joanna - posted on 03/26/2012

he had a psychologist that came to the school and saw him once a week. Our family history points to that too. A professional with experience is your best bet. I prefer a psychologist over a psychiatrist because they are a little less likely to jump on the prescription bandwagon. this psychologist was the only one to really listen and whom was not on an ADD kick. he even predicted that my son would not do well in band at school because the noise would be too overwhelming and he was totally right. since my son can play music by ear this made it more difficult for him to pursue this talent. we could not afford private one-on-one lessons. he can play music by ear because his hearing picks up the nuances of sound better but this also causes him to hear too much and it is overwhelming for him. his father is the same way. the psychologist said that the anxiety alone can present like ADD but combined with his hearing he tends to get overstimulated and then acts out. either that or he shuts down, but acting out is his preferred coping method. even though Gavin recently had to get glasses for seeing far away he has always been very good at things like sports and marksmanship. he has sharp senses and I think he is more sensitive to his surroundings because of it.

Christina - posted on 03/26/2012

ive been disorganized since i had the first one 16 years ago. it goes with kids andi have had ppl ask me if i am adhd also. i agree with the public school systems. everytime something goes wrong im not doing enough for my son. how did they decide on the anxiety for your son. i have it and i believe my son does as well but when i bring it up the docs dont listen to me

Joanna - posted on 03/23/2012

yes that has always been a consideration too, but because he seems to be doing well, no one wants to really look into it. if he has any form of autism it is not very bad, but just enough to cause some difficulties

Jennifer - posted on 03/23/2012

again to all if your kids are on meds and r getting sleepy falling asleep acting in anger IT'S NOT THE RIGHT MEDS OR DOSE or meds come on think through things

Jennifer - posted on 03/23/2012

that dont seem like adhd at all my son has adhd everything you sai dosent add up it soulds more like Autism sorry to say BUt there r SO many different types of autism if you had the right testing it would tell you theres a 4 hour test they do if they cant find out mm get a new docter and new test

Joanna - posted on 01/28/2012

He is doing better. his grades are up a bit but could do much better. Me, my son, and his dad all came to an agreement that he will live with his dad. His dad has the ability to focus on him more then I can with three kids. He and his fiance are awesome and are doing really well with him. He has a lot of adult supervision.

We were even discussing while on the phone with his siblings running around me, that he would be going crazy around all that. He is very shy like me but not so much that it affects friendships anymore. he used to do and say things that would make the other kids think he was weird. I think he actually fits in more down south then he did up north. He still has the same issues but is in an environment that helps him focus more. And now has friends that get him and enjoy his company. He does and always will have some issues with social cues but we have totally given him skills to overcome that.

I am a talker and explain everything. One thing all my kids have is the ability to communicate verbally on a high level. I never once treated them like they wouldn't get it. Several of my kids teachers have commented on the fact that my kids are very articulate, and that they forget sometimes they are talking to a kid and not an adult. lol. I never did much baby talk with them and always sang and talked to them while pregnant and always, well except my middle child. I just talked to him. he actually is the least musically inclined. I would never tell him, but he cant sing, but he enjoys singing. so this will be the only time I say anything about that. I would have kept up with this thread but I wasn't able to access it for a while.

Joanna - posted on 01/28/2012

funny thing is that when my son was a baby I told the doctor my concerns about him not crying and his response was that means he is very well cared for.

Zeudi - posted on 01/21/2012

you should have him tested for aspherger's syndrome. it is a form of autism. you could take him to a neuropsycologist and they run several tests on him. could take one day or several but you would most surely get the answers you are looking for. I thought my son had autism and had him tested. he was very antisocial, can pick up an instrument and play it well, has sensitivity in the ears and light, very quiet. once tested we found out he had anxiety, and adhd, but not autism. they just said he was very shy and has a speech delay and is behind in his school work. he is now in 2nd grade and they told me to hold him back so that he can actually catch up to the other students because he is behind intellectually one grade. he is doing well despite the fact that i did not hold him back. i just couldnt do that to his self esteem and i work with him more than i do the others. I have 2 with adhd/odd and a possible 3rd who will be tested very soon due to his behavior in school.

Crikey MUm - posted on 09/18/2011

We are just about to go through evaluation with our almost 12 year old daughter. Have you looked through the http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis... CDC Criteria for ADHD? I just checked 9 for 9 with my daughter. It's interactive so you can print and take to your Dr. again. There could be other criteria's he meets.

Kelli - posted on 09/14/2011

We never got a formal diagnosis for our son (9yrs old) either. I didn't want to put him on meds but I knew we had to do something to help him because he was struggling at school. Teacher complained how he didn't sit still, no one wanted him in their reading group, he didn't pay attention, etc. and she really felt that it was out of his control to do these things. She recognized that he couldn't help it and she tried to help as much as she could but was concerned that it would get worse as he progressed in school. So, I started doing research and found the Feingold organization. I read the research articles and the testimonies, etc. and thought this is what we need to do. I encourage you to check out the Feingold.org website and see if this is right for your family.

Kelli - posted on 06/08/2011

My son is 9. He has never been diagnosed but due to classroom behavior and inattention, we were searching for something to help. I found the Feingold organization and realized they could be talking about my son. We joined 4 months ago and have changed the diet of our whole family. Everyone feels great and best of all, our son's behavior has greatly improved. We continue to see improvements now that we are 4 months into the diet. I actually hate to say diet because it really is a change to healthy eating without all the additives and chemicals in our food (I always thought we ate pretty healthy, just wasn't aware of all the chemicals put in our food).

Jessica - posted on 05/25/2011

Oh--one thing I've found is that a little protien as part of breakfast does an AMAZING job to help focus during the morning. I don't know why, but I'd heard it suggested several times and tried it out.

All ADD/ADHD is is a physiological difference which makes it difficult to pay attention to things of lesser interest with something else more interesting going on. Or difficulty taking one's attention from something which is interesting. We tend to fixate on things, subjects, or activities, which is actually a mixed blessing I guess.

Jessica - posted on 05/25/2011

All pediatric psychologists I have talked to have told me that if it's not severe enough to be conclusive, he doesn't need medication. Just help learning the proper coping mechanisms.

My husband is ADD, I am ADHD (with some other "fun" stuff thrown in), and our daughter is ADHD. Not one of us is severe enough to need medication.

Growing up, my husband developed on his own the coping mechanisms he needed to deal well with life. His school grades (especially English) were TERRIBLE except for what he LOVED (drafting, Latin, and Physics). His math grades were awful until his senior year when he finally got a teacher who clicked with him. Amazingly, he now has 2 bachelors--in Classics and Math (who'd've thunk?!)--and is unbelievably GENIUS in those fields. He's an incredible musician, teacher, martial arts instructor, and so forth. He now teaches at a residential treatment center for teens, many of whom have ADD/ADHD....and he agrees that very few ADD kids actually need medication. So don't give up hope--give your son opportunity to find his "thing" and a lot of support, and he really could go far.

I had very few coping skills. I did well in school, but that's because I was an insatiable black hole for knowledge--this was the main area in which the "H" was manifest; if I wasn't learning something, I couldn't stay still. My social skills were pathetic at best because I was too distracted by everything around me to pick up on cues. No one was aware of the issue until I was nearly 25. I am slowly learning what my limitations are and how to build on my strengths and work with my weaknesses but it's an uphill battle. The earlier your son learns coping mechanims the better!

We're still trying to pin down what works best for our daughter who's now 6...Her kindergarten teacher has been great; she can't concentrate with people sitting next to her, so she has a desk by herself while the other kids sit together at tables and she was so happy when we arranged that. Just like a puppy, she needs a lot of physical exercise, so we do what we can to keep her active. She's been doing martial arts and gymnastics since she was 4; it is very difficult for her to focus with everything that's going on around her, but her instructors are helpful and understanding. Sometimes all she needs is a loud clap or something to snap her attention back to you or be told "ok, now, focus--what is it that you should be doing?". We sometimes have to say that frequently, but it helps. Sometimes, though, she has to just sit off to the side and watch for a while b/c she gets all wound up. She's smart, her mind goes so fast that she easily gets bored. When she gets anxious, sometimes she has to leave the situation and do something that calms her down for a minute, like a puzzle.

It takes a lot of patience and knowledge to properly deal with ADD/ADHD, and it can be a hard road. But there is an upside, especially when not severe: the energy we possess, if focused in the right direction, can make us a formidable force. You just need to find the right direction.



Sorry it's such a long post, but I thought some of it might be helpful.

Melanie - posted on 05/20/2011

i took my son to a psycologist instead of a psychiatrist because they cant write scrips and psychiatrists can. i figured if we thought he needed it we could always take thime to someone who could write a prescription. it took 5 visits. they used the computer along with some other types of tests and determined he does have it but just barely. for me it wasnt worth medicating. he'll be 18 tomorrow and hes outgrown a lot of the behaviors we used to have issues with

Otillua - posted on 05/20/2011

also try spd it lays right there with it

Becky - posted on 03/09/2011

My 9yr olds teacher called me in her room yesterday and suggested to me that he should be tested for ADHD.
My oldest son has ADD and was on Adderall which messed him up. He was tired all the time and had a difficult time staying awake in class. Needless to say, we took him off it that summer and this was a year and half ago. I don't want this to happen to my 9yr old..
I also heard that hypoglysemia could have the same symptoms in little kids...what should I do?

Jennifer - posted on 02/21/2011

I agree with the moms saying it may be Ashpergers.

Myshell - posted on 01/29/2011

my 13 yr old son has adhd..he has severe behavioral problems, was kicked out of both the public and catholic school boards in one day. he ended up going to a start program which dealt with kids with behavioral problems. what i did instead of medication, and it was always offered, was i went onto health sites. i took away foods with dyes for 5 days to determine if it affected his behavior. i found juices to be the worst, as bad as pop and chips, chocolate. i started keeping whole grain bread, pasta in the house and eating healthier. i did notice a significant difference in his behavior. along with alot of trial and error as to what to do with his behaviors we are now alot happier and his adhd is manageable. i should also mention that we took away things with dyes in them, such as ketchup. you should not worry about getting a diagnosis, all though it is nice to know. my son was borderline until grade 5. in preschool i stopped asking for a diagnosis and started finding out how to deal with kids with adhd according to their age. i found this to be of more help to me than being told he has adhd.

♥♪Megan♫♥ - posted on 01/27/2011

I'm just wondering how his social skills are because that would be a sign of Aspebergers (Sp?) because it's defined as Social Autism and would make sense if he has a noise sensitivity and a high reading level. I wouldn't rule out just plain ADD. I was diagnosed for that and when I was 12 my reading was college level, but my math skills are pretty bad. It's possible he just needs some assistance getting organized. But noise sensitivity doesn't seem to be a trait of ADD or ADHD it does sound more like a mild case of Autism.
I wish you luck finding a solution.

Caroline - posted on 01/23/2011

You should definitely see a doctor to get him diagnosed. When my son was first diagnosed I didn't know what to do. I got help from my doctor and I also got really good school advice from a teacher at www.mommyalertadhd.com . Hope this helps

Samantha - posted on 01/20/2011

my son was diagnosed with ADHD 5yrs ago and he was assessed 2yrs ago for ASD but just comes under the diagnoses line for a full diagnosis of ASD even though its been advised for him to be treat asif he does have ASD as so many traits. I was told that it doesnt mean he wont get a dianosis later on in life as the possibility is he will but its the waiting game that is so fustrating until then so i can relate. keep on at them for re assessments as it may be the only way xx good luck

Tamsin - posted on 12/15/2010

Obviously I can't be sure, but this sounds a little more like Aspergers than ADHD. Have you checked for Aspergers with the Dr? It is so hard to know isn't it? My son is 8 and a total whirlwind. EVERYBODY ELSE says he MUST have ADHD, but I'm not sure. Is he just a very active normal boy?? I have medical conditions that make it hard for me to get out alot, so I often wonder if he just has too much pent up energy. I have tried fish oil omega 3 & 6 and have noticed some change. So I will stick with it. The other thing I want to try is building up protien levels, particularly at breakfast time and reducing sugar. Apparently that has made a difference for a lot of children and adults. Check for Aspergers and you might want to try Fish Oil. It certainly can't hurt. Good luck.

Leslie - posted on 10/13/2010

Katie are you saying do genetic testing? I have been seriously considering this.... Have you had it done? I was just wondering what the process is...

Katie - posted on 10/12/2010

They are now saying that ADHD can be genetic. I would take him to a specialist versus a regular doctor. I have ADHD as an adult, my son has it as well being that his biological father has it an adult too. Have you taken him to see a child therapist? There are some out there that specialize in just ADHD/ADD and other disorders like it.

Leslie - posted on 10/10/2010

Have you considered maybe its not just adhd? have you considered that he may be on the spectrum?

SARAH - posted on 09/29/2010

any advice... i have a 10year old son who we suspected had some kind of autism for some time. many years now i think about it. he excels in maths but lacks in english. temper tantrums and crying come from nowhere but seem to stem from frustration. he is constantly active, does naught things like drilling holes with a hand drill in kitchen units, scratching at the paintwork when he is having a time out session sitting on the stairs... all things he knows are wrong and will get into trouble for. he was demanding at school in such ways as pestering the teacher for praise when he rushes to finish his work asap then ask for more.(in certains subjects he is interested in). but i took him to the doctors about facial ticks etc. one was constant blinking, then constant wiping his mouth for no reason, pulling faces as he just sits watching tv over and over again... and the doctor dismissed it saying he would grow out of it. the only way we got him to stop doing these things is by constantly pointing it out to him and telling him firmly to stop doing it. he cant seem to sit still and can start to cry when he gets too tired. so we make sure he gets plenty of sleep. his behaviour improved a little when small changes to his diet were made. does this sound familiar to anyone???

Claudia - posted on 09/09/2010

I'm currently reading a book called SuperParenting for ADD. It has given me a completely different outlook into the strengths and the weaknesses of my son. I have not read too much regarding medication in this book, which has been a sort of tranquility to finally read different options. I think as a parent, all we can really do is love our kids and try to make the best decisions. Your son is 14 and he is old enough to be able to tell you what he feels. Just listen as much as you can. Give him the tools and see whether he uses them or not.

Jessica - posted on 09/02/2010

Have you had T.O.V.A. testing done? This is probably the best way to find out if it's really ADHD. There are a number of other disorders that mimick ADHD, so don't give up. Find a respected psychiatrist and ask for T.O.V.A. testing.

Carla - posted on 09/02/2010

well i had 1 round of testing done in Corbin,Kentucky...they said my sonwas ADHD....now the ne dc is tein me he may not b adhd at all....i was like what??

Melissa - posted on 08/24/2010

When my son was first diagnosed with ADD, I started reading books about it. It was as if they had studied him his whole life and they wrote the book specifically about him. I suggest going to the library and getting you a book and sitting down with and educate yourself, your son may not have all the sypmtoms but he may have some of them and you aren't helping him any if you don't find out what is up! I know kids who have been diagnosed with it but their learning level isnt affected but they still take meds for other symptoms. It never hurts to inform yourself plus you will get some great tips on how to parent a child with ADD because until you've dealt with it, your just walking around with your heads in the clouds hoping and praying it will all just go away.

Anastasia - posted on 08/21/2010

Dont give up, first of all, ADHD has nothing to do with how intelligent, social, or their sports abilities, it impacts their overall daily living functions? Can he complete tasks on time or does he get distracted and leaves one thing to start another, is he disorganized, can he process multipart directions, and get it done , how is he with time is he always late? does he lose or misplace things often, is he easily frustrated? Now here is the kicker ADHD is inherited, and with the possibility of both parents having it the chances are real good that your son does. The homework piece says a lot, most kids that have ADHD by the time school is over cant hold together any more they are burnt, and homework is the last thing they can handle. I have a 20 and 16 yr old both with ADHD, my 4 yr old is in the process of being diagnosed, but from experience he has it 10 times worst than the other 2 children. My husband has ADHD, I do not, with just one parent with ADHD, 3 out of 3 children have it and boys are more likely to have it. Try another doctor your best bet is a pediatric psychiatrist that specializes with ADHD, do not use anyone that works for the school district... I feel they are not qualified.... try a research hospital and see if they have anyone that specializes in ADHD, or contact your local ADHD association (CHADD) they may be able to give you a few names... good luck... dont give up, my too oldest were diagnosed at 8, the little one is 4, the sooner he gets diagnosed the better.

Anita - posted on 07/21/2010

I had a long journey with my daughter's ADHD. I was able to get her diagnosed through a LSW that did Bio and Neuro Feedback. I just stumbled upon it and the testing proved positive. Although I always knew she had it because I have Adult ADD, I had to come to terms with it. Then comes finding the right medication. We went through several. I really had to listen to her to find out if the side effects were more disruptive that the ADHD. Then you have to deal with the school at the same time. After 4 years, she is on the right meds and at the right school. I can finally see the person she wants to be, not the symptoms overtaking my child.

Dawn - posted on 05/13/2010

Alot of people mention autism however I'd like to mention bipolar. I happen to have ADHD and bipolar and at times exhibit all and often at times none of the above qualities. Keep a daily diary of his moods, frusterations, challenges and coping skills. I keep mood logs when I'm experiencing ups and downs so my doctor can figure out what's going on when I'm having trouble remembering or keep track.

Nanci - posted on 05/09/2010

Have a biological terren test done. Find a health store that does testing and has supplements. Try fish oil, probiotics, enzymes, minerals, greens. Adrenals may not be working or may have intestenal problems. May be acidic. Try co-q10. Their are alternatives to meds. Also do a foot spa detox. May be toxic.

Nicole - posted on 05/07/2010

I have 4 kids and 3 have been diagnosed with ADHD. In my experience it is genetic. Mine are 15, 10 and 8. All are very smart with advanced proficiency in academic areas,but never seem to do homework. At a recent conference for my oldest the teacher commented to me about how she could just not understand how a child who never does his homework can pass every test with 90% or better. It amazes me too. These children are very intelligent in the areas that they are interested in and the ones that they arent interested in they struggle with because of lack of concentration, inability to focus and keep the mind from wandering. Have you seen a psychiatrist or are you seeing a family doc or pediatrician? It's my recommendation to most def. see a psychiatrist or even a psychologist for testing. It's just like wouldn't you take your car to an auto mechanic? You have to see someone who specializes in the field. I would also look into Autism or bipolar disorder because of the anxiety factor. Whatever you decide to do good luck to you and I hope everything works out for the best, but please look into psychiatrists in your area and do your homework about each one.