9-yr-Girl: Poor Attention-Span/Memory/Doesn

Nikki - posted on 03/24/2010

I would take her to a qualified pediatrician. Mine not only checked my child over, but sent home a questionaire for me to fill out, but his teachers as well.

Margo - posted on 03/24/2010

Well I would take the initiative and take her and get a thorough physical. Have them do blood tests for glucose and hormone levels. So many things can be affecting her behavior. Even Thyroid issues wi\ill have similar symptoms.

~ - posted on 03/24/2010

The odd thing is that this stuff mostly sprouted around the time that she started the precocious puberty. I never noticed the "out there" ways before then. This seems like something that wasn't there when she was really small. Of course, then, she didn't have the demands of school. So who knows. Unfortunately the school doesn't like to pay for anything more than they have to. Go figure- where I live the taxes are insanely high- yet we get less and less out of our monies.

Margo - posted on 03/24/2010

It is impossible to diagnose ADD before the age of 6.

Margo - posted on 03/24/2010

And not all pediatricians are qualified to diagnose ADD. So do some calling first. We ran into that with our youngest son. And on a side note, Ritalin was ok for a little while, but it is actually speed, our son developed migraines. So we switched him to Strattera......BAD BAD, Strattera can cause prepubescents and teens to attempt suicide. We learned this the hard way. Thankfully we were home when it happened. We took him off all meds, and have struggled. But, School Boards of Education REQUIRE that all students get the help they need. Also exercise in the morning is beneficial to get the brain working before class and helps them to focus. Also cut out a lot of sugary foods, and carbohydrates. Just give them the daily reqruirement, they are finding that ADD is somehow tied to blood sugar issues.

Katherine - posted on 03/24/2010

I thought they tested for things like this in school, before they even started school. I guess it depends where you live.My Daughter was diagnosed in Quebec,Canada for Developmental delays @ the age of 3. Its mostly mandatory, to have your child tested b4 the age of 2, so that if help is needed, then the services are put into place. I hope she is able to get a proper diagnosis. Best of luck.

~ - posted on 03/24/2010

Thanks for your input. That is what I originally thought as well. Unfortunately pediatricians don't like to "label" children. Apparently they think it's damaging to them- if done improperly, I agree. But don't they realize how damaging it is NOT to label a child, therefore denying them the help that lays a foundation for adulthood?

Stevie - posted on 03/24/2010

well i have ADD and i dont remember having all those problems but i do think she has ADD i think you need to go and get her tested for it and also sometimes all the meds dont help ive tried every single one and i just had to learn to grow with it but id deff get her checked and give her meds maybe even try for bipolar or even depression those both can cause this not caring or wanting or whatever you know good luck

Margo - posted on 03/24/2010

First things first, take her to a qualified pediatrician who can diagnose ADD. Then get her into a counselour to alleviate possible depression. What does she show an active interest in? Perhaps that should be a reward, and inspire her to take care of her hygeine, animals, or homework first, then do what she likes. It instills a work ethic, work first fun later.

Jamie - posted on 03/24/2010

She sounds just like my daughter.She has ADD.I would take her to her doctors