Doc's want to test my 14month old for ADHD!!

Aloha - posted on 11/28/2009

14 months old does sound like wayyyyy too young to be tested for adhd, sometimes we as parents can OVER STIMULATE our children and they don't know how to handle it (the kids), try a routine everyday to get her to calm down,be consistent, at bedtime try rubbing her back as massaging her and sing a soft song, nursery ryhmes are not always the best at bedtime they can scare some children, so be careful which ones you tell your child, the biggest thing is if there are some other things happening they will surface before she is ready to go to school and you will see it.

Aloha - posted on 11/28/2009

14 months old does sound like wayyyyy too young to be tested for adhd, sometimes we as parents can OVER STIMULATE our children and they don't know how to handle it (the kids), try a routine everyday to get her to calm down,be consistent, at bedtime try rubbing her back as massaging her and sing a soft song, nursery ryhmes are not always the best at bedtime they can scare some children, so be careful which ones you tell your child, the biggest thing is if there are some other things happening they will surface before she is ready to go to school and you will see it.

Kerri - posted on 11/28/2009

only registered psycologists can do that - who do they think they are?? Ask instead for a reputable doctor to assess - not them!!!

Angel - posted on 11/28/2009

14 months does seem really young for that! I think I would question everything a doctor says after suggesting getting a 14 month old tested for ADHD...But that's just me!

Christy - posted on 11/28/2009

Not with a child that young-but I have a step son and a nephew with it. Sugar restriction has helped a LOT. She may be learning at such a rapid pace that she is bored. Try getting a few things above her age level to hold her concentration longer or to challenge her-maybe that's all it is. Sugar and empty carbs trigger hyperactivity really bad in young children-so maybe it will help to cut back.

Nicole - posted on 11/28/2009

Diet is the key...reduce sugar and up the leafy greens and anti-oxidents. There are plenty of books about the link between diet and adhd...I agree with you...she is too young for a definitive diagnosis and certainly too young to consider medicating!!!

Nicole - posted on 11/28/2009

Diet is the key...reduce sugar and up the leafy greens and anti-oxidents. There are plenty of books about the link between diet and adhd...I agree with you...she is too young for a definitive diagnosis and certainly too young to consider medicating!!!

Sheila - posted on 11/28/2009

I have to agree with getting another opinion! However if in the future they want to test her I would have her tested and you don't have to put her on meds just cause the Dr. tells you too. I have a son with Autism Spectrum Disorder so I know what it is like to get a diagnoses. But he is not on any medication. Hope all is well!

Tamera - posted on 11/28/2009

yes! they tried that with my son @ 2 yrs old. which is totally wrong. they cant even take the meds that cover adhd. I will tell you that I did A LOT of research. in this jurney i discovered that there are foods that will make your child more "hyper" or active than other foods... red drinks, processed meats (bologna, hotdogs, etc..), boxed or canned food or meals and some frozen foods. buy organic, grow your own, and prepare your meals that are not packaged. fresh, frozen then processed. that is the order to remember. :) also, most important..... kids will be kids. we spend too much time worring about how/what they do to "disturb" others, so doc's want to medicate them so that they will be little adults! i tried medicating my son in kindergarden to the summer between 1st and 2nd grade. he had mood swings, didn't eat as i would have liked and just "nibbled" at meal time, and it slowed his growth. i haven't given it to him since. education is the best remedy, both for you and your beautiful daughter. after all....the only people benifiting from your daughter taking the meds would be the doc's and the pharmacy and the company who makes it. good luck.

Rose - posted on 11/28/2009

Trust your instincts. I agree that 14 months is way too early to be diagnosing ADHD. It would scare me to think what this Dr. would recommend if "found to have ADHD".....

Lacey - posted on 11/28/2009

You do not have to give your child drugs for ADHD, its something lazy parents do. Back in the day they did not know much about it but now there is alot of information. Things you can do if you feel your child is very hyper are watch what you feed your child. No food colouring (candy,cheese whiz etc.) . Also getting your child out to play 1/2 hour a day even to just run helps so much, my son is very active and i find if i take him out to play it helps alot.

Lora - posted on 11/28/2009

My opinion is the same as the posts here. She is too young for those medicines which have high impact side effects. The natural alternative is much better all the way around.

I will be glad to help if you like. Remember this is an active age of discovery.

Mina - posted on 11/28/2009

One of my daughters was diagnosed ADHD at age 7 and it is definitely challenging living with an ADHD child. I know from specialists in the field that it is not possible to "properly" diagnose a child until after they have started school because there are specific markers which can only be properly assessed at about age 6. Unfortunately, there is a (huge) tendency in the medical profession to medicate first. A friend's son was diagnosed ADHD by one 'specialist' and knowing her son I told her that the specialist was way off base and to get a second and even third opinion. Subsequent opinions showed he had a learning disability. PLEASE think about getting another opinion.

Hannah - posted on 11/28/2009

My son is 3 and they beleive he has adhd i refuse to medicate him weve just changed his diet to higher calorie intake and it has helped quite a bit

Peggy - posted on 11/28/2009

I think that is way to young. My son is 13yrs and has been on it for about 4 years but he only takes it for school also.

Tamra - posted on 11/28/2009

Have you tried a chiropractor? They not only will they address your child's physical needs but also nutritional needs. I know it sounds crazy but it works.

Ashley - posted on 11/28/2009

I know an ADD / ADHD specialist and told me the earliest they can even test them is age 4. They wouldnt even find anything out at 14 months. Thats way too young and kids are sooo hyper and exploring at that age anyways! My daughter is almost 7 yrs and she is just getting tested for this. I have ADD myself and am medicated. Medication only works to a certain degree anyways, not only that but they have to get the child on the right dosage , because if the dosage is too high then they will more less be like a walking zombie ( I have seen kids on too high of a dosage )

If you ever want to get your child tested , take her when she is 4 yrs old if you think she needs to be tested. The specialist will do a TOVA test. ( It looks like a little computer game more less...you can send me a message and I can explain it more ) Its basically the true result if your child has it or not. Your Dr. thinking that though at her age is crazy! lol Trust YOUR insticts!

Cassia - posted on 11/28/2009

I have SO been there, my friend. My son's doctor brought up the ADHD topic at his 18 month checkup!! I couldn't believe it, and didn't think that that was an age where it could be determined anyways (later, my research agreed with my initial gut reaction). He is six years old now, and we have not yet had a firm diagnosis of ADHD. We do, however, homeschool because he did very poorly trying to learn in a "controlled environment". No, he doesn't eat sugar all day. Yes, he is born with a different way of learning and doing things that sometimes involves running around the table while doing math problems. Love your child. If there is something that needs to be done in order to get through schooling, address it when she is MUCH older, no less than four or five years old. Good luck to you!

Christina - posted on 11/28/2009

I so agree with you. She may very well be more active than most. Often times it's just a matter of finding what keeps her attention long enough for her to slow down. That does not mean she is ADHD. Please, consider very hard the wisdom of testing a child this age. I'd do just what you are doing, seeking others advice.

Leslie - posted on 11/28/2009

i agree with u stephanie. my child was diagnosed when he started kindergarten.. he is now 24 and graduating college. we never thought he would make it thru college. it took years to get the exact medication for him, but finally about 5 years ago. it happened. of couse now he is old enough to speak for himself. but he knows that he can't get thru his classes or exams or even homework without his medication. u just need to find the right doctors and trust them

Stephanie - posted on 11/28/2009

They knew my son had ADHD at 3 but they wouldn't give him anything until he started preK when the teacher started writing notes everyday. He is 9 now and has been on medication since he was 4 and he is a totally different child from his early years. Medication isn't for everyone though. He was in class playing with his shoes and not being able to concentrate on anything for months. You will know for sure when your daughter is in school.

Shelly - posted on 11/28/2009

They cannot diagnose ADD/ADHD until 6 or 7. Even then, it's just based on a questionnaire that you and the child's teacher fill out. Worry about it then. As for your current doctor, I would change doctors right away. If he/she is recommending this, they should know better and I would question their ability to provide quality care for your child.

Marlene - posted on 11/28/2009

GET A NEW DOCTOR THAT 1 IS A QUACK

Marcie - posted on 11/28/2009

I have a now 5 yrs old - that I held back in Pre-school, due to his behavior - this was when he was 4 - he's in pre-K now & likes it & doing well - he also had a severe speech problems which have been pretty much corrected - however I worry he has ADD - now that's he's 5 I'm hoping to get him an appt. to be tested as it's a year's wait until I can just obtain an appt. - I agree 14 mon. is too young however I wish I did something @ 2.5 as there are a lot of early interventions that can be done @ 3 yrs old in the school system - he would have gotten daily rather weekely speech therapy which cost me a lot! would have been free, + other things to improve his focus without meds - for free & daily. It really hit me when he turned 5 thsi past Aug. how differant he is then my 1st son - & can be compared to a 3 or 4 yr old on the task tests - it's frustrating for me too. I feel like the terrible 2'a have never left - we had terrible 3's,4's, & now 5's - I keep waiting for him to stop the behaviors he's doing however it's not happening... As I believe 14mon is too early - I wish my Doctor said something @ 2 or 2.5 yrs old maybe I would have him on a good track for school which is next year - I'm very worried I just don't want him held back once he in Kindergarten - which he'll be entering late as it is - he'll be 6 .

Sandy - posted on 11/28/2009

You know the problem with ADHD medicine is that in most cases, most children will calm down on the medicine..it will help them focus but what does your daughter have to focus on? Is she in school disrupting classmates? Is she not getting work done? She is only 14 months...that to me is called curiosity. You can work with your child to help her take moments to calm down and that is just behavior modification exercises. allow your child to explore her surroundings but a word of advise allow her to do some independant study as in coloring a page or doing a workbook( when she gets older) because if not a teacher might say the same thing. I cannot tolerate doctors and teachers placing labels on children so young. Do some research on behavior modifications exercises you can do with your child and hopefully medicine will not be in her near future. Remember this is your child and she is worth the extra time it might take for you to become educated on what the doctor is trying to do...get all the facts. Like anything we do there are pros and cons to every study but to me there are way too many children diagnosed wth ADHD and ADD. It should not be another quick fix. We cannot solve the youth problems with pharmaceuticals, unless it is warranted.

Betty - posted on 11/28/2009

I think 14 months is way to young. And if you read up on the side effects of the meds the doctor will use I would not risk putting my child on the meds at such a young age. I would at least wait till the child is in school. I have a 9 year old on meds for mental health reasons and the side effects are very scary.

Diane - posted on 11/28/2009

I'd say it's time for either a second opinion or a new Dr. Kids need to be kids.

Pauline - posted on 11/28/2009

I have only read some of the replies as there are so many! I agree with Pam Broberg though. I got my daughter diagnosed at 7 but had my suspicions from 5 (I had no prior exposure to the condition so knew I was looking at something but not sure what). She is not on Meds but we have read so much & know what behaviours are attributable & how to manage (some of it sometimes!). Our understanding makes things so much easier for her & for our family. Her frustrations & emotional control have improved dramatically as we have knowledge on how to assist her. This information - not the diagnosis - has been essential for us & her. She is a wonderful child with so many talants & so much to offer but her ADHD, if not managed, can make her 'appear' to be a different person altogether. While I'm not sure how much good a diagnosis will be to you. I would do all the research & reading, as the positive parenting approach helps every child, not just ADHD / ADD kids. The difficulties we experience with ADHD are difficulties every parent faces, but just with a higher concentration!
& on the bright side, as one mum said, ADHD kids are often really intelligent, creative & talanted people - Einstein & Disney to only name a couple!
Good luck!

Melanie - posted on 11/28/2009

my son is very set in his ways and tends to do things in order so we thought he was slightly autistic and when we mentioned it to the doc he said it was way too early (he's 2). Where i am from they don't look into ADD/ADHD or Autism until they are at least 3. They may keep an eye on a hyperactive child but to say at 14 months is jsut silly. She has a lot more growing to do mentally and physically before they should label her with that. I think 14 months is too early for a diagnosis. some kids are more active than others. My daughter was always more active than my son. I think doc's too often label children with certain things way too early. You may find she might just need more stimulating. Intelligent kids sometimes are extrmemly hyperactive when they are bored (like most children). I would say use your own judgement, she's your daughter and you know her best. xx

Natalie - posted on 11/28/2009

HI, I am a mum of four and at one stage all under 3 and 1/2, also a chiropractor. None of my children are in school yet and I kinow children are all different, you as the mum does know best. My thughts are seek other opinions and most of all trust yourself

Kathryn - posted on 11/28/2009

Hi there,



My sister is going through much of the same as yourself. I believe that it has become easy to put children who don't fit into the right box into a category which will possibly require medicating.



I believe go with your heart and your gut instinct. If it feels wrong, don't do it. No one knows your child better than you do. Always remember that.



Take care

Rebecca - posted on 11/28/2009

I haven't been but am aware that children of different ages appear more active. I know for a fact that it's impossible to diagnose a child that young with ADD/ADHD. More often then not, a diagnosis can't be made until the child is approx 5 and even then, some need to be older. Try not to worry about it. My mum believes that any child who has the ability to watch a tv show or a movie without having their attention diverted elsewhere does not have ADD/ADHD. If you think she's too active for a toddler, altering her diet may help. Good luck

Zaquisha - posted on 11/27/2009

they told me that because my son was misbehaving and showing off in school so i let them test him and he really was adhd and they did put him on medication and he is a better child now. she is too young to be tested for adhd. my son was not diagnosed with adhd until he was 4 years old. i dont think they should test a child a 14 months old. they should wait until she is a little older than what she is.

Audra - posted on 11/27/2009

She should not be tested for this condition until she is in the 2nd grade. My son's teachers in both pre-k & kindergarten brought the subject of ADHD to my attention while also letting me know that action is taken when the child is 6 or 7 years of age. I also had a follow up with our family doctor and she confirmed these were the correct ages. The first course of action is to have an assessment completed by the childs parents and the teachers. At one years old they are walking or crawling therefore exploring which will be dispelled in abundant energy, this is all very normal. Some tips I have used is to keep the hyperactive child busy with activities, set a structured schedule, & take some time for yourself.

Maria - posted on 11/27/2009

I could sugest you get more opinions. There is also a great book Prayers that Avail Much and there is a prayer for things like this and it is unfortunate, but a lot of this babies do not have such a condition they just need a lot of challenging activities and many do not want to bother to give the extra help needed and they rather diagnose them and have them druged without thinking of the complications this might bring later because of the amount and long term of this chemicals in their little bodies. You hear of this ans the complications are not imediate but rather over time.
Be very careful what you alow others to do to your babies, instead care for them yourself if posible place them or give them as much activities to work their intelect to the max as well as their little bodies and whatch what God can do through the power of prayer Faith and Love. He can move those mountains and you can interceed in their behalf and I will stand in agreement with you on this and lets trust the Lord for He made them perfect and they are His ........and so are you . Do not let your heart be trouble trust in Him and lets pray for this I am sure that many moms will join in with us on this.
Give me a call and I love to be in prayer or just to talk 661-252-5660
God Bless you Sis

Anj. - posted on 11/27/2009

Way way too young! My youngest couldn't be tested until Kindergarden. Not sure how you would test a child that young its not like its a blood test. I would never put a child that young on meds like concerta, adderal or vivanse or strattra. Again I was told by alot of Docs that I had to wait and I really had to push for him to get tested in kindergarden because he was causing trouble and could not sit still and rest time was a joke! Trust you gut and stick to it!!!! You are the Mommy!

Sheryl - posted on 11/27/2009

Yes way to young. They wouldn't test either one of my daughters until they were in the middle of first grade

Hannah - posted on 11/27/2009

sorry I didnt finish my thought- If she is OK then dont get her on drugs! Maybe let them do the adhd check up but dont put her on drugs! Shes a baby!

Hannah - posted on 11/27/2009

That seems totally insane to me. If she is able o listen to you and you are fine with how she is, even if shes more hyper than other kids.

ASHLEY - posted on 11/27/2009

My oldest is 3yrs old and I had like 4 different docs tell me the same thing...they cant diagnose her with ADHD b/c she is young but I already told them that I would NEVER put her on any meds....My brother was on the meds and he was like a ZOMBIE!!! Yes she drives me crazy but just find things for your child to do that will keep her focused...She likes to read books with bright colors, she loves to color and paint...you just gotta be able to keep her focused and know how to handle her...mnes is all the way live from the time she wakes up until she goes to sleep!!! Its okay believe me....

Karen - posted on 11/27/2009

back in 1993 and 1994 I tried everything to have my son tested for ADHD to no avail. Back then i was told there were not test to find out if your child had ADHD. I find them wanting to test your child at that young of a age is a bit strange. My opinion on this is that doctors like to push ADHD meds way to much. Ask your doctor what specific testing she plans to do and if you could get a second opinion with a doctor who practices in the field of ADHD.

Joanne - posted on 11/27/2009

OMG, tell me, are one you father or mother ADD or ADHD. I'm a former foster mother that had young ADD and ADHD children. They were not diagnosed until school age, ADD and ADHD is inherited. Watch her sugar intake, I'm a mother of a dabetic type1 child, and a ADD adopted Child(he was diagnosed in grade 2). I stay away from refined sugar and stick to whole wheat. Trust me there is sugar in everything. Keep her sugars under 6 gr per serving. Good luck.

Danette - posted on 11/27/2009

She must be extra-ordinarilary active cause I thought they couldn't diagnose until after 4?

Stephanie - posted on 11/27/2009

First of all ADHD is over diagnoised for what is now being presented as different processing disorders. Second any doctor that wants to diagnose a child at 14 months for ADHD is insane. There is no scientific way to actually diagnoise this disorder unless they do a specific mri of the brain. None, it is done with a questionaire that is not specific and can really be any one of different processing issues. So your child is active. Girls are usually verbally hyperactive where boys are generally physically but that is not always true but can be the norm in lots of cases. If you are really concerned then you might want to look into a neuropyschiatrist that works with children who have processing disorders. NEVER let a pediatrician diagnoise your child with ADHD or anything else like it they are not equipped with enough information.

Janice - posted on 11/27/2009

I have an adult son who was diagnosed way too late. He was reading at a 1st grade level in the 4th grade. He was unable to control his aggression, etc. He did not have any friends and was made fun of, or avoided by the kids at school. I saw obvious signs of his ADHD as early as 18 months old. Is 14 months too early? I don't think it would hurt to find out. Save your beautiful child the tears and agony of going through what my son did.

Maria - posted on 11/27/2009

I don't think having your daughter tested now is to soon. My daughter is ADHD and did not get tested until she entered school and she was messing up badly. I knew there was something wrong but not exactly what. Now she is on medication and doing great. Please don't wait too late.

Nicole - posted on 11/27/2009

i think she is way to young i was told that the dr. start testing at 6years old im taking my 7 year old to be evaluated this month.there are al ot of methods we can use im just trying to pin point wat is going on with my son.

Kylie - posted on 11/27/2009

That is way way to young, over diagnosing ADHD is on thing Drs do alot. I would find a new Dr, and there would be on way I'd get my kids tested until they are at school. Just make sure you have plenty of things to occupy her time, eps if she is a super active baby!

Peita - posted on 11/27/2009

There are lots of things that could make her hyper! There might be something in her diet, environment, it could just be a personality thing, give her some time to grow into herself before you let someone tell you there is something wrong! She is only a baby and still learning about the world around her, that can be very, very exciting for a little one!!!

Susan - posted on 11/27/2009

I have a son that was tested at the age of 4. come to find out that the doctors thought he was even too young. they labeled him with adha, 6 years later we find out it wasnt adha at all he suffers from bi-polar disorder. Your child is WWWAAAYYY to young.