Looking for some thoughts on my 6 y/o son (possible ADD issues)

aforst

Hello!  I mostly hang out on Parenting but have been told many times that this board is very helpful.  I'm just looking for some insight on how best to proceed with our son.

He's had some behavior issues since preschool.  Then it was mostly with transition times.  Basically, if he has down time he takes that opportunity to socialize, be silly, etc.  In preschool we were constantly told by the teachers that they thought he was bored with the work. 

In Kindergarten we had issues with knowing the appropriate time to be social, play around, etc.  Bathroom and hallways were difficult for him.  She created a behavior chart where he could earn a "smiley" for each activity that he was, for lack of a better word "good."  There were no issues with his school work in K. 

Now he's in First Grade.  He's in his 3rd week currently.  His teacher has expressed concern with his ability to focus and get his work done.  He gets distracted by the other children easily.  She has tried sitting him at a group of desks by himself but he is still distracted.  He says it's hard to focus on his work because every one is talking.  She currently has him sitting with a "positive peer" group. 

We have had very open communication with her so far.  My husband asked if she has had this issue in previous years and how she has dealt with it. Her response was that in the past, some of the children that are like my son (issues with distraction, impulsivity and focus) can't control it.  She said b/c of that she thinks it wouldn't be a bad idea for us to speak with our pediatrician.  My husband did bring that up in an email, so she did not suggest it on her own. 

I am absolutely trying very hard to be objective about him because I want to do what's best for him.  I know that wasn't a ton of background information, but does this seem like the best next step?  We have not yet asked about resources at the school that may be available to us.  We plan to though.  I guess I just don't know if 2.5 weeks with someone is enough to know what they are or aren't capable of.  She has been doing this for 11 years though, and he's our first born so this is all new to us.

He's such a sweet, smart little boy and he really does want to please everyone.  I don't feel like he wants to misbehave.  We talk each night about the areas he didn't get a "smiley" on and what better choices we could have made.  We talk about when it's time for play and socializing and when it's not.  He seems to understand and she said today that he really seemed to be trying hard. 

I'd appreciate any feed back you can give.  We just want to do what's best for him and help him succeed the best we can.

Thank you if you made it through all of that!!

hopecounts

I think her recommendation is appropriate however, I would speak to the Ped. and then get a referral for someone who specializes in ADD/ADHD if your Ped feels that your son is dealing with that. 

Mainly because you are 100% correct your son does want to do what he is supposed to but if he has ADHD the impulsivity makes it really hard for him to think before he acts/talks/etc as well as focus and do his work.

Getting him evaluated doesn't necessarily mean meds immediately, it may be that with a proper diagnosis you can work with the school more effectively to support him and help him focus and stay on task. Plus it will entitle him to an IEP that will give him supports and protections at school. 
So take it one step at a time, start with talking to your Ped and see what he says and go from there. 

funchicken

My oldest DD (6) has an ADHD diagnosis. She doesn't qualify for services, but she does have accommodations in class. Since she's being followed by the child study team, they took her diagnosis into account for her class placement this year. She's not on medication. The behavioral mods that we put into place were enough last year. This was the first week of first grade for her, and DH and I plan to meet with the team in a few weeks unless there's an issue sooner.

I agree that talking to your pedi is a good place to start. Sitting with other kids who are modeling good behavior works well for DD. I hope it helps your DS, too.

KL777

I say it doesn't hurt to do the test.  DS had way more behavior problems than your child.  I just got the results today (ADHD and Opp Def D).  We have a script appt on Monday.  I hope everything works out.

CCinLove

I would absolutely have him evaluated for ADD if there are red flags that he's having trouble beyond what is expected for his age.  I always err on the side of overreacting vs. under reacting.  Although I would skip the pediatrician and take him to a psychologist or developmental pediatrician.  I have never found our pediatrician to be particularly helpful with developmental/behavioral issues.

aforst

CCinLove said:

I would absolutely have him evaluated for ADD if there are red flags that he's having trouble beyond what is expected for his age.  I always err on the side of overreacting vs. under reacting.  Although I would skip the pediatrician and take him to a psychologist or developmental pediatrician.  I have never found our pediatrician to be particularly helpful with developmental/behavioral issues.

@CCinLove  I actually talked to our pedi today and he referred us to a behavioral psychologist.  We're going to set up an appointment with her.