So, it's official...

Tonya_G

After two years of watchful waiting, I decided it was time to take DS to the developmental pedi for ADHD. He's not "outgrowing it" as my father would like to say he will. His behavior is not improving- it's getting worse, b/c he's in constant trouble at home and at at preschool b/c he cannot control his impulses. He is aggressive and hits and kicks his peers and teachers, as well as shouts out and screeches during class. I still dont' wonder if there aren't some other sensory issues there, but when I broached it to the pedi, he said he thought that medication would help most of that.

Today was our second appt. Basically, pedi confirmed that he has a moderate case of ADHD and that it isn't going away anytime soon.

We decided that we would go ahead and trial medication this spring, while he's in preschool, and then, once we figure out what works for him, possibly give him the summer off, let him start Kindergarden non-medicated and if/when it become apparent he needs it, get him back on so he can start the year w/out alienating his peers.

I'm still not quite sure where I am in all this. Most days, I'm accepting of it, and have gone into advocate mode and research and find out what we need to do to help him be successful. Other days, it still just sucks to think that my kid can't just be "normal". Whatever that is.

nomadica

Sorry to hear you're going through that. I would suggest that your family might really benefit from seeing a therapist skilled in working with kids with ADHD. Such a therapist would be able to work with you on teaching behavioral strategies to help manage your son's behavior. Research seems to show that a combo of meds and behavioral work make for the best outcomes in ADHD.

SO many kids have ADHD, and he's so young, you can intervene here so early. I know numerous physicians and other professionals with ADHD, and though they usually need to work harder to be successful, it's certainly possible. 

You're doing the right things!

Tonya_G

-auntie-:

Oh, and just an fyi- "typically developing" is the preferred term for what most of us would describe as "normal". Some folks shorten it to NT, meaning neurologically typical.

I know- Hence the quotes, and the comment about what is that anyway. I'm certified in special education, as well as elementary ed, and even amonst typically developing kids, I've found there is no "normal". I am familiar with the correct terminology and generally use it. When I wrote that last night, I guess I was just in a bit of a funk and used a more sarcastic tone than usual.

The pedi didn't mention therapy as of yet, but it is something I was planning to bring up at our next appt in a couple of weeks. We've already begun a positive behavior plan at home that has helped somewhat pre-medication, and have been working with his preschool to develop one there as well.

Our plan to hold off on meds when he starts school is wholly dependent upon the fact that he will be coming to the school I teach at next year, and the teacher he'll likely have is really, really good with ADHD kiddos. I already have a good relationship with this teacher, and know she'll be able to handle him (medicated, or not), while I will be able to keep a close eye on things. I guess I still have pipe dreams of him "growing up" and "maturing" over the summer and being able to walk into Kindie and handle things. I do understand that first impressions are everything, and we have plenty of time before we make that decision- right now, this is just our initial plan.

If it were any other situation, I wouldn't dream of it. If it seems as if the medication helps him so much to the point where I wouldn't think of taking him off, obviously we'll keep him on it. He actually had a really good day at school today- the only thing he got in trouble for was trying to complete another child's worksheet, rather than smacking someone like usual.

I know my kid doesn't have nearly as severe of needs as many on this board, but it's not easy on us, or him. I'm sorry if my OP came across wrong- like I said, most days I feel comfortable and have come to grips with it all, but last night was rougher.

ETA: About a school eval- since I'm taking him to the district I teach in, which is not in our home district, I have to figure out how all that works. I've worked with children from out of district before and it goes through their home district, but since I'm an employee, and not a foster or guardianship situation, like these usually are, I have to figure out how it works. I've already spoken with our school psych about his needs (and he had actually gone in last year to observe him on a personal favor to me- he didn't even think we should have started meds until after Kindie), so I'm not too worried about getting things rolling. He's quite bright, so I'm not thinking he'll need any academic goals, or even an IEP, but we'll definitely be making sure he has a 504, at the very least.

Tonya_G

Thanks, Auntie, for your well thought out advice and information- I really appreciate the help.