ADHD

Greenwaves · 07-18-2009, 05:05 PM

I was wondering how old a child needs to be before they can get a diagnosis of ADHD. DD is showing signs of ADHD and has been for a while...and my sister who is a teacher said that it might be a good idea to get her checked.
Where do you go to to test a child for ADHD and how old does the child need to be?

Kaisa · 07-18-2009, 05:07 PM

When J was diagnosed almost 2 years ago, we asked if there is anything that we should be looking for with D. The doctor said that until he is in school, it is hard to make a diagnosis.

hockeymomof3 · 07-18-2009, 05:45 PM

My son was 3 almost 4 when he was diagnosed

Greenwaves · 07-18-2009, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hockeymomof3

My son was 3 almost 4 when he was diagnosed

How did you go about getting a diagnosis?

A&I'sMum · 07-18-2009, 08:03 PM

I don't want to scare you with this post. ADHD is psychiatric disorder and therefore should be diagnosed through a psychological assessment. As a teacher, I know that some family doctors will prescribe ADHD medication to children who have not received a psychological assessment. Family doctors will have both the childs teacher and their parent(s) complete a questionnaire prior to giving a prescription. Considering the age of your child, I would advise that you consult your child's doctor with your concerns. I will tell you that if you can get a diagnosis from a psychologist of ADHD then the level of support your child will receive in the school system will be greater.

million$momma · 07-18-2009, 08:24 PM

Does your DD see a pediatrician? I'd mention your concerns to them. They have a checklist you can complete so they can see if they need any further investigation.

2xmom · 07-18-2009, 09:23 PM

Our DS will be having a psychological assessment in January. His developmental pediatrician put the referral in. DS is 4.5 years old. We've been told that he shows some signs of ADD, but nothing has been confirmed yet. He'll have just turned 5 years old at this appointment. We were told by several specialists that typically ADD/ADHD is not diagnosed until the age of 6. Now, this could be because my DS has a language disorder and we're still in the “wait and see“ process.

Good-luck!

hockeymomof3 · 07-18-2009, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenwaves

How did you go about getting a diagnosis?

His jk teacher told me he needed to be seen by his doctor, we were refered to a pediatrician and he did some tests, asked him to do certain things, and follow instructions. Then told me he was adhd, I didn't accept it, as they based it on how early he walked, crawled etc. We chose not to medicate him as I had no problems controlling him at home. His grade 1 teacher asked us to medicate, I said no, so the school suspended until I would medicate him!

I enrolled my son in another school, as his old grade 1 class, 90% of the class was medicated for add/adhd!

He had no problems in the new school and the teacher allowed him to wander inside the classroom as long as he didn't bug others. I took him to another doctor, as I wanted the adhd off his school record, but the new doc felt he was adhd' cause he, my son, can't follow directions if given multiple things to do, he forgets some steps, yet his report cards are all fine, other than it states he can't stay on track, and gets distracted easily!

Geomamma · 07-18-2009, 09:38 PM

My daughter was diagnosed at 5.5 by a developmental pediatrician. We're going to be seeing a child psychologist in the near future (I hope!) for further testing.

MrsSunshine · 07-18-2009, 09:55 PM

Ds2 diagnosed at age 4 (medicated phew! at 5) DS1 diagnosed at age 10? medicated shortly thereafter. their family Dr. referred Ds2 after he had suspicions during a regular appt. he referred us to their current pyschiatrist whom we could not live with out. she is awesome. pm if you'd like her number i believe she is 'open'.

Tanya-Mae · 07-18-2009, 10:19 PM

What sort of behaviours specifically red-flagged your kids to look at the diagnosis of ADD and/or ADHD? I'm just starting to look toward the psychological component of Daegan now that I have the medical taken care of. I want to get educated before I start hearing the push toward medication because I do personally feel that many people look at medicating as an easy way out (but sometimes necessary)

MrsSunshine · 07-18-2009, 10:25 PM

where do I start???? wow. you might just want to look up ADHD checklists and go from there. its easier.

Ivveyy · 07-18-2009, 10:58 PM

I'm actually really surprised so many were so young when diagnosed. i thought they didnt before the age of 7.

Becks · 07-19-2009, 08:54 AM

Ivvy, It's very very hard to diagnose ADD/HD in children under I will say at least 5 but it can be done hard but doable
Becuase a lot of times a doc is going to say well let's wait and see if they “outgrow“ or “mature“ becuase some symptoms that children are experiencing may look like add/hd but could be normal ykwim and chances are as they get older they will “outgrow“ the symptoms...
X will be tested as soon as I tell his doc again then I am not waiting any longer for a referral lol my family doc is great with allowing me to say well this is what I beleive is wrong now let's do something about it yk...
Ivvy here is a link that should give you more info on the ages and why http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/...eadhd-children

hockeymomof3 · 07-19-2009, 03:10 PM

I don't know why they diagnosed my son so young. I still feel he does not have ADHD. He can sit for hours building with lego, but cannot concentrate on a tv show (so he doesn't like tv), he reads for hours (usually comic books, but he is a 12 year old boy!!).

I chose not to medicate, and borrowed books from the library, there was one about ways to not medicate. The #1 thing was to filter all water, ADD and ADHD children cannot handle the extra chlorine in the water. So I filtered everything!! Even water I cooked with.

I would really like this dianosis off his school record, as the teacher always looks at his record and says “Another handful“ and always puts my son's desk right beside hers/his, till they get to know him. Sure he doesn't stay on track and his mind wanders, but he is a creative little boy. He loves to draw and build.