ADHD Query and diagnostic process

[finlayargyle]

Hi all. I have a 7 year old daughter and a 4 year old son. My son just started primary school. In the summer I notice he was much more hyper and inattentive. I was worried about how he'd settle into school. He started on 2nd September and in this time he's told me he's being told off for going outside during class, not sitting on mat when told and for swapping seats with other kids.

I had my own concerns about him at home. When talking to him he is looking everywhere but at me - I have to tell him to look at me and listen. 2 or 3 part instructions are almost never carried out fully. He's always being told to sit up at the during meals.

I asked teacher for her opinion and she said he was very fidgety and always on the go and said as well she had to put a hand on his shoulder at times when getting him to focus. She didn't put my mind at ease any! She did say it was early in the year and we'd review and parents meeting at Halloween.

I contacted HV who suggested a hearing test. Brought him today and you would think I had given him a red bull before going in! He was in the bin, up and down off couch, interrupting - the HV said she didn't think he was going to sit still for test. He did and passed. Hearing is fine.

Again she said just to keep an eye on him, year 1 assessment would be at some stage in the year and keep in contact with teacher.

He's not badly behaved, he's a really loving wee boy. He plays with his sister and friends. He sleeps well. He's a fussy eater. He does overreact when sister maybe shoves him or the like (not reasonable reaction if not hurt).

Does this sound like it could be ADHD and has anyone experienced similar?

If so what is the diagnosis process

[yellowsun]

It's far too early for a diagnosis to be possible kid say- although I'm a SENCo, not a paediatrician. Lots of children are as you've described at the start of the year. The paeds round here are very reluctant to diagnose at an early age.

The referral process would be to get referred by your GP to the paediatrician.

If your go did refer you, what would you hope to achieve from this? Your child's teacher would use the same strategies for dealing with this behaviour anyway. The other method for dealing with this is medicating him. They may also refer to occupational therapy.

Give him longer to settle in then make an appointment with the SENCo of you are still concerned and see what they recommend for your child then.

[yellowsun]

Sorry for the typing errors!

[finlayargyle]

Thank you

[finlayargyle]

Thank you. I will maybe see of its a settling into school issue and if not that's good to know about OT too. Thanks