To think my DS could have inattentive ADD?

[hotlinesling]

It's a bit of a running joke that DS is clumsy; he calls himself a disaster. He's 8 and never takes any care over anything. If he's painting, he'll squeeze all the paint from a bottle, get his clothes covered in it, put so much on the paper that it rips etc. He cannot complete puzzles and his concentration is awful; it can take him an hour to learn his ten spellings yet the following day he'll have forgotten them. He speaks over people constantly, is very loud and always interrupts. I have to repeat myself constantly and spell basic things out - I.e. He'll continue sitting on the toilet several minutes after he's finished until I ask if he's finished and going to wipe, he'll stay seated in the car minutes after we've stopped and I'll have to tell him to undo his seat belt and get out.

He starts lots of things but never finishes them. His school books often have 'please finish this' written in them. He doesn't play with toys, he just likes football and trampolining. He takes everything literally and is extremely naive - he still hasn't grasped that cartoon places and characters don't actually exist...!

He is doing fine at school but I feel he's struggling at home. He cannot wash himself or brush his own teeth because he becomes distracted. He has meltdowns at bedtime but cannot articulate why. I've tried a host of different ways to get him to listen more/speak quieter/not tall over or interrupt people and nothing works. He wants the rewards offered and looks genuinely surprised when reprimanded, as though he isn't even aware he hasn't listened or has interrupted.

Does anyone have any experience of inattentive ADD? I don't know if it's worth seeking diagnosis on the basis he's ok at school. Aibu to think he could have this or is it just poor behaviour?

[cuntycowfacemonkey]

I don't think it's poor behaviour. I would recommend keeping a month long diary of his behaviours and all the examples you give and then see your go and ask for a referral. I wouldn't suggest telling them you have a specific diagnosis in mind tbh it doesn't read like add to me but these things are complex and there is something going on then the right diagnosis is important. It is not uncommon for children to present differently at school and home so I wouldn't let that put you off seeking advice

[hiddenhome2]

Have you looked at dyspraxia?

[hotlinesling]

Yes i have considered dyspraxia too as he can't sit still and often falls off his chair but he's actually quite sporty so I'm not sure.

[notapizzaeater]

I'd go and see your doctor for a referral, it can take months (even years in some areas). Start keeping a diary to take with you. My son has just been diagnosed with inattentive ADHD (or ADD in old money). Waiting for the appointment to see what we are going to do.