Teacher suggested ADHD

[fruitmedley]

DS2 is 7, in year 3. I saw his teacher briefly today for another reason and she said he had been given a five minute 'detention' as he wouldn't stop talking/messing around on Friday afternoon - he was sent out twice and given warnings but still carried on. He hadn't told me anything about this. Teacher then asked if we'd ever thought about ADHD? I said I had asked his yr.2 teacher but she had said she didn't think symptoms were bad enough.

So now I don't know whether he's just a lively 7 year old boy, or actually there's an underlying issue. We have had some worries before but thought it was just his personality - he's really lovely when he's not driving us mad! Specifically he:

• struggles to concentrate when not interested / finds the task difficult. But can concentrate on things he likes (Lego, minecraft, magic tricks)
  
• can't sit still, even through a tv programme he likes
  
• very loud, makes silly noises for no reason, shouts out rude words
  
• doesn't need much sleep - up at 5/5.30am every day
  
• doesn't listen or do as he's told if he's not interested.
  
• behaviour in the car is terrible - poking his brother, kicking seats etc
  
• v.bright, loves maths. Best handwriting in the class. But very reluctant to sit and read.
  
• some social issues - I think the other children find him annoying.
  
• had to stop karate lessons as he was mucking around the whole time. I was mortified watching his behaviour.
  

I just don't know whether I need to see the GP or not. I am seeing the teacher again tomorrow to get some more details of why she suggested ADHD.

Has anybody been through similar?

[fruitmedley]

Thanks - do I ask the GP or school for an assessment? I guess there's probably long waiting lists? Can anyone recommend any reading to find strategies for dealing with ADHD?

[fruitmedley]

Sleeping has always been an issue - he now just gets up and plays quietly until 6am when he comes to see us. The other day I found him in his room with all lights on playing Lego at 4am! Groclock has always been ignored, later bedtimes don't help. I thought the increased schoolwork of year 3 might tire him out more but not so far.

[fruitmedley]

Thanks - I'll look at that book

[fruitmedley]

Lots to think about here. I think we were just hoping he would grow out of it but if his teacher has concerns we need to look into it more

[PastaLaFeasta]

I'm in the same boat with a recent concern raised by the teacher, except my DD is 5 and yr 1. I've managed to get the GP to send a referral but I've no idea how long the wait may be. The school are also assessing her but I don't know what they can then do or how they link into the medical side. The referral was made to CAHMS but I guess this varies.

When I raised this with her reception teacher she said we should wait as she may grow out of it, but by 7 she'd be concerned so it's good to take it further now. My DD sounds similar to your DS but the main worry is falling behind in school due to lack of focus. Is this happening to your DS? I can completely understand the karate incident as we had similar with swimming and I haven't dared try another structured class. She does really enjoy drama class and they are very patient and understanding so I'd recommend that.

There seem to be local support groups ŵhitch may be worth contacting for guidance too.

[fruitmedley]

That's what we're concerned about - if it starts affecting his progress at school. He actually loves maths and has recently been moved up to the top set, he tries hard because he likes it. But he has less interest in other subjects and plays up, distracting other children.

I'm going to see his teacher again tomorrow to try and find out how far outside the other children his behaviour is and will then book a GP appointment. I've looked at the symptoms on the Nhs website and he fits most of them to some extent, but I would say lots of 7 year olds do so I guess it's a question of degree.

I suppose as the teacher has raised it, she must be seeing something significant.

Hearing is an interesting point - I do have to get in front of him and tell him to look at me to make him listen sometimes, but I think it's more selective hearing than a physical problem. He did have a couple of hearing tests when he was very little.

[Crusoe]

Much of what you describe sounds like my son who was diagnosed with ADHD aged 7. I would definitely get him checked out.

[Youarentkiddingme]

In agree that schools often come back with 'they're fine' so embrace their willingness to support. Whether it's ADHD or delayed maturity support will help him.

Your DS sounds quite similar to mine with some things. Certainly the lack of focus on things he's not interested in and the sleep (oh the sleep!) DS sleeps better (and I use that term loosely!) with 2 duvets and blankets and multiple pillows. I think it might be a sensory thing? Have you tried him in a sleeping bag or similar?

[Anomia10]

Also try reading this:

www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-Attention-Hyperactivity-Disorder-Children/dp/0091817005?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

by Christopher Green.

Its very easy to read!

[fruitmedley]

Thanks for all the replies. I've just seen his teacher and it does sound like there is something that needs investigating so she has asked the SENCO to observe him in class and I'm going to ask the GP for an assessment referral. In the meantime, I have a lot of reading to do to try and understand more about his behaviour and what might be behind it.