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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think of ADHD?

34 replies

Ferrousfumerate1 · 17/02/2018 06:27

7yr old son is clever. He's been near the top for everything in class until recently. He went into the second group for something. I've noticed he makes lots of mistakes with homework - things that should be easy for him. I'm wondering if he has trouble concentrating. He goes from one thing to another anytime he's home, barely able to spend any time on things before moving on.

Not looking for reasons - he might not be as clever as I think! - but i do fee a bit gutted as he loves learning and doing well.

It is really precious to speak to teacher (but I don't want it sound like a pushy mum, irritated he's not in top set)?

And any strategies for him to improve attention span/focus?

OP posts:
Namechangerextrodinaire · 17/02/2018 06:37

You make be over thinking this. Prior to this recently have you had any other concerns? Have school ever raised anything?

My DD has concentration and focus issues but most definitely does not have ADHD

NewYearNewMe18 · 17/02/2018 06:37

He's 7. For crying out loud, let him be a child, he isn't ill or in need of a label as an excuse as to why he cant be bothered sometimes . I despair I really do.

KateGrey · 17/02/2018 06:42

Two of my children have adhd. So is it because he flits a bit at home and doesn’t get his homework correct on things you think he should?

One of my children diagnosed with adhd is the same age. She has the hyperactive type and moves constantly. Even when sat her body is moving.

I would keep a few notes and if you’re really are concerned ask talk to his teacher about your concerns.

I would say though I think the curriculum is getting harder and it’s not as engaging as it could be for children as there’s more and more tests that maybe when he comes home he’s very tired and doesn’t fancy homework and doesn’t know quite what to do with himself.

notsohippychick · 17/02/2018 06:46

There is another type an attention deficit condition called ADD. It is slightly more subtle than ADHD but if you are really worried it may be worth exploring.

Just lack of concentration doesn’t always mean ADHD. Maybe he is finding the work generally difficult or there are other factors at play?

I can’t understand why on earth the school would ‘set’ the children at only 7? Maybe it’s knocked his confidence a bit!

Original poster
Ferrousfumerate1 · 17/02/2018 06:51

I'm not trying to label him. My partner would never let me do that. i'm just trying to understand it. He won't talk about it.

He does flit all the time. He literally does not stop talking.

OP posts:
MrsCrabbyTree · 17/02/2018 06:55

The first thing I would try is to give some protein to eat and a glass of water before doing homework. Sometimes kids need a little extra to finish the day after being in school. Do you think he could be tired and not able to concentrate? Is he rushing so he can go off to do something he enjoys. Are there audio or visual distractions. Also, do you believe he cares that there are mistakes. What I am asking you check for are the most common reasons which, except for the last one, are simple fixes.

notsohippychick · 17/02/2018 07:09

One of the key things for ADHD is that they are the same in every environment. Does he not stop talking at school? Make mistakes? Is his concentration bad?

I think you need to chat to the teacher x

Original poster
Ferrousfumerate1 · 17/02/2018 07:10

I don't know if he does care. He wants to brush over it when he realises he has made a mistake.

We don't have a nightly homework routine. It's given sporadically. But he often asks for more learning, so we print shit out, and he rushes through that. Gets very taken with the idea, rushes through it in practice

OP posts:
Original poster
Ferrousfumerate1 · 17/02/2018 07:11

He is often told off for talking at school. I need to investigate

OP posts:
PaddyF0dder · 17/02/2018 07:13

If he’s been doing well academically until now, then I’d think it’s unlikely.

Any concerns about his safety/impulsivity when out and about? Do school have concerns about behaviour?

notsohippychick · 17/02/2018 07:15

Yes I think if you are worried you need to go into school.

My son has literally just need assessed for ADHD and he doesn’t have it. One of the factors was he wasn’t hyperactive, not concentrating, rushing work in school. He left that delight for at home!!! He does have autism so a lot of his issues were attributed to that. I believe they have to be the same in every environment as this means that the behaviour is something they can’t control. If that makes sense?

Good luck, Op!

PaddyF0dder · 17/02/2018 07:24

Basic criteria: heightened inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Present in all parts of life. Before the age of 7.

Pengggwn · 17/02/2018 07:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HarveyKietelRabbit · 17/02/2018 07:32

Before the age of 12, not 7.

Pengggwn · 17/02/2018 07:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Ferrousfumerate1 · 17/02/2018 07:34

how does hyperactivity manifest? I assume it's not always charging around the place Pengggwn.

I would never medicate, whatever

OP posts:
saoirse31 · 17/02/2018 07:35

Possible he doesn't want to appear top of everything in school? For whatever reason?

Otherwise not sure he sounds different to v many seven yr olds

Pengggwn · 17/02/2018 07:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

JustHooking · 17/02/2018 07:37

The hyperactivity doesn't have to be present
I have ADHD so does ds and neither of us is hyperactive
They don't refer to it as add any more even without the hyperactivity

ArnoldBee · 17/02/2018 07:48

Boys tend to flit about like butterflies unlike girls who tend to concentrate on the task.in hand - or shoukd I say tystscwhst happens in this house anyway. Our boys however have settled down unless the task that they have been given bores them - is this a factor if he's so clever?

ZanyMobster · 17/02/2018 07:54

Ferrous- at 7 I would say it's too early to tell as nothing stands out as being that bad for his age from what you describe. Often there is fidgeting too, not just a little lack of focus. ADHD is more than that really.

If he did have ADHD why would you not medicate if recommended by a consultant? If he had asthma or something would you withold inhalers?

ZanyMobster · 17/02/2018 07:55

Pengggwn - that describes my DS completely.

Pengggwn · 17/02/2018 07:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

OneInEight · 17/02/2018 08:02

ds1 has an ASC rather than ADHD but is incredibly distractable by his environment. Can concentrate for hours if the room is quiet but the minute anyone else comes into room or there is a noise and his concentration goes so possibly look out for this. Peculiarly, mine also tend to make more mistakes the easier they find the work as I expect it means their minds are free to wander onto other things.

cece · 17/02/2018 08:03

Two of my children have ADHD. They are very different in how it manifests itself. There are loads of checklists you can print out and fill in to take to your GP.
One of mine is medicated. I don't understand the I wouldn't medicated statements. He has a condition that hinders his life everyday. Why wouldn't I give him the recommended treatment?