Parents with children with ADHD, I need your words of wisdom!

[MzPixielated]

I'm pretty much convinced my son has ADHD or something similar, I first noticed his behaviour was different from other children when he started nursery at three. I expressed my concerns to the nursery who then had him assessed but the people that assessed him thought it was too early to tell and advised me to seek help when he was older.

He is now six and I'm pretty lost to be honest. Nothing seems to work with him. I took him to the doctors today and she said she wasn't going to have him assessed because he can concentrate on some things ie. a video game. I was under the impression from reading up (on ADHD in particular) that children could concentrate on things they enjoy but found it impossible to do so with repetitive tasks. Has anyone heard of/ experienced this?

Also is there any way I can get a formal diagnoses without a referral from the gp? If he has an assessment and they tell me there's nothing amiss then obviously I'm barking up the wrong tree and my parenting is to blame but I feel strongly that he needs some form of assessment. I'm so stuck..

Please don't flame me I'm rather sensitive today. Sorry for the long post.

Pop over to the special needs children board, no flaming there just lots of support and experience.

In the meantime, school can help you get a referral,have you spoken to them about your feelings.

Are there any other symptoms which you think are suggestive of ADHD?

Classic triad is inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

You are right in thinking that children with ADHD can focus and concentrate in some situations, what tends to trigger a diagnosis is difficulties in more than 1 setting (so not just at school for example) and symptoms that disrupt life as a whole - so you could have a child who has masses of energy but it doesn't cause a problem for them.

Diagnosis is, and should be, a long process involving assessment by Psychiatry services (CAMHS) - they need to take a full history from the family and school and a school observation is also recommended. This will depend a bit though depending on where you are. I do have to say though that 6 is very young for assessment however early assessments are possible. Usually this does have to go through GP but you may be able to speak to CAMHS directly depending on where you live...

HTH?

I agree, post again on Special Needs Board, there are a lot of people in similar situation and even some professionals on there too, so should help.

I have a diagnosis for my 4 year old (ASD) but am convinced there is additional issues - ADHD being my main concern. Am looking to get the Developmental Paediatrician who diagnosed him, to see him again (not sure she will) and re-assess for this and have made an appointment to see his OT (Occupational Therapist).

His behaviour is becoming so difficult, particularly amongst his peers and I'm keen to find some 'coping methods' or exercises that can help. (He is constantly on the go, poking, slapping, hitting and is like the Duracell Bunny!)

Good luck and I'll tag along to see what advice people give

Hi op can I recommend a fab website? Doctors in general are very unhelpful and often misinformed when it comes to adhd/add as they are basing a diagnosis on observations of hyperactive boys and there are many more aspects to it. here

Thanks for everyone's replies I'll post the same op in special needs.