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Normal behaviour or ADHD

4 replies

Partyfops · 25/03/2018 20:26

DD age 6 (nearly 7) only child.

Has always been the sort of child that needs to be entertained, she doesn't sit still often. When reading stories she squirms and won't sit still.

She has never been a child to play with things, albeit on her own.

She struggles to focus at school. Often gets in trouble for not finishing work and not focusing.

She gets a bit excited in situations like going to see family etc, won't sit still at family dinners, tries to run around, wants to leave the table etc.

When travelling in the car, she is always talking.

She will sit and watch something on the TV/Ipad for an hour or so, but is very easily over stimulated.

She doesn't listen to instructions even when she had been told off.

She is losing friends which she had had since she was 3 because I think she annoys them being a bit over the top with them.

Other than these things, she sleeps well, she eats well. She gets plenty of exercise etc. She is bright.

I'm really scared that it might be ADHD. The thought makes me feel sick. (please be kind)

DH thinks it's just normal but naughty behaviour. He says that although her friends seem like angels compared to her they can be a handful at home too.

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Tattybogle89 · 25/03/2018 21:10

Sounds easily bored to me!

Kleinzeit · 26/03/2018 16:57

We can't really tell either way online. Do her teachers have any concerns about her? To some extent it's all a matter of degree. One of my friends' children was assessed for ADHD at about that age, the psych said she was rather distractable but not clinically so, and suggested some strategies my friend and school could use to help her stay focussed. The problem with saying she's "just naughty" is that it doesn't really give you any clues about how to get her to behave better. She just may need a bit more help than some to stay focussed and calm. Whether she officially has ADHD or not you could try a few strategies with her and see if they help, for example you can try using a visual cue like a card to let her know it's time to stop talking and let someone else speak. It sounds as if she might need a bit of help with her social skills too if she's annoying the other kids.

Your DH has a point about many children behaving worse at home but it sounds as if she has some issues in school too? If she really does have ADHD it wont go away by ignoring it. No-one wants their child to have a long-term problem but if you think it's a real possibility (for example if the school have suggested it) then you'll probably feel better once you know for sure and if she has it then you can get help for her and see her making good progress. Uncertainty is the worst. Flowers

arista · 28/03/2018 12:50

Sound exactly how my little one was, did eventually got diagnosed with mild ADHD at around 9. No medication required in my child's case. I have to agree Kleinzeit it won't go away and you don't want her to be seen as naughty among friends or at school if it is out of her control. Mine did very well at school only problems were couldn't sit still, talk quite a bit and get distracted easily but can concentrate on homework, reading, tv etc.. things they like normally. My child is very calm, loving and of a good natured. I want to point this out as often people think all ADHD kids are violent, quick tempered etc.. mine is completedly opposite. I hope this help.

Partyfops · 29/03/2018 20:11

Thanks for your messages.

Arista - what measures have been put in place for your child. What difference did the diagnosis make? My dd is very good natured, funny and very kind too.

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