ADHD/Sleep apnoea in 4yo, struggling

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My son is 4. He has sleep apnoea, likely he will need his tonsils out as they are very large, and possibly adenoids. I know sleep apnoea can present as adhd like symptoms. Son is incredibly energetic, hasn't been an issue until recently where he just constantly needs to be moving. He's recently become quite destructive and hits me a lot. This is new and I'm still trying to work out how to cope with it effectively. Staff from both nurseries have mentioned adhd but I'm reluctant to seek help for this at such a young age and before his sleep apnoea has been treated. Does anyone have any advice on how to cope with very high energy and aggression in such young children? It's all new to me, I don't have anyone to bounce anything off.

Well it could very well be sleep apnea but with the waiting lists for assessments being so long, I'd be tempted to seek a referral for assessment.

He'll probably have had his operation before you get an assessment so you can always cancel the appointment if you don't want to pursue it.

If it does turn out to be ADHD the earlier you seek support the better. We didn't get any help with DD until it was much too late. Puberty and High School can be awful for a Teen with ADHD. Much easier if you've got some things like Melatonin available.

If it was me I think I'd do this progress checker and see if it says if he needs any SLT. If he does, ask your HV for a hearing test and a referral to SLT.

I'd also ask her to do Ages & Stages Assessment.

Wishing you luck OP. My DS had his Tonsils out and also has ADHD