Child given ADHD medication unnecessarily

[beatrice82]

Does anyone have experience of a child being given medicine for ADHD when they don't really have this condition? I think there's been a misdiagnosis because when I spend time with this child in an educational setting, I don't see any ADHD behaviours. His parents are at the end of their tether when them at home though. I would say this is more likely because of lack of boundaries. I wasn't asked what my observations of him in school are, which I find odd as I spend 3 days a week working with this child. I'm sad he's being medicated and hope it doesn't change his personality. Will he be ok? ☹️

As you are not a medical professional who can diagnose or rule out ADHD you aren't qualified to have an opinion. Just keep your month shut and concentrate on your job.

I would never dream of saying anything. Just feel sad for the child.

I thought they only diagnose when they have the full picture, home and school.
If you don’t see any behaviours then say this on the forms.

Who was asked in the school if you were not?

I'm lost for words by your ignorance.

Lack of boundaries? The standard parenting handbook goes out the window with ADHD and ASD kids.

I wasn't given the opportunity to comment on the forms. I feel that the parents are pushing for this diagnosis because they can't cope with him at home, yet when I work with him at school, he's perfectly manageable.

@HalfpastFlea

I'm lost for words by your ignorance.

Lack of boundaries? The standard parenting handbook goes out the window with ADHD and ASD kids.

I know plenty of children with ADHD and I don't believe this child has it. The SEND officer at school filled in the paperwork.

Lots of children with ADHD are brilliant 1:1. If you are in the UK he wouldn't have been diagnosed with it just based on behaviour at home, he'd need to be struggling at school too.

You have zero boundaries and need to step back.

It takes a long time and multiple professionals to diagnose ADHD in a child.

Get back in your Lane.

If you have genuine concerns a child is being medicated unnecessarily and has an incorrect diagnosis then you should raise with your Safeguarding Lead; however, as others have pointed out they don’t just hand out diagnosis/medication. A psychiatrist and/or paediatrician will have reached that diagnosis. So your concerns will have to be very cogent.

Often children with ADHD behave better in school, because there are very fixed routines/they learn to mask, and then it bubbles up and comes out at home.

Did you talk to them about it? The person who filled in the form?

@negomi90

Lots of children with ADHD are brilliant 1:1. If you are in the UK he wouldn't have been diagnosed with it just based on behaviour at home, he'd need to be struggling at school too.

Ok, I hadn't factored in the 1:1 element which perhaps helps to curb it. Still sad he's going on meds cos he's such a lovely person and I'm worried the medication will change how he is.

You are totally overstepping your remit OP, and being rather arrogant to think you know better than the medical professionals, the SENCo and his parents. Wind your neck in.

No dr is going to give adhd medication unless it’s thought it will be of help. They aren’t handed out like sweets, even a diagnoses doesn’t equal medication.

Have you ever considered that the fact that you don't see it at school is because the child's medication is working? You do realise that the meds only work for 6-12hours (depending on type) so is given for school but they are effectively unmedicated at home

Are you qualified to make a diagnosis?

It took 5 years and two full assessment processes before my son was given his ADHD diagnosis and medication. Believe me- they don’t hand that shit out like skittles.

@Hoardasurass

Have you ever considered that the fact that you don't see it at school is because the child's medication is working? You do realise that the meds only work for 6-12hours (depending on type) so is given for school but they are effectively unmedicated at home

No, because he's not started them yet.

@beatrice82 with the greatest respect you clearly have no idea about ADHD meds. Stay out of it and keep supporting the child.

So your working with him in a 1-1 role?

I should also add maybe you should be asked to switch to working with another child. 2 of my children have additional needs and I would not be happy if their TA was thinking they were misdiagnosed and just lacked boundaries at home.

We have a great relationship with the school/TAs it’s very much a team effort and we are all on the same page to ensure consistency.

The medication doesn't change someone's personality. Maybe you need to do some professional development on this OP

I’m on ADHD medications, I started them last year and they have not changed who I am, but they have made my life immeasurably easier.

I know plenty of children with ADHD and I don't believe this child has it.
The SEND officer at school filled in the paperwork.

Masking in a school environment is very common, then it all goes to shit when they get home.

Not sure why I'm getting my head bitten off. I'm using this forum as a safe space to mull this over with people who perhaps have some experience in this area. This isn't a discussion I would have with anyone in RL obviously as I know it's not my position too.