Adhd or teacher related?

[newmum1976]

Wasn’t sure what to call this thread, but I’m slightly confused. My 6 year old ds has had an odd school experience to date.

Reception- first 6 weeks were awful. He wasn’t listening or behaving well and went part time. After October half term he went full time and his teacher seemed to understand what he needed- so he totally turned things round and came away with a fab school report and academically was flying. She had no concerns.

Year 1 was a disaster. He had a very kind teacher but she never got a grip on what he needed. She was continually developing new behaviour charts - but never followed anything through. He wouldn’t do any work, was disruptive, bossy etc. and I was called every week about something he’d done. He was referred for an adhd and autism assessment. Still waiting.

Year 2 he hasn’t put a foot wrong. I arranged an meeting with the school as I was expecting lots of bad behaviour etc, but he’s been fine. Doing all work set. Behaving well. Lots of friends. Working at greater depth.

My question is, has anybody else been in this situation and what happened? Do some teachers just not work for some kids?

He's growing up and he's used to school now and so doesn't push the boundaries so much.
Sounds pretty normal IME.
(Teacher since 1994)

Interesting. Would you still pursue the adhd and autism assessment? He was due to see an EP soon too through the school, but I’m not sure he needs it.

Since he's obviously not struggling at all now surely it would be better to not pursue it and to leave that opportunity for a child who is struggling and is going to continue to struggle because of the long waiting lists!

I'm a TA and agree that some children respond very differently to different teaching staff. It's good you are so aware of how he's doing.

My son was diagnosed with asd when he was in year 3, we had issues from year one onwards, the first few weeks of the autumn term always tended to be the best behaviour wise, the last few weeks before Christmas the worst. I’d hold off cancelling any assessments yet

I'm a teacher. I definitely would pursue the assessment. He's in the honey moon period of his new year. And at most he's only been there a couple of weeks which isn't a true representative.

His new teacher might be good at getting a good handle of special needs children or behaviour problem but there could be a good reason he didn't respond will to two previous teachers which I assume most of the class responded well to.

If he isn't neurodiverse he won't get a diagnosis but if he is it's much better for him!

Thanks. That’s what I was thinking. I think he does have adhd (less convinced about autism). I was just mainly wondering if other children were the same and reacted so differently with different teachers. Time will tell.

Don’t forget that in his Reception year he would have had a lot of disruption due to school covid closures. That could be what’s had an impact on him in Y1.

My child is very able academically, has ASD and I suspect ADHD too (but the ADHD I haven't assessed for yet). She has an EHCP, so significant needs despite being bright and doing well with her learning. She's in year 2 and she definitely responds differently to different teachers - one has had a really much more inclusive classroom and overall feel for example. The 'good' one (for DD, not good overall I'm sure they were all good) had a large visual timetable for all children, sensory swirl bottles on all tables for anyone to use, encouraged zones of regulation work not as a 'special' thing but for everyone. That was the most settled she's been so far.

I'd definitely pursue the assessments, they're like hens teeth and not referrals aren't made lightly. For his future, even if this year continues to go well.