Advice / experience on ADD in girls?

[gironimo]

My DD aged 6 has started to struggle a bit in y1 at school. Academically she's OK, but her teacher says she has real difficulty with personal organisation and listening / concentration skills. This has made me think about some of her other behaviours at home, and I'm starting to wonder if she may have mild ADD, which I understand presents very differently in girls. Her issues are:

She gets very angry (particularly when told off) and has difficulty expressing her feelings. She doesn't express her anger at school.

She doesn't seem to listen, and has trouble with transitions - e.g. if you ask her to stop her doing something she's engrossed in she gets upset / angry and it's difficult to get her to do something else

She will concentrate very intently on things that interest her, but gets very distracted when doing things she finds boring (e.g. getting dressed) and needs constant reminders

She can be quite "hyper" - particularly when tired. She shouts random phrases and does repetitive actions like clapping, clicking her fingers and can't seem to stop. She sometime struggles to sit still, for instance at the table for a meal.

She seems to struggle a bit socially in a group - other children seem to like her (she's very kind and amusing) and one to one is no problem, but she tends to stay on the sideline in a group and often says she is left out. I think she's quite immature socially and struggles with the "politics" of friendships.

I switch between thinking this is normal 6 year old behaviour, and that there may be something going on. She's also quiet anxious, and no longer seems to enjoy school so much.

I'm not looking to get her "labelled" as the problems aren't severe, but wonder if she does have an issue whether there are strategies we could use to make her life easier. She's not disruptive so am concerned if she does have issues they may be ingored (which I understand is a problem for girls with ADD). Anyu experience or thoughts would be useful
Thanks

[montmartre]

If there are anger issues, perhaps looks at 'the explosive child' for strategies? will check author when home later...

[dolfrog]

gironimo

From what you have described there could be co-morbid, co existing, degrees of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), a listening disability, and ADHD.
At the age of 6 this issues can begin to be diagnosed as a life disability, which children can grow out of as part of their natural development until this age.

As others have suggested seek a GP referral for either a pediatric assessment or to say to the relevant consultants at Great Ormond Street Hospital who specialise in these complex co-morbid issues.

[gironimo]

Thanks - I think most people who meet her just think of her as a bit "individual" and a bit of a "live wire" - which of course could be all it is. She copes fine with most situations, but I very much feel from the teachers that they don't think she's reaching her potential in a classroom environment. I also suppose I don't see the need for a diagnosis at the moment, but wonder if some of the strategies used to help children with ADD / ADHD would be useful for her.

[EllenJaneisnotmyname]

Start to keep a diary of any behaviours that seem relevant, as it can be hard to get a GP/teacher to take you seriously if the issues aren't 'in your face.' Be aware that Aspergers/ASD also present very differently in girls and your GP may never have come across a girl with it. Girls are naturally more empathic and communicate better than boys. A GP is just a stepping stone to a developmental paed who may be able to help you if you decide to go down that route. DC with Aspergers are rarely DX before 7 and girls often later.

I have a very active DS with ASD and two more DSs so I don't know a great deal about girls! My DS3 is also on the spectrum, I'm sure, but I have never felt the need to get him a DX. That said, I know a lot about ASD due to DS2 having a DX.

[gironimo]

A few, though they didn't seem very helpful. I very much get the feeling the teacher is more interested in the quiet, studious types and finds those who are a bit different a real pain. Unsurprisingly I don't think this helps her confidence at all. I think I'll see how it goes until the end of term, and if no improvement will see my GP.

[montmartre]

Did school give you any strategies to help her with organisation and listening?
If you have a gut feeling- go with it, you know your child better than anyone. Your GP can help I'm sure.

We have in the past wondered whether DD is on the spectrum (behaviour, sleep issues e t c) but the last 6 months have been such an improvement we haven't pursued any diagnosis. We're still keeping a watchful eye on her though obviously.

[gironimo]

Thanks both. Selks have considered ASD but don't think she really fits the characteristics. She's very intuitive / empathetic amongst other things, and socially very confident and skilled on a one-to-one. Yes montmatre, have thought it could just be a maturity - I think in some ways she is quite immature, but am feeling the gap between the behaviour of her and most of her peers is widening slightly rather than reducing.

[montmartre]

No advice, but bumping for you!

My DD (Y1) can be like this, but I have found she is improving with age (as her impulse control gets better). Perhaps she just needs a little more maturity?

[Selks]

Could be ADD, but some of the things sound a bit ASD ish - the struggling with change / transitions, social interaction and repetition. You could talk to your GP and ask to see a Paediatrician maybe.

[gironimo]

sorry - "quite anxious" - she's certainly not quiet!