Do I finally accept ADHD?

[ArcticSky]

Hi all,

Will try to keep this as brief as possible but really hoping to hear the experiences of others & to get some advice!

DS1(6) was always a high needs baby. Cried unless there was movement so spent my days bouncing on a gym ball or pacing the streets. As a toddler he was constantly running and climbing. I would go to a toddler group and we would have to leave after 20mins as he was attempting to climb chairs or up windows and wouldn't stop.

Nursery consistently referred to him having 'poor listening ears' and he refused to join in with any group activities, instead opting to continue to play or climb. At this age he used to climb all over everyone. He couldn't stand next to someone without having his arms or legs draped all over them and he stood uncomfortably close to people. This got better when he was about 4.5.

When he started school we were told his behaviour could be poor. He often talked when he shouldn't, shouted out and didn't really listen. Then lockdown.

These days he really enjoys school. Loves the 'learning' parts of the day, likes reading & writing (average at these), and is very good at maths. We are told he's bright. Things we are worried about:

• constantly injuring himself. In the space of 3 weeks at school I received 3 bump notes & he broke his arm falling from the climbing frame.
• constant wriggling. All. The. Time. He can't stop.
• still puts things in his mouth a lot.
• compulsion to climb everything. He seems to be incredibly impulsive and unable to think things through. He also gets overexcited very easily.

He is noticeably different to anyone on either side of the family - he is just all over the place all the time (don't know how else to describe it!)

So far I'm getting from school that he can be a handful but is 'just a boisterous boy'. My gut is telling me otherwise. I know I have strong traits of dyspraxia and my cousin has ADHD. I don't know if I am overly sensitive, or if I should push for some form of referral?

Really interested to hear from those with children who have ADHD or suspected it and what the outcome was, or any ideas of how to support him. I love him so much - he is so funny, chatty & friendly!x

Oh and he drooled excessively until he was 3. It is also taking him much longer than his peers to learn how to swim. Sorry this has been so long :-(

adhd is heredity so worth getting him assessed as he seems to have a lot of traits. also worth googling infant reflexes not going dormant. by the way do you have anxiety / overactive mind / are messy? adhd in people born as females the H often stands for hyperactive mind rather than hyperactive body.

I'm not sure it sounds like ADHD, but I would look into sensory needs.
The need to climb, the need to have his arms and legs draped all over someone, mouthing everything, drooling, constant wriggling.
I would be seeking an assessment from an Occupational Therapist.

Thank you so much for your replies. @ittakes2 No I don't have anxiety or an overactive mind and I'm not messy. Just traits of dyspraxia really.

I've thought about occupational therapy @Kite22. Are assessments expensive? The school have now said his behaviour is getting worse & that he calls out constantly, pokes other kids and gets in their personal space. But he's a character and wants to be the class clown so this could be a choice (going to try a rewards chart with Lego at the end to see).

I have no idea about paying privately.
I would be talking to the school SENCo to see what happens in your LA.

Some LAs have teams that might have people who are skilled in this Area even if not qualified OTs.

Our LEA have appointed some OTs to work across the authority.
Some GPs might be able to refer to NHS OTs.
Some might refer via a Paediatrician.
Some authorities might use the School Nursing service to be able to refer.

I would 100% push for an ADHD assessment. That sounds almost exactly like my child (now 15, diagnosed with ADHD at 10 but really we should have gone sooner).

Primary school SENCOs are, OK can be, rubbish at this stuff. Spell it out for them in black and white and get a referral.