DS' nursery suggested I seek help re possible ADHD...

[mamadiva]

Hi all, DS age 4.5 has basically never been an easy child and TBH I have always suspected something but just got on with it but over the last few weeks he has been getting quite aggressive and frustrated at nursery and for all his 'bad' behaviour I would never have said he was violent. It's completely out of the blue and seems to be at it's worst at nursery.

They have now advised that I should see my health visitor about it, I have called and left a message but am terrified of what they will tell me at the same time as wanting an answer!

ADHD is present in a few family members so I have been tolld this could be the cause (by nursery) can it run in famillies? My brother was tested several times as he really was hyper but no where near as much as DS. I am now getting comments from people about his speech as he gets wound up and starts stuttering and stammering and he is the fussiest eater I know so trying to do anything with that is going to be hard but (I know I may be jumping the gun) if it is something like ADHD then I don't want to go down the medication route unless I REALLY have to.

Sorry for wittering on but just wanted to get as much out as I could ATM.

Does anyone else use non-medicated routes to deal with these kind of things or does it even work? Thanks.

I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that he has ADHD based on what nursery staff have said or that, even if he does have ADHD, that he'll need medication.

Speaking to your HV/GP isthe first step towards getting a professional's diagnosis.

Until then - don't think the worst.

Best wishes

Hi. If the Nursery think something is going on,then its worth following the concerns up. So often, the parent has concerns, but this is not backed up by Nursery or school.
You say, that you have had an inkling that something is not quite "right", and our intuitions re our dc are usually right.
To answer your question, yes, there is a strong heredity link with ADHD and ASD.
I think, unless your HV is clued-up on Special Needs, you should go to your GP and ask for a referral to CAMHS,(child and adolescent mental health services, or a developmental Paediatrician.
A history will be taken of your ds development and if ADHD is suspected, probably a Connors Questionnaire will be sent to Nursery, and one for yourself, and scores will be compared. ADHD symptoms must be displayed in at least two different settings.
Dont worry re your ds having a label. See it as a way of describing his difficulties and getting the suppotr he needs. This is important for when he goes to school, so its good difficulties are being flagged up now, as tne dx process can sometimes take a while.
Yes,ADHD can be managed without Medication, and of course it is your choice, but, good practise and from my own knowledge that Ive gained over the years, shows that for dc with severe ADHD-extreme hyperactivity and aggression, symptoms are best managed with medication and behaviour therapy. HTH.

Can I ask why you and the nursery have concerns?