Is this normal behaviour?

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I have a 5yr old boy in yr1 who is struggling with listening and his behaviour. If I mention it to anyone they say it is completely normal boy behaviour but when see him with his peers I definitely feel he is different.
These are some of the behaviours he displays:

-Not listening (this has been flagged by his teacher and suggested that he has hearing tested - hearing was fine. This is especially poor in after school activities

• constant daydreaming / blank expression at school and at home

• needs the teacher or ta to sit with him for them to get him to do any work (he is on a special table with TA not because of ability)

• has since quite young liked to run around in circles constantly

-often runs into things/people because he is running and not paying attention

• cries or covers ears at loud noises such as flushing the toilet

• homework is a massive struggle due to getting distracted constantly

• he cannot do anything like get dressed for school without me prompting him every few minutes.

• he seems to do things just to be contrary ie if asked to sit with legs crossed at after school activity he will lie down etc

-gets so overexcited he can’t seem to control himself

The main thing at school is the daydreaming/not listening and not paying attention but otherwise we’ll behaved (it is a very strict school) but the other behaviours are apparent at home and during sports.

There is more but does this sound like regular behaviour? I am concerned about adhd inattentive type or possibly an auditory processing disorder.

I just feel sad and frustrated to see him failing at everything and getting in trouble constantly because he isn’t paying attention or listening when he says he is trying his best.

Sorry that’s so long, hopefully someone can help... please

Much of that sounds like sensory processing, see if anything in this booklet helps.
www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/social-care/disabilities/docs/young-people/Making%20Sense%20of%20Sensory%20Behaviour.pdf?v=201507131117

Also Google Executive Function and Processing Speed. You've already researched auditory processing.

If he displays quite a lot of characteristics that each of those things mention, then do consider going to your GP with a list of the things he does differently to his peers and asking to be referred for an assessment.

Thanks @BlankTimes I’ll have a read of that. Had a quick look at executive function and that definitely seems relevant to him.

He has been referred to the Senco by his teacher but the Senco taught him for a term last year and didn’t seem to think there was an issue then so I’m hoping she does assess him.

I will follow up with the school and then try and see the GP as you suggest

You're welcome

Have you seen this thread, lots in it about schools not providing for kids with AN. www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/3746698-Where-does-law-stand-on-how-behind-a-child-has-to-be-to-trigger-Educational-Phycologist?pg=1
My dd's primary school "saw nothing" and insisted she was "fine" She now has five diagnosed AN conditions, they were no help at all.

Some schools are crap, some are wonderful and most are somewhere in-between. One thing's for sure, don't be fobbed off, persevere and persevere some more to get your boy the education he should have.

You might find visual prompts for getting dressed etc. helpful at home (and he will likely find them useful at school too to keep him on track).

There are some good ideas on ways to help with sensory processing here:

www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjG8IIMf5cY5Rakdt6u4Mmn9MlpdmrSXA
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjG8IIMf5cY4TyeAG0OdN91Uz3TP3OmQD

And maybe some of the ideas around self-regulation could be useful too:
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjG8IIMf5cY6pVMSE_YxgT_Lc2eKMjo2f

But I agree with the PP really the school needs to help, so you are right to pursue it with them and keep pushing!

My DD is like this. But doesn't get upset with loud noises. Same age. Currently under a paediatrician who is unwilling to 'label' or put in for assessment. (Questionnaires from school and is (parents) didn't meet the threshold for ASD and she's too young (just) for adhd.
Speech and language did flag up a language delay. After reading up on receptive language difficulties, it all makes sense.
Hoping early intervention will help. Can you request a SaLT to come in and assess?
We've put in some strategies to help DD. I'm not too fussed about academic side but I want her to be happy, have friends and not be vulnerable to bullying as she gets older

Thanks @LightTripper and @marshmallowss
for taking the time to reply.

I am also not particularly worried about academics although I do think he is a clever child. Although he does have friends he struggles a bit with social interaction but is (I think) generally well liked.

I am really concerned about his confidence levels as he is being told off in every setting (including at home) that he is not listening/needs to pay attention. I am trying to ease back massively as I am starting to understand that he really is trying and it’s not on purpose. But it’s still very frustrating to witness!

What @BlankTimes said. (I was also going to link to the Falkirk Guide - I really like it )

Ideally, he sounds as if he could do with an assessment from an OT (Occupational Therapist) but they are as rare as hen's teeth in my LA / HA. Again, where I live, they don't accept referrals from Education either - has to come from a HCP. You could try your GP, and see - they might be able to refer you, or if not, might be able to refer you to a Paediatrician who might then refer you.

I agree it sounds like something for an OT. If the school is switched on they may be able to offer some sensory aids or aids for executive function. Had my DD's parents evening a few days ago and they were showing us some little cards they've made her to help remember the steps for getting changed for PE or getting her bag together at the end of the day. I think stuff like that is very very helpful and doesn't take a lot of time or energy for the school to put together - just thoughtfulness. Like your DS she's pretty bright and doesn't struggle with the schoolwork itself, but it doesn't help with sensory and EF stuff.