How to know if ADHD or poor teaching?

[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 adhd and autism assessment.

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?

My son just got diagnosed with adhd aged 12. We have had mixed experiences with teachers in the past. I think some teachers are just better at creating conditions that didn’t work for my son. I think my other son was able to take the rough with the smooth whereas my son with adhd couldn’t. My son with adhd thrives with a very structured yet flexible teacher but struggles with lack of structure and a teacher that lacks the ability to flex their “system” and individualise their teaching methods. And in those conditions it became a downward spiral when things just kept getting worse. I hope this makes some sort of sense - we are still figuring stuff out!
I would perhaps just maybe take notes and try to look back at them to see if any patterns are emerging. It’s only when we looked back at feedback across a range of teachers we spotted obvious patterns emerging in things like behaviour after transitions and the need for movement breaks.

Similar to above. My son is 8 and on the pathway to diagnosis. His old school were horrendous. He only had one good teacher who understood him in 4 years. The other 3 years were dreadful and he deteriorated fast. It was like their way of working went against everything he needed which had a significant detrimental impact on his wellbeing. His need to mask as school ended up making him really ill.

His new school are phenomenal. He is totally different. Do I believe he still needs a diagnosis? yes... For a better understanding for us all including himself, but also to ensure anyone involved with him understands what he needs to thrive. We have alot of therapists involved now too who agree he needs assessments so i dont believe his was just a school thing. Yes his school experience was poor but that was because of their ignorance and dismissive attitude to a child with suspected needs. Their criteria was he doesnt attack anyone, and because he didn't they couldn't help!
His new school are already identifying his needs and supporting them immediately. In fact they did it from his induction. I am gobsmacked what a good school can do to a neurodiverse child.
All his behaviours are still there but just with less anxiety and anger which has made our home life so much more pleasant than it was

Thank you for taking the time to give such detailed responses. The difference this year has been phenomenal, but deep down I know my ds has adhd. I’m going to still pursue the diagnosis as we may need more evidence if future teachers are not so supportive.