ADHD......, hyperactivity etc

[anniebear]

Can I ask a few questions to anyone who Has a child with ADHD?

Hope I don't sound ignorant! I have looked at web sites but think there can be nothing better than asking Mums with experience.

If your child has ADHD, what kind of things do they do? Is there sleep affected? lack of concentration? unable to stay on task for long?

Can a child just be hyperactive or is that also classed as ADHD?

At what age do they normally say that a child may have this?

My daughter Ellie is only 3, has brain damage in her frontal lobe (which is worrying enough....according to the internet she is either going to be a criminal by her teens or run down the road naked due to having no social awareness!!!! shouldn't joke but I would cry if I didn't laugh!!!!!!)

She doesn't sleep well at night, can't concentrate for long, has some tantrums were she slaps her face really hard and she loves to run round.

Everyone keeps saying it's because she has just found her feet (why she runs lots) but I am starting to think that she has been on her feet properly since around June.

I know her behaviour could just be down to the fact that she is behind with her development so she is acting more like a two year old. This is what every one else seems to say.

So when does it become something else and not just her age. Can a child just be like this because she has a brain injury and is behind with her development and it not be called ADHD or likewise?

Hope I haven't offended anyone. I haven't that much knowledge of ADHD so I apologise if I have suggested that a child with this may act in certain ways!!

I know I don't need to apologise, but I am tired and had a stressful and emotional day!

People tell me I shouldn't worry about what may or may not occur in the future but I worry about everything and read far too much about what Ellie could go on to develop in the future.

Sorry for waffling, I have gone on for far too long. Hope I have made some sense??!!

I found the Chris Green Book Understanding ADHD to be a really good starting point for us when J was diagnosed with ADHD.....I read through it several times and then realised my son didnt have it..got him reassessed and then was told he is on the Autistic Spectrum - possibly Aspergers.

Most libraries have a copy of this book. Most of what you have written about Ellie sounds like a possibility.....But find me a three year old who isnt into everything.I am pretty sure that an assessment for ADHD wouldn't be done on a child so young - but I do know Blossomhills daughter was DX at a young age.

Have a read of the book and then at least you would be more aware of the behaviours associated with ADHD.

Sorry cant offer much more advice.....hubby wants me to wrap the pressies....have to go....sure someone else will give you some good advice.

Also, one more question!!

Whats ADD? ASD?

Thanks!

Hi Anniebear

My dd was dx with adhd at 4 but to be honest it is looking likely that she has a mixture of everything and it's hard to actually pin her down to one label.
Add - means attention deficit disorder which is like Adhd but without the hyperactivity. Just means you have difficulties with aoncentration.
Asd - Autistic spectrum disorder. Is what it sounds. A spectrum that is used to describe people with autism.

Hope that helps
Blossomhill

I've only had half a glass of Baileys
I meant concentration of course!

my daughter sounds just like yours anniebear! We havent been told she is hyperactive but busy

what the hell that means, i dont know!~

Do you find it hard getting out and about Fio?

what on my own or with dd? ;) both really as i am miss scatterbrain but with dd it is a nightmare

Is that because dd cannot sit still Fio. For example my dd is not very good at the dentist, doctors, shopping (unless it's tescos ). Infact everything is harder with dd.
I feel really sad actually as me and my mum are taking ds (7) to the cinema to see Polar Express and we both said how great it would be to take dd but know she would sit for all of 5 minutes and her attention would go. Just feel like she misses out on all the fun things

Just re-read your post fio. V. funny!!!!

yes exactly the same BH, except my dd has physical disabilities aswell! she is desperate to get into the major buggy but flaps and whines when she is in it!

Hi Fio - I didn't realise your daughter had physical disabilities. We were told on Friday that they doubt we will ever get a dx for dd. Do you have one yet? I think your dd is about the same age as mine. My dd was 5 in August