ADD testing at 16yo

[Jopeg]

My daughter is about to take her GCSEs and I am having a nightmare getting her to do her coursework. She is a bright girl, did well in her SATs and got all As in her mock GCSEs without much apparent effort.

She has got it into her head that she has ADD or ADHD (not sure of difference) and she does show some of the symptoms (sorry if that is the wrong word) however I also feel they could apply to many people myself included!

She sat another mock exam recently and said she couldn't get started and sat clicking her pen for ages, she got a B in the end.

I am worried she has got it in her head that she has ADD and is now giving herself symptoms she didn't previously have!

Should I have her tested to prove her wrong?

If she did turn out to be right, would it be of any help anyway?

She is forever losing things and is terribly disorganised, often late etc. In trouble at school for being disruptive, talking too much etc.

She was fine at primary school, it is since secondary that all the trouble has started.

I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Does she have terrible problems foreseeing the consequences of things, does she get herself into trouble that could have been easily avoided (obvious to you that things would go awry)? Is she highly impulsive?

Hmmm not sure...

I would best describe her behaviour by saying that the gratification of having fun now is far more important to her than success later on.

She can concentrate (is an avid reader)and can be organised if it is something she really wants to do. Very organised and disciplined when she does Drama for example.

She doesn't seem to care about getting told off at all, possibly likes the attention.

Bump

Seems perfectly normal to me for a 16 year old ... didn't many of us want to live for the moment and not worry what's ahead ... I did. If your daughter had ADD/ADHD you would have realised by now. Her school would have picked up on it, not only because she may have been lagging behind, but also she would not be able to concentrate or pay attention for the required time. Both these diagnosis come under the same umbrella these days - ADHD being with hyperactivity. Her life would have been impacted significantly both socially and academically. I am at the beginning of an ADHD dx with my young son .. so expect I will have worse to come, sadly.

Jopeg I disagree with the responses which you have had.

Just because she didn't have difficulties at primary doesn't mean that she does not have ADD.

I am pretty certain that I have ADD. I have GCSEs, A-Levels, degree etc all good grades - but it has all been a stressful struggle at times.

I would recommend that you look at this website it is likely that you have some ADD symptoms also.

Before people start leaping up and down about labels etc - this is they way I look at it. A group of characterisitcs are "labelled" as ADD. Do I think they fit me/my DC at all? If yes then looking at the literature in this area is likely to be helpful.

I also like this website.

It is important that ADD is seen as a blessing as well as a challenge. Those this ADD are often very intelligent and creative.

"She is forever losing things and is terribly disorganised, often late etc."

To help with the disorganisation she needs to set up some routines. Have a look at The Flylady Student Control Journal and for you www.Flylady.net.

I understand that is is very difficult to get an ADD diagnosis in this country, particularly in girls (as it is less common and manifests in a different way).

Maybe try reposting in Teenagers to get some help on assisting with homework/revision/organisation.

Most people posting in this section will have DCs with significantly more serious issues.

MadameSin and Tabouleh thanks for your replies, I can see your point MadameSin but I am worried that even if she hasn't got it she has convinced herself that she has and is therefore displaying symtoms.

Tabouleh I think it is all shades of grey rather than a black or white definition. I will have a look at the websites. I am familiar with flylady. Trouble is DD is very opposed to any suggestions I make which she sees as interfering..