Another UPDATE, bottom pg. 5 - Don't think I can deny there's a problem. (ADD/ADHD)

[Boots]

{{{{HUGS}}}}

 

[KimRaye]

{{HUGS}} Debbi, I hope you hear very soon.

 

[tiggerlover]

Originally posted by Mishetta
People in Italy are not too concerned about Customer Service. Not like they are here in the States. I'm very sorry. That really stinks.

I guess if there is a "next time" perhaps you can call ahead to make sure that everything is in place.

Good luck!

Hi Rose! It isn't the Italians that are seeing him, they are american, but they are military.

PS - Congrats on being tagged!

Tiggerlover, you say your son's symptoms are fairly recent in onset, and seem to coincide with increased intake of Fanta. The first thing I would do is cut out the Fanta for a couple of weeks and see if it helps! ADD/ADHD children show signs of the syndrome in early childhood, though it usually doesn't get diagnosed until they get in school. Food allergies can look like ADHD.[/B]

DancinD, We first noticed symptoms last summer, but it wasn't until December that we opened our eyes and thought it really could be ADHD. We also got some good information from some DISers in re: red dye #40, which we promptly cut out of his diet....which includes Fanta, and we have seen a great improvement. Even though DS has improved he is still fidgety, and hyper at times and his teacher still thinks there is an issue.

Thank you all for your continued thoughts and words, I will be sure to keep you updated as soon as we have more information.

 

[tiggerlover]

Well, we finally met with the doctor for his diagnosis. I am not really sure where to start, so I suppose I should tell you the bottom line. The doctor said that DS is trace to mild ADHD/HI (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Hyperactivity Impulsivity), however DS does not have an attention problem. When he first analyzed DS, scored all of his neurological and physical exams he determined that DS was trace ADHD, then he analyzed the two parent reports and still stuck by his diagnosis of trace ADHD and then he got his hands on the missing teacher reports and that made him change his diagnosis to trace to mild. He said that there is a big difference in our perception of DS at home and the teachers perception of him at school.

Six teachers and counsellors filled out the surveys, most all agree DS is hyperactive and figety and that he is very attentive. His primary teacher (whom we don't care for very much), said he is socially inept and some what violent, hits others(shocking to say the least, we never were told this and have never had issues with this type of behavior ever), oppositional and a challenge to her (we think she is part of the problem). The principal and DS's PE teacher said he was hyperactive, not oppositional, optimistic, but that he has some social skill problems. The school psychologist said he was hyperactive, that he doesn't take criticism well, that he is attentive and socially average. The rest of the reports were all on the favorable side for the most part.

The doctor (who by the way is a developmental peditrician) recomended that we have the school convene with the teachers, principal, psychologist and my husband and I a Child Study Committee and try to figure out why we all are observing the same child and are off in our observations and get to the bottom of his primary teacher's comments that shocked us so much. He also suggested social skills classes. He wants to see us again in two months and if we are not progressing in a positive direction then he would like to try a 2-3 week period of low doses of ritalin.

So this is everything in a nutshell. I am once again overwhelmed and need to sort through my feelings before I can more forward. I thank you all for your support and PM's. I will update you when I have something to say.

 

[DISNEYFANRI]

Hi tiggerlover,
My DS (14) was just recenty diagnosed with both ADHD and axxiety disorder. And yes - some of the reports were conflicting. I think it has alot to do with teacher personalities - time of day - etc. My son is not fidgety at all at home but his teachers say he is constantly moving in school. Could be the environment??

Wish I could help you more - just want you to know you are not alone.

Paula

 

[Serena]

I once again, offer my support. I think you are a great mom.

 

[snoopy]

I may be in the minority here, but I would be willing to wager that 75% of all boys are fidgety and hyperactive, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are ADHD.

I do believe ADHD exists in some children, but just because a child moves around a lot doesn't mean he is unable to focus. Maybe he is bored. Maybe he isn't being challenged, or disciplined properly.

We had this problem with my oldest DS in kindergarden, and we got the same diagnosis as you did, Tiggersmom - hyper, but no attention disorder. To me, that spelled BOY. I let it ride, and slowly but surely DS learned to sit still in class, for the most part. He is still highly spirited, lots and lots of energy, but he has learned the consequences of acting up in class. That of course doesn't mean I still don't hear that he could do better if he kept his mouth shut while the teacher was talking, or that he needs not to fidget as much, but its lessened as he has gotten use to school and the structure of sitting still all day.

Good luck to you guys, its such a tough job in today's world raising children. Not every kid has to be labeled, though, please remember that. It could be that your boy is just being a typical boy.

As always, jmo.

 

[piratesmate]

WOW! That's a lot to sort through! Take your time & relax. In the meantime, remember there's always hughs, prayer & PD here for you.

Re: there being "a big difference in our perception of DS at home and the teachers perception of him at school" . . . When DS was 1st tested & diagnosed, the psychologist commented that it was only in the school environment that DS was having any trouble - if it weren't for school, we wouldn't have been in his office. It's not really a "perception" issue, it's more like environment. In school things were too "loosey-goosey" for him to learn effectively. At home we kept structure & he was great.

I think it's more telling that the teachers see him differently. It's good that he suggested a Child Study Committee. If there are issues with the teacher, this should be able to resolve them.

 

[Dancind]

Debbi, did they do any IQ testing? A gifted child will often be mistaken for one with ADHD, because they are BORED. Some will just tune out, but others (often boys) will get MAD. They hate having to "waste" their time with repetition. Just a thought. Diana

 

[MerryPoppins]

I mentioned this before. This all sounds a lot like my kids that have Sensory Integration Disorder. Kids with this problem often appear differently in different situations, different classrooms or different times of the day. It all has to do with how overloaded they are from sensory information. Might be worth looking into. I got a lot of help from the Alert Program. You can check them out at www.alertprogram.com

 

[Lanshark]

Unless things are different in your state the school psychologist will not disgnose. A private psychiatrist probably should be consulted.

 

[nativetxn]

{{{HUGS}}} sweetie. I have no advice to offer, I've never been faced with a situation like this.

I just wanted you to know that I care and hope that everything works out in the best possible way for your son.

Katholyn

 

[tiggerlover]

Thank you all again for your words of support, as always, I appreciate everything each and every one of you has to say.

Well, we had our meeting with the school psychologist, principal and DS's primary teacher and I feel a whole lot better. We got a lot of things on the table and are all working together for a common goal, what is best for DS. Most importantly we cleared the air about the comments that DS was "some times violent" and that he "physically attacked" others. When the teacher wrote he was "some times violent" she said she was referring to the begining of the school year when DS threw a book and kicked a chair (one incidence). Everyone thought her words were harsh and uncalled for, which made me feel better. The comment about him "physically attacking" others was because he slapped a child on the playground, again in the beginning of the year and a one time occurance. They all agree that DS is not ADHD and they support our decision not to medicate him. Everyone also agreed that they have seen an improvement since DS stopped eating foods with red#40, which is another positive because we have seen a vast improvement at home as well. Academically DS is above grade level and physically as well. They also agreed that part of DS's problem is the isolation we have living in a foreign country and the fact that DS is the only boy in the 1st grade so he interacts mostly with girls. They have proposed moving him into two classes (specials) with the 2nd grade where there are other boys. We have devised a new discipline plan to impliment at home in the hopes it will help with the ocassional melt-downs at school and so far it is working well. So all and all everything is coming together and we are seeing wonderful changes in DS.

Just wanted to let you all know what was happening and thank you again for your support.

 

[wdwnutze]

Glad to hear things are working out for your son. That sounds like a great idea to move him into a couple of classes where there are boys for him to interact with. Good luck and I hope things keep improving for you!

 

[MerryPoppins]

Sounds like a great plan! I'm so glad to hear that the school is willing to work with you.

 

[mamajoan]

ALRIGHTY THEN!!!! Debbi you did a great job as advocate for the best plan for your ds!! WAY TO GO!!!!