Inattentive ADD in a Girl

My daughter has ADHD-I. She was diagnosed at 6 yrs old and your daughter sounds so much like my daughter! She was never disruptive, but would sit in class and do nothing because she couldn't focus on her work. ADHD-I tends to go undiagnosed ALOT. Its really sad because these kids are written off as lazy or stupid and they totally aren't- they just can't pay attention. Just because her ADHD isn't causing problems for others doesn't mean it shouldn't be treated! Its causing problems for HER! We chose to medicate our daughter and it was the best decision we ever made. The first day she was on it, she completed all of her classwork in school. Before that she had been unable to complete even ONE worksheet in class. Her confidence came back (she had been depressed and wanted to be a first grade dropout). Within a month she went from failing to being on level in all her courses. The school will certainly accommodate her. We have a 504 plan. Its very basic-she doesn't need much, but gets more time for tests and organizational help, stuff like that. She's on a low dose of Adderall (stimulants tend to work best with ADHD-I) and only takes it on school days, never weekends or school breaks. In addition to meds, we make a lot of lists and give lots of reminders for tasks. I urge you to talk to your daughter's pediatrician. Yes, she's "getting by", but she deserves to SHINE!!

Add: Cheryl- you can't punish a child w/ ADHD-I for being physically unable to focus. My daughter could not do her schoolwork in class. She couldn't stay on task and the teacher didn't care to make the effort. My daughter would go to school tor 6 hrs a day and then spend another 5 hrs after school doing her classwork and homework. It was sn AWFUL time for her and simply forcing her to do her work did not teach her to focus in class. ADHD is a part of someone, just as is hair color or skin color.

Medication is one way of dealing with ADHD in certain situations. Despite what many of us hear, doctors are very careful about suggesting medication. There are many, many other things that can and should be done either alone or along with prescribing medication.

ADHD is actually very broad with various degrees. You really do want to talk to your pediatrician. My niece was referred (by her pediatrician) to a behavioral psychologist. He watched her play, asked her questions, observed her, interviewed her parents, asked her teacher to fill out a questionnaire. He was very, very thorough. He really wanted to get a picture of who she is and what her struggles are. She has been diagnosed with ADHD, and is not on medication. That doesn't mean she will never be on medication, but right now there are other things they are going to try.

Her mother has ADHD. She is on medication. She was on medication at one time and (long story) went off the meds for several years. It took her awhile to recognize the effect it was having on her, but she is now back on the meds and very happy to be.

One really important thing to keep in mind. ADHD meds are for the patient. They are prescribed for the patient in order to help them. The goal is to help them to focus or to settle down or to do whatever it is that is really not possible for them to do without the meds. The point is not (contrary to popular belief) to make life easier for those around them. The meds are not prescribed so that the teacher has an easier time dealing with the child. Too often, when people think of ADHD meds they picture a zombie child. If the meds turn your daughter into a zombie, call the doctor because this is the wrong med for your child. The are different meds, and if she needs meds, the doctor will work with you to find the one that's right for her.

Call your pediatrician. Right now you need answers. You need a diagnosis. Once you have that, you can begin the conversation of what, if anything, you need to do at this point.

Brain disorders deserve to be treated just as seriously as any other disorder. Why let your daughter continue to not live up to her potential? Who wants to think that teachers are not expecting much of their kids? Yikes.

Ask the pediatrician for a referral to a specialist like a child psychiatrist or neuropsychologist for a diagnosis. Specialists will be able to do a thorough evaluation and tell you for sure if she has it or not. As the parent of a child with ADHD-combined type, I have to say your daughter fits the very typical description of a child with ADHD-inattentive type.

Why not give her the best possible chance at a super life? The medical specialists can help her. Medication is certainly going to be discussed, because it has the best track record in helping with ADHD of any type. There is nothing EASY about medication. Whoever spread that myth should be shot. It's a very serious decision that's made in conjunction with the expertise of medical specialists. It can make a tremendous, life-changing difference, but you need to be prepared for trial and error to find the right medication. There are side effects to weigh. When you get it right, you may still have to make changes down the road as she grows. It's nothing parents or doctors ever take lightly.

The school legally has to make accommodations for this disability through an IEP or 504 plan. She can get accommodations like being able to take tests in a quiet location.

It's worth going down this path to help your daughter. Get on the phone right now with the pediatrician's office to ask about getting a referral.

Next, go to the websites for CHADD and ADDitude magazine. They are two reliable sources of information about ADHD. Educate yourself as much as you can so you can be an advocate for your daughter.

My older daughter was always the perfect student. It did not matter if she was on meds or not. Still she is ADHD so we gave her meds because it makes it easier. It also helped her reach her full potential since she didn't have to spend all her energy trying to cope with her ADHD and could focus on learning.

First, with a child like yours, Montesorri was not a good fit. Like you said, she was offered too many choices and not made to sit down and behave. Part of kindergarten is for children to learn how to be in school. Montesorri does NOT teach that.

Your daughter has not been challenged and nothing is expected of her. She is just going along with the program. If you want that to change, start EXPECTING things from her. If she brings home unfinished school work, make her finish it. She needs to learn that if she's not going to do her work in school when it is the appropriate time, then she will do it at home and miss out on fun time. It's all in her attitude and you need to work on changing that.