A.d.d - Shellsburg,IA

My son has ADHD and ODD and has to take medication, He is 6 years old and we have been medicating him for about a year. I don't like it but my son jumps off the wall and hits his little brothers, so I had to do something. I guess the odd comes when the adhd isn't taken care of. I don't know if you have learned that add is adhd with out hyper activity.
I know its hard to medicate children, I don't like it myself. However you do what you have to do when you have to do it.
I hope this helps

I completely agree with everyone who said do what is best for your son and not the teacher! If your son were truly ADD then it would show at home too! Maybe he's a bit smart and is bored with the content in school or maybe he is just a bit immature to sit still in class. Either way, have the teacher adapt to him, not the other way around! I also agree with the person who said to have his eyes checked. I had a really bad year in elementary school and was "disruptive" in class. Turns out I couldn't see!! It was so bad, I didn't even know what I was missing! When I got my glasses, everything turned around. Again, trust your instincts, not the teachers! If your son isn't disruptive at home, he's not ADD!!!

Hi C.,

Attention deficit disorder has a lot to do with the environment, the toxins in the home and DNA.

Our son had ADD & we had a hard time with him focusing. I have it myself. But what I found to help is getting the toxins out of the home. By toxins I mean, your pledge, laundry det., fabric softener, window cleaners, air fresheners, etc.

Please visit our website: http://yourchoice.healthyhometour.com

It is truly amazing what happens when you "go green" and go toxin free in your home. Stay away from foods that have white flour in them, white rices, milk. Things like whole grains are best.

If you would like any more info please let me know.

It is my goal to educate as many people as I can to avoid having to go through the things I had gone through.

J.

Hi C., for starters try monitoring his sugar intake. Is he eating sugary cereal before school or juice perhaps. Many times people assume children are a.d.d. when in fact it's the sugar and for some kids it don't take much. Cut back on his sugar intake, make sure his breakfast contains a good amount of protein and get him on a GOOD children's multi-vitamin!! Good luck

When my son started kindergarten, we did an ADHD evaluation with the school, myself,and the local heartland that works with the schools. We all agreed he was ADHD. Well guess what I learned..even though he was at the top of the class with his letters, name and numbers? That he is farsighted..my nephew did the same thing and the eye doctor said he is trying to focus so hard to see, that he shows signs of ADHD. It all made sense. He doesnt even need his one-on-one associate that he used to have..what a huge change!!
Just my thoughts..and good luck.
Ang

does your school offer summer school!!! that might help him to focus since the classrooms are usually smaller.

In my experience many teachers just want a child to sit and be quiet, but many kids do not learn that way... If your son is learning and is not easily distracted at home, then he probably doesn't have A.D.D or A.D.H.D. I have one of each with 2 of my kids and it's pretty obvious in MANY situations - my daughter would take a bite of dinner, go do a cartwheel, take another bite, go do a somersault, for example.... The fact that he's learning and progressing indicates there's no need for meds in my opinion. My son couldn't stay on task long enough to internalize the information in order to learn it. There are various forms of A.D.H.D. and A.D.D. and there are also various learning styles. Some kids learn by doing, some by hearing, some by seeing, some by a mixture of the senses. Boys are generally a little less mature than girls his age or ready to sit and learn. Remember you are your child's advocate and know him best of all. Do what is best for your child- not the teacher..... As long as he's learning, that's the key and it doesn't sound to me like he has an issue there from what you've said. Hope that helps....

Our son is a first grader this year, but last year we had the same issues that you are now facing. Being a boy and being one of the youngest in the class has its definite disadvantages. Think about it like this: if there are kids in his class that are 11-12 months older than he is then they have lived 15-20% longer than he has. Eleven months may not seem like a big deal when you are in your 20's looking for a mate, but at the tender age of 5, 11 months can make a HUGE difference! Know that as he grows and matures, the balance will even out with his classmates and his activity level will settle down as well. Kindergarten is quite different than when we were kids. I remember playing house and learning my telephone number. Kids today are reading at that level.

Please don't be too quick to blame the teacher. She is well trained and is looking for consistent growth over the course of the year. Our son started his kindergaten year out beautifully but then got "bored" and started slacking off and would have to be constantly reminded to refocus his attention. He does not have ADHD but was rather immature compared to his classmates. Once we learned issues were coming up, we worked closely with his kindergarten teacher and checked in with her regularly to see how things were improving. One example of what I did: The teacher was concerned with how long it took him to complete his work in class. I pulled age-appropriate worksheets off the internet (there are tons of them out there) and timed him while he completed them at home. I would write the time in the upper corner and send them back to school so his teacher could see what he was doing at home. Once he realized I was timing him, he began to want to work faster for better times. The teacher ended up purchasing a "Time Timer" for the class and several of her students used it to help them stay on task. Most kids will work and act differently for their parents than they will for their teachers, so keep that in mind too. Teachers want and need our support and our children will do their best when they are aware that we are working as a whole team to help them succeed.

One year later and our son is doing much better. He will always be one of the youngest in his class, but someone has to be, right? Hang on there...it will all work out.

From my experience, I have a son who just turned 7 end of March. He is in the first grade. He was diagnoised with ADHD when he was 5. I didn't have him on meds right away. I wanted to see for myself. I watched his behavior, talked to the teachers, principal and school counsler. I also did my research on ADHD. Kids with ADHD can concentrate on things they like to do, not on the things they don't like to do. Most kids, right? you would think so. But talk to your family doctor, tell the Dr. your thoughts, feelings and concerns. Set up a meeting to talk to the teacher, principal and school social worker or counseler, at the same time. Voice your concerns, questions, feelings, everything. This is your child. It is your decision. First, do your research. Check out www.healthline.com and search for ADHD. this website is very reputable and can answer many of your questions. bring your research to the Dr. and school meeting. Bring all of your questions. Also, you may want to check out alternative schools.
We had our son in K when he was 5. March 25th is his birthday. I thought he was ready, pre-school told me he was ready. We chose a Montessori school, (some are free, some you ahve to pay for). He did well, but they said he has ADHD. I did everything I am suggesting you do. When the end of K came around, they wanted him to repeat K in another school or go to 1st grade in another school. They said he would really struggle in 1st grade in Montessori. if you don't know about Montessori schools, research those too. they are hands on learning schools. They are mandated by the state to meet the standards. Once the kids hit 1st grade, they combine 3 grade levels in the classroom. 1st, 2nd, 3rd all in the same classroom. This way, kids can learn at their own pace and hands on. Well, we tried a "regular" school for 1st grade this year. Did not go well. Oh, he is on meds as well. Concerta has been a great choice for us. Lasts all day and not many side effects. I didn't want him on meds and was very much against it. But I had to do what was right for my son.
Anyway, regular school was worse for him. they made him sit in one chair most of the day and no hands-on learning. this was very difficult for him. he is learning and catching on now taht we switched back to Montessori, but we will have him repeat 1st grade again next year. better now, then later. And this way, he won't struggle as much.
Also, jsut wanted to let you know that kids don't have to start K until they are 7. With technology today and the state raising their standards for what the kids "should" be learning or "should" already know. Don't push him too far. You want him to succeed in life, give him the best chance you can. Do what you ahve to do, for the sake of your son.
Do your research, ask questions, and learn all you can before you make your decision. it has to be right for you.
If you like, you can email me anytime with any questions or concerns at ____@____.com in mind that I am not a doctor, or anything like that. I am a parent who went through the same things you are now.
~M.