"My Son Has ADHD and Wants to Play Baseball"

My son is 13 w/ADHD and Aspergers Autism he has played in basketball and soccer for the past 4 years. It has done wonders as far as releasing energy, learning teamwork, and socializing above just schoolmates and with depending on the sport and consequences for not being a team player if needed. The biggest thing we always worry about is just having an understanding coach. As we don't like to label him we have a quick private convo. with the coach on if there's any problems to please address us so we can help. The number one thing is just because he has ADHD does not mean he can't do things well as a sport. Their focusing seems to be very different in that enviorment. I think he'll be fine. Good luck and enjoy watching him having fun. Mom of tripkets and 13 yr old.

I would let him play. At the age of 5 I think it is normal for most kids to be more interested in the dirt than the game of baseball. But it is a great experience.

My son is 12 and has ADHD. We sheltered him too much and now he has no interest in sports nor is he very good with social interacting. I say let him play. I don't think he will feel unsuccessful as long as he is on the team he'll be excited b/c he is doing what his brothers are doing.

I'm an adult with ADD and the worst thing you can do is hold a child back from any sports. Especially someone with ADD. If you haven't already read "delivered from Distraction" by Hallowell it will explain the need for sports and how that will have a chemical balance for your childs brain.

I also have to say that having ADHD is not a "disability" it's actually a gift. When your young schools are made up in a certain way and that way is not an ideal environment for kids with ADD. They have camps and other things for kids with ADD along with schools etc. These are not places for them to work out the disability its just a place that is organized differently from the "normal" school. Which I personally think is incredibly boring.

I think the book I mention above will give you a much clearer understanding of your sons situation and to look at ADD as a gift. People with ADD have incredible ideas and have a brain that processes so much information all at once that it could overwhelm others. I would hate for your son at such a young age to walk around with a disability stamp on his head. He learns and processes things differently than others.

Let your son try every sport in the world and let him find what he likes and what he is interested in doing. Baseball may not be for him but let him figure that out. He's not disabled at all. Do you realize that the president/owner of Virgin (the record,aircraft etc. company) has ADD?? Do you think his mom kept him home from baseball? If anything you need to stand up and show your son how to be proud about having ADD and all the great things that he can bring to his friends family and the world. People with ADD are incredibly sensitive to others and care almost unconditionaly to people around them. Be proud of your son. Whatever he acomplishes.

If any of my kids end up having ADD I will teach them everything I have told you. I'm proud to have it and the talents I have because of it are incredible!

One more thing I needed to add........

I'm upset with some of the comments below from mothers. I think a lot of you should purchase Dr. Hallowells book. Calling your child "different" etc. from other kids does not help the situation or your child. All of the sports you are listing sound great and deal with hand and eye coordination along with waiting on a bench. I am a swimteam coach and I have a bunch of kids with ADD (by the way at this point ADD and ADHD are qualified under the same name because of the internal and external hyperactivity) Swimming is an excellent source of activity for kids with ADD and I will tell you why. While you swim you are doing the same strokes time and time again. Well, if you get off task you can look up and see what the others are swimming. also, while they swim the brain can be thinking of several other things and they won't hurt themselves. Yes, I have kids that excel in swimming with ADD. Actually one of our 8 year old boys is a record holder and he is 8 years old with ADD.

PLEASE GET THE BOOK I MENTIONED ABOVE. If you dont have time to read it then rent the cd for your car rides with the kids. I think it will give you knowledge of your son and how to be a positive influence.

I just can't believe some of the posts below. I am glad that my mom didn't keep me back from anything and didn't tell me I had a "disability" or anything like the comments below. Reading this just frustrates me more and more.

One more thing......All of you below that think changing a childs diet will cure ADD is on a soap box of something they know nothing about. Caffeine is actually a drug that helps add people focus. For others it makes kids hyper etc. It works most of the time an opposite way for kids that have add along with adults. To all of the moms on this blog that are giving there kids meds I commend you. I take meds and it helps me in incredible ways. I think the best way to explain it would be wearing glasses for some. It allows for me to focus where I can't. It doesnt take away my procrastination, organizational skills etc. but it helps me in school, work and being a mom. I also think swimming could be a great sport for all of your kids. Please get the book I mentioned above you will be reassured by its contents on the decisions you have made for all of your kids.

One more thing.......
My mom is a social worker and she strongly advises any kids with ADD/ADHD to get involved in track or swimming because of the stimulation and that the sport is a constant and repetitive. I also talked with more of my fellow coaches in swimming and they have all said that they have a lot of ADD kids and all the kids are great. I have one personally that is a little speed crazy so he is like the ever ready battery. I also have a girl that will swim t the bottom of the pool and find something and came back up give it to me and then i will give her another set to swim and when she completes the next set I let her go to the bottom and find something else. You can give your coaches these ideas to help work with your kids.

One other thing is that I have gotten some personal messages about my post. ADD IS NOT A DISEASE and for all of you that think it is you are completely wrong and unaware of what ADD is about. You are completely uneducated on the subject. For thse that told me you can find documents on the internet about it that say so. You can find ANYTHING on the internet that may support or not support your opinion. You need to find the individuals that are qualified in this area and any other area and read what they have to say. ADD is the same as someone wearing glasses. If you change his/her diet will that allow him/her to take off the glasses and see 100%? I don't think so. I think we should all eat healthy etc. either way. But again ADD is not a DISEASE! For those of you that emailed me and said it was I would love for you to email me back and present scientific founded evidence of this.

ps. thank you up above for your support!!!and for the flower:)

I agree that his disability should not deter you from enrolling him in sports. My ADHD son is 9 and has been playing t-ball and baseball since just before his 5th b-day. I can tell you that, regardless of whether or not a child is ADHD, all little boys this age will have a tough time paying attention all of the time. Sports are not intended to be competitive at this age. Their purpose is to be developmental...to teach. There will be kids at all different skill levels from now until he is into his preteens (and even beyond). At his age, the coaches should know and understand that these are little kids and we must all be patient...with all of them.

Um, he's 5? It is to be expected that he would fidget! Even if he wasn't ADHD. All moms want their children to feel successful at the new things they try but it is ALSO good that he try, stick with it to the end of the season. If he doesn't do well then sit down with him and ask how he felt about it. Is he good at coloring? AWESOME! Is he good at baseball? No, but that is ok too! He had fun, right? His brother Sam plays baseball well but doesn't color well, Tom doesn't play well but colors well. WOOT! You boys are awesome!

Being a good mom isn't about making your kid successful ALL THE TIME, it is about teaching them that the world is a wonderful place to explore, finding what a child's strengths and weaknesses are and letting them know that it is ok not to be good at everything. Sometimes the joy of doing something, even if you aren't good at it, is more important.
Honestly, it bothers me when I hear moms say their children have to be successful in everything they do, you are setting your child up for failure and a feeling of disappointment of themselves and that they aren't living up to your expectations. Is that REALLY what you want?
Love on him, and stop worrying so much.

I would let him play.

Have you ever tried natural products or non-toxic problems with his ADHD? I have read and know many people that use non-toxic products in their home ect., and have had wonderful results.

How about vitamins that are 100% absorbable? I use products from Melaleuca and I have noticed a big difference in my 8 year old son, he is mild ADHD. He also takes the vitamins I mentioned above from Melaleuca and it has helped him focus more and be more settled.

Just an idea.

K. L.
____@____.com

My son has ADD and I had several cub scouts with ADHD. Baseball was and is a great outlet for all their energy. The glove thing is just excitement or a way of deeling with his consentration. It may even be helping him to concentrate. Let him play and learn like the other boys. Trust me the other boys on the team are just as excited and nervous as your son. Don't compare your two sons, because they each have unique ways of handling things in their life. Just relax with this son and help guide him to the behaviors that will help him succeed. There are Major league baseball players with ADHD. Check them out.

My son played t-ball for 2 years before we even suspected he had ADD. He enjoyed being part of the team but of course wasnt the most focused player. He wasnt positively diagnosed until much later when he turned 16. He was actually doing well in school & I believe it was because he was on the running team. If I had to do it over again I would have involved him in running earlier. The competition is about your personal best yet they experience the benefit of being part of a team.

5 year olds withOUT ADHD fluff around on the baseball field. Let him play. It'll be good for him to be on a team.

As a special education teacher that has a class with 5 8th grade boys with ADHD...LET HIM PLAY!!! There is nothing better for him. Let the coach know but tell him to treat him just as he treats the other kids and to have the same expectations. Three of my five students are unmedicated and behave wonderfully in my class because of the expectations that I have for them!!

My son had ADHD (which they use to call hyperactivity). You can change this condition and take him off meds. There is a lot of help out there.

#1. Take him off of all processed foods and sugars.
#2. Put him on a gluetin free diet.
#3. Engage him in conversation and see what his perspective is of how he is doing.
"What's it like playing baseball?
Is it what you expected?
What do you like most about it?
What do you like least about it?
Is it something that you would like to continue doing?"

M., Retired professional counselor
www.super-science-fair-projects.com

With his disability I think you should encourage him even more so. He needs to know that despite his disability he is more than capable of doing whatever other children his age do.

I really wouldn't focus on his disability at all. The more you talk about it, the more likely he will use it as an excuse when he doesn't want to do his best. I saw it many times during the nine years I spent in the classroom. Too many parents and children making excuses for bad behavior and poor performance.

ADHD does not mean you son can't do well. It does not mean that he can't perform or do his best. It means that he might have to try harder at times. It means that he might not make an A everytime, but he is more than capable of doing his best and being successful.

Don't hold him back for fear of failure. Failure is the best thing for most of us if we are encouraged to keep trying. Failure is what humbles us and with the right motivation afterwards, teaches us to persevere, to try harder, to never quit. Failure helps build character if we teach our children to handle it correctly. If they never fail as a child, they won't be able to handle it as an adult. That will lead to a life of disappointment.

Me personally I would challenge him in every way possible without setting unrealistic expectations. Teach him to shoot for the stars, handle failure and disappointment, and never make excuses. That is the best way to handle his disability....don't shelter him...that would hurt him far more than a little disappointment or feelings of failure from time to time.

Let your son play baseball! Just remember to tell the coach of his team that this is his first year and that he has adhd. The coach will know to look out for him. You should also go with and watch all of his practices, etc. to make sure that he's ok with the other kids and coach. The attention span at 5 isn't much. Maybe as the season progresses he'll get more into it and pay better attention. Baseball is a lot of waiting, standing, etc., your son's bound to take his mitt off, wander etc. during a game and/or practice. Let him try the sport! He'll have fun running around with the other kids! Let him be 5!

M.,

Have you changed your son's diet at all. Does he drink soda eat alot of carbs? I work with a few parents and they have had some good results when they really look at their childrens diet. Watch what you feed him. You may tried keeping a log and see when his moods change and identify the foods which may cause him to change his behavior. They have also tried two product I represent with are natural and has been shown to help with mental clarity and balancing the hormones and give them the nutrition their bodies need. They have seen change in there childs behavior and one of them has avoided putting her child on medication all together. Others are working on changing the diet so they can start weining their childred off the medication due to the long term effects of the meds. If you would like more information let me know.

Many Blessings,
Maca Marge

M....I have a son who has ADHD..and he plays all kinds of sports..the only way he is going to learn is if you let him play...go ahead..let him play.for awhile he might just stand there and look off in space or play with his glove and so forth but he will come around and learn the sport...Good Luck

Yes you should let him play. My 10 year old also has ADHD and plays sports. I find that it helps channel that extra energy. It also help with the use of ADHD meds. My son only uses them now during school hours. The other activies got better with age and interest.

You and dad practice with him. You can roll the ball in the house (tennis ball) for him to scoop. When he learns that go to small bounces. Patience. He may like to play with you and dad more than in a team invironment. He may excell in another sport or in music or writing or a hundred other things. Let him finish the sign-up time and speak to the coach. My son grew up ADHD and was awesome in sports but the twins next door, also ADHD would stop in a soccer game and pick daisies. They grew up brilliant. Try not to peg him with that word HANDICAPPED. That could hurt more than help as he grows. He's just a little CHALLENGED.

Hi M.,
When my son was younger, he was diagnosed with ADHD, he wanted to play basketball, so we signed him up. He kept looking at me for instructions and not his coach, I kept telling him where he was suppose to go and do, that was the WRONG thing to do. The other children treated him badly and it got to the point that one of the children kept teasing him and throwing the ball at him ( once hitting him ) and then the coach told me there was nothing he could do since he depended on me and not the coach. Needless to say, he quit.
He is now a senior with high scores, he was rediagnosed with Ausbergers (spelling not sure on) and not ADHD. So, my advise to you is to let him try baseball more, ask the coach what he thinks, is you son progressing in the game, and just encourage him and praise him in what he has done. Don't compare him to your other son. Hope this helps you alittle.

My husband has ADHD - has since he was a child. He played baseball when he was little, and, though he says he wasn't very good, he very much enjoyed the sport. Many, many intelligent, successful people have ADHD, as a matter of fact, my husband's psychiatrist says it can actually be an advantage because there is such strong drive and determination - eagerness, as you described it in your son. I think you should let him play. I bet, even if he finds it's not his thing, he will have a big boost in confidence that he learned a new skill. And that ADHD brain is just amazing....it's taking everything in at sonic speed, absorbing it all. Those tactile skills required for baseball may be just the thing he needs to find out what he's really good at! Good luck!!

I have the same dread. My brother just asked me if my son still wants to play softball. I said yes. As a mother my heart says no. He wants to try but his eye sight and attention are not good for team sports. I figure he must try. My brother also wants him to wressle on a peewee team. I do not like organized or school sports. I was good at sports outside of school but refused to play right in school because I feel it is unfair to grade a person in sports.

They do say sports are good for kids with ADHD. It helps reinforce paying attention. Just give your son the speach about you wanted to try so you must stick with your choice. Hopefully the teach and coach will support him. My brother the coach makes sure all his girls play. He says it about building self-esteem rather then winning all the time. He really helps his girls learn to bat etc properly. I hope his coach will believe that your son can do anything.

Sit back and smile for the ride. May be there is a great player inside him.

My 10 yr old ADHD son started playing t-ball and went on playing baseball until last summer. My husband often was a parent helper so he remained involved. At 5 yrs old, he loved being with the other kids and part of a team. He looked at the birds and butterflies in the sky and couldn't stand the gnats. At a young age it doesn't matter. Everyone cheers for everyone--they are all so cute! My son even had groups of kids around him digging for worms. This changed at about 7 yrs old. He wanted to play so we encouraged him and my husband continued to help out. He would be amazing on some days and he would be totally off on other days. On the off days, there was always a coach who didn't understand him and would get really frustrated and nasty. The kids also start to get competitive. Last year my son played and quit half way through the season. He loves the game, but would rather play catch, have a pick game, or go to the batting cages where the activity is consta

I too have two sons with focus problems. I say let him play. It will give him an opportunity to try some self control. If his coach seems unwilling to work with him, explain that this is the best thing for your son, or get a new coach.
Boys tend to be more distractable at this stage of life anyway, and they NEED to learn early. Do not use his lack of control as an excuse, ever! You will not help him, only cripple him to success later.
My oldest, now 20, always appeared to be not paying attention, goofing off and distracted. I worried he was bored or not ready, a lot. I found out he was none of these! He wanted to be there, was paying attention (even though not with eye contact) and did enjoy his activities. I think we over read our kids, always examining them as though they are adults. Enjoy your kids...they will be gone in a blink of an eye!

When my son was first in baseball many of the boys did not focus totally on the game. Most young children do not have a very long attention span anyway. We had kids that played with grass, picked flowers and ran the wrong way on bases. It was a lot of fun. Baseball (especially at the beginning when kids are learning the ins and outs and can't really hit that well) has a lot of down time. Remember the first couple of years of baseball are designed to be a learning experience. T-ball and other entry level sports are designed to teach kids how to play, how to be part of a team and to develop a love of the game. Unfortunately, many parents and coaches see every avenue as competitive. Now my son was not adhd but I know some others had issues and they made it through the season. It is just up to you to take your knowledge of your child and decide if you think he is ready to take part in sports. I have to tell you, there were tempers and tears on the team. I am glad that he had the experience even though he didn't continue to play after a couple of years.

Yes, let him play. Get educated about ADHD and then help others to understand that he has every right to play and do as others do, but his brain works differently. It needs explaining, patience and no denial. He also needs help with coping strategies , especially in realtion to the way people communicate with him when they are responding to his behaviours. Be open about it with others,yes, his energy is different.... but he is essentially the same, and address it head on. Get the understanding of the sports coach. Sports will be fantastic for him.

M., I enncourage you to have your son play. it will give the outlet that he needs plus interact with the boys.But, watch what he eats before the game, also at the game. I know it is hardbut his diet has a lot to do with ADHD. Fast sood and sugars, rev there engines up.

Hi!
I would let him play. My 5 year old daughter has also been diagnosed with ADHD, though she is not on medication. She has been involved in so many classes through the park district her whole life. The past 2 years she has done T Ball, although they never played an actual game against another team.And yes, while in the field she did get sidetracked with daisies, etc., but she wasn't the only one doing that. This spring she is starting soccer and they will be playing against teams for scores. I am a little nervous that she too will be standing around playing with the grass or something instead of really paying attention. But I have heard other people say that at this age don't expect too much anyway..ADHD or no ADHD! So definately let him play. It will be a good outlet for his energy also.

Hi M., I have a son that is IAD this one stands for inattentive deficit. Although it wasn't diagnosed until he was a softmore in high school. When he was younger the Dr always said he's just all boy. He is very smart and played basketball & volleyball in grammar school and volleyball in high school. His teammates always said they new when he didn't take his medicine because he was goofy. The Dr prescribed a different form of adderall (which is what he takes) this had a different time release so it worked better later in the day. My opinion is let your son play, you might want to tell the coach so that they are aware of it. It might take the coach to say come on John lets put your mitt on or whatever. By the way my son is finishing up his 3rd year of college as an architect major. I've just realized he will probably take this medicine the rest of his life. So much for the he might out grow it. I still get upset when people make comments about ADD like its a bad thing. It was explained to me that his thinking just keeps running all at once. He has been in honors classed, took 4 years of latin, and gets frustrated when other students don't try or are lazy. Also loves to read.
I wish you the best of luck and please keep me posted.

H. C

M. ~ As a t-ball and baseball coach for many years – If he wants to play - LET HIM PLAY!!.
I also have an ADD, ADHD and ADSD boys, well - that is how they were diagnosed at the time, they all played and it was a wonderful experience for them, as well as gave parents the ‘positive’ to put their kids in too. Can’t wait until they allow our youngest to play next year!!

GOOD LUCK.

Hi,

I see that you live in Lincolnwood, and I'm not sure how things work in your area but....in the suburbs that I am familiar with (western and northwestern) they have special recreation associations that help people with special needs enjoy leisure and recreation activities. While I doubt your son needs that level of accommodation, what might be an option is if you contact your local aganecy (they are usually called SRA--special recreation associations), you can ask if they provide inclusion services. The SRA in my area, provides 1:1 assistance if necessary. As a staff member, I have worked with young kids in baseball and soccer with ADD/ADHD and the wait time is difficult. Having an aide (even if that person is mingling with the other kids and only with your son as necessary) can help keep him engaged and safe while he develops the attention span necessary to stay fully engaged. Please contact me if you'd like more information or help finding your local service provider. (Check with the local park district first...that's where you would register anyway most likely)

good luck! I think it's great you've got him in a sport!

M.,
As a mother of a now 22 year old son with ADHD, my advice is to let him play. At 5 thier attention span is short normally and yes the ADHD makes it worse. We involved my son in any sport he wanted to do and even though it was tough to see him out there not paying attention like the other kids he turned out to be a great athlete. If you feel baseball is tougher try basketball or soccer 2 sports that keep them moving and more involved pyhsically which then get thier attention on track and keep it there. Swimming is also another sport that keeps them going and focused and also is a more individual sport that helps them improve themselves and see the improvments.
I do reccomemnd finding a doctor that specializes in ADHD and all of the good and bad that comes with it. I did when my son was small and it was fantastic what we learned and how do deal with the issues ADHD kids have that other children do not.

Let him play. He should have the same opportunity to learn and improve as other kids. As a five year old, lots of children that age will become distracted when they have to wait between batters, etc. I remember watching my son chase a moth when he was supposed to be goalee for his soccer team when he was 5!
Also, it's ok for kids not to be the best on their team. It's even ok for them not to "succeed in anything" they attempt. It is the attempt that should be praised, and the perserverance, and the willingness to get up and get back out there if they fail the first time. Do you really think that it is in your son's best interest for you to keep him from trying things he is excited about because YOU think he might fail? Isn't it better to encourage him, help him, and be his cheerleader, even if he does have trouble with it? Isn't your goal to make a confident adult out of him, rather than someone who shrinks from challenges? We've all failed at something every once in a while, and it makes us stronger people. Allow your son these same experiences, and I'll bet he surprises you with how well he does!

My son is 4 and just finished playing his first season of basketball. Although he does not have ADHD, so I may not be able to relate fully, I think your son's progress at the first practice was pretty normal.
I know kids advance so rapidly in the preschool years, and there's a difference between 4 & 5. However, watching 10 4-yr olds on the basketball court was absolute MAYHEM!!! They all were distracted VERY easily (& constantly!!!). Even though they ALL seemed very interested & excited to play, their attention spans just weren't cut out for keeping their heads in the game. Having said that, I still believe that it was a good experience for my son and would be willing to try another organized sport. I tend to think that as long as everyone present (coaches, parents, etc.) are realistic and understanding it will all work out to be a fun season.
My son does have asthma, and I catch myself sheltering him from many things as a result. I certainly understand the compulsion to shelter your son from failure or heartbreak, but I think you made a good move signing him up. It's possible that practicing his baseball skills at home could also help him feel more involved and "ready" for the game.
Just some food for thought, good luck!!!

My son, 7, has ADHD and this will be his second Tball season. Sports are great for kids with high energy, and lots of Tball kids who don't have ADHD were staring into the grass or at the sky last year when in the outfield.

But you may want to wait a year if you aren't sure - 5 seems a little young for a team sport for any kid, and I know my ADHD child tends to lag a little behind his peers in maturity.

In any case, it's supposed to be fun! If the coach or anything else makes it not fun, I say, don't rush. He has many years of baseball ahead of him. When my son was 5 he took a park district Tball class.

Hi M.,
I too have a child with ADHD. I think him playing ball would be great for him now since it has been a while that he is on meds. This is a good time for both you and him to take control of the meds and learn how to overcome ADHD.
For my child sports was a great comeback against ADHD for us and today after 2 years she is definetly focus much better on things with maybe this year she will be off meds.

Hi M.! This is a very sensitive subject and very close to my heart. My oldest has ADHD also. He's 8 yrs old and has been on his meds for about a year. For me, I have learned that he is different. I'm sure you've noticed your son is different too, but when you really sit down and think about it, it will really set it. He's different. He shouldn't be held back just because he's a little more fidgety then others. If he can play the sport then why not let him on the team. I knew atat 2 my son was "different". At 3 and 4 in preschool we really struggled. At 5 and 6 in Kindergarten we had a really hard year, I knew he had ADHD but getting my husband to see it was a different story. In first grade we had a horrible year and finally at the end of the year we started meds. From age 5 to age 7 I noticed a huge difference in his maturity. Don't get me wrong, he's still very difficult, but it's different now. You have an older one to compare your ADHD child with so it's probably swaying your dicision a little bit. I say let him play. :)

Hi. I am not sure where you live and am not sure if you have heard of Special Recreation Associations? There are 28 Special Recreation Associations (SRA) in IL and what they are are, extensions of Park Districts and they provide recreation programs for indivduals with special needs. Currently SRA's are accepting registrations for their Buddy Baseball program. In addition, SRA's offer inclusion opportunities for the park districts that they are an extension of and could possibly offer a leisure buddy to work with your son, in the regular park district porgram. Please feel free to contact me at ____@____.com, as I have been involved in the SRA's for the past 8 years. Hope this helps and I would love to talk to you further, if you choose.

As a teacher, a mother and wife of a baseball coach, I can assure you that your son's behavior is perfectly normal for any child let alone for a child with ADHD. Try it out this summer and if it does not work, it doesn't work. As you're well aware, parenting is trial and error. You'll never know what works for this child if he is not given the opportunity. With the ADHD, I would, also, recommend finding a park district open gym type program to get his energy out of his system and that is conducive to a short attention span.

Ok, M....you sound a lot like me in that you want to protect your kids (cause who else is gonna??) But let him play ball! In my experience, (I run a home daycare and also have kids of my own) w/ a child like this, being special needs just means he needs a little extra one on one and guidance than some of the other kids. Even kids who do not have ADHD need a little extra help and guidance! It's normal for five year olds and this will give him some self confidence and hopefully help him learn some self control. I know only being 5, it is tough to learn that...my son also played ball at 5 and was more interested in playing in the dirt and turning in circles...I think he was just bored! (He has done basketball and loved it. He has not been diagnosed as ADD or anything, but he still requires us to really help him stay focused sometimes.) So, if you and your family are willing to be there for him and help him as much as possible to stay focused and play at home so he can learn the rules, let him. Even boys who do not have a disability like this tend to be wound up a lot of the time (my husband is a scout leader and I help a lot w/ scouts and am becoming a brownie leader...and even the girls have their days!! So best of luck! You sound like a caring mom who is up for the challenge!

I think that you should leave it up to him. One thing I believe is that children should enjoy their childhood. If he is uncomfortable socially with the other kids, I don't think you should push him, but just talk to him about keeping commitments. Also tell him that you won't be disappointed in him if he chooses not to play. Be encouraging, not pushy. I hope that helps you a little, good luck!

My son has ADHD as well. He played baseball for a couple of seasons. He had some problems with distraction too. I think at that age lots of boys are distracted in general.....without having ADD. He chose to not play anymore himself. He decided that the sport wasn't for him and he moved on to other things. I think you should let him try it and see how he does. As long as he is enjoying himself, that's all that matters.
K.

My ADHD son is now 15 and we've been exactly where you've been. His older brother played soccer, baseball and basketball and he wanted to do the same things. Unfortunately older brother excells at all sports without trying, and younger son is the poster child for ADHD! But, we let him play and my husband actually was assistant coach in all 3 sports. He was never good, always afraid of the ball, and couldn't pay attention to save his soul. His memories are of fun. He had a blast in the dugout! Many times these games and practices were the only time that he spent time with kids his own age. He is so intelligent that intectually he understood older kids more, and so immature that he had trouble making friends. We always gave him the option to quit at the end of the season. He eventually did, and found swimming! It's a great sport for ADHD kids. It is a team sport in that all kids have the ability to score points for their team, but it is also invididual and you can't really screw up your team chances to win. He is now a freshman in high school - still following his older brother in sports, and he is finally putting it all together. He is playing water polo now and we were figuring that he would be terrible, but he's into the game, paying attention and really doing well on defense! Keep trying anything that he wants. He does not have to be the best on the team, but he should show signs of trying! I'm so glad that we kept him doing something year round! He is now a 3 sport athelete in school, and that gives him a lot of confidence! Good luck!

I have two brothers, one with ADD and one with ADHD and Bi-polar disorder. I really think it would be a dis-service not to let him play. He is at an age where the game is about playing not winning so its a great time for him to learn the needed skills to focus without anyone giving him a hard time because he didn't see a ball coming his way. The sooner you start working with him on some self control of his ADHD the less chance that more medication will be needed as he gets older. Biggest mistake my family as seen with children with add adhd is that they just count on the medication to do the work and not any behavior excersies.

I thank you for your post and esp. Megans response.. adult with ADD.. I'm adult ADHD also and always wondered about our society's negative treatment of most mental differences. Megan's response made me actually feel positive and I agree with her. Also Holly! :) Thanks! Good Luck! Do not tell any school and/or school districts of your childs condition. They can screw you!!!
I won't even get into the other response for my response here! I do think sometimes we diagnose kids with certain mental differences more than in other countries. (I say 'differences' b/c I don't usually think that they are total mental diseases as to put a "stamp" on the child) I just hope M. and her son will have fun with baseball!!!! (Go WHITE SOX & CUBBIES) :)

my son also has adhd and I let him go ahead and play baseball when he was five. He was the same way when he played looking around, taking his glove off and on, squating down. But it gave him the opportunity to play with other kids and not feel left out. It also helped him to know if that was what he wanted to do again next year in which he didn't play but one yr. He was not ready to be in sports.

My brother has ADD and he played baseball from 4-10 and the he quite because he did want to play anymore, he played football until he was about 9 and he played hockey from 9-14, and was a wrestler in junior high and high school. I do not recall him having an overly difficult time because of the ADD in any of the sports. Your son being 5 year old and taking off his mit and looking around in baseball is so normal at this age. I can promise you that over the next few weeks you will see all the kids engage in wandering behavior at some point. I say let him play! Let him have fun! Let him be the wonderful awesome kid that he is!! I have a 5 yr old too that is playing baseball this year and I would not be surprised to find out he has ADD but he wants to play, so he is going to play. Allow you son every opportunity, he needs to explore and see what his passion in life will be and this has nothing to do with ADD, all kids need to do this. Good Luck and I hope the both of you have lots of fun and fond memories

I would let him play, think of how he will feel if you take him out, don't let his ADHD keep him from trying things, I mean if he never gets to try what will it do to him, all of us have talents and disabilitys but we still participate.

I don't have advice about whether to play or not to play. I wanted to write that I have seen kids that have been completely relieved of their ADHD symptoms with treatment from homeopathy. Here's a newsletter from a homeopathic Dr. in Naperville about it and I encourage you to read it. Best wishes!
http://dupagehomeopathic.com/newsletters/adhd.pdf

Let him play and have fun. I have coached soccer for my boys now for 4 years+. My youngest has adhd he was diagosed @ about4 years old hes now 12. A good coach will work thru this the sport is there for your child to have fun. Not necessarily to win win win. I have even coached a child with autism. I enjoyed working with him even though i had heard that a few of his previos coachs souldn't seem to figure out how to work thru it. With 5 year olds it is general practice to try to have a few extra kids on the teams for soccer and try to alter them around. which works great due to the fact that Suzie or Johnny may not feel like playing today and may just want to watch. Or for that matter when i caoched my sons u6 division i had a few kids that would rather pick flowers while on the field or just dance around. Also try not to ever let your child use adhd as an excuse to miss behave. I ran into that with my son and his response would be "well i forgot to take my med. today" We had a chat on how the meds are there to help him concetrate and not there to make him behave.being have is entirly up to him. teach your child that what ever they do they are responsible for their actions. don't let them try to use this as a crutch when he gets older. As for the schools I don't suggest not telling them. They need to know if your child is on meds just in case something ever happened and they were unable to contact someone. If you think that they are treating your child indifferently just because they know he has adhd confront them on it and express your concerns. The schools do adapt some of there programs to help. For instance my son hates for there to be alot of noise while he is trying to do homework. He needs a quiet setting. they help with this. also we make sure that he does his homeowrk at home away from distractions like the tv.
Hope this helps. Get out there cheer him on and watch him have a blast.

Yes, let him play and enjoy himself. Everything I've been told from my sons teachers said, an activity or sport where he has to follow the rules will help keep his mind focused etc. I would talk to the coach and he/she can help keep him on track with the rest of the team so he can have fun and learn the game. Best wishes. Jenny M.

I've seen many a 5-yr old looking around at the beautiful world around instead of concentrating on what some coach is saying. He sounds very normal! If he wants to play, I would let him. He will gain confidence is taking part, even if he's not bound for the major leagues.

My son is now 13 and he has ADHD, mild, was on the lowest meds, and I let him play ball starting at 5. But I don't remember too many 5 year olds that didn't seem antz on the field....my son wasn't very good, but he played until he was 10...let him play it will be good for him.

I can remember my son sitting down on the field because the game was too long...LOL....that was only once, the coach talked to him after that.

Your son will be fine...go with the flow