Just starting out on the ADHD journey with 4 year old son. Desperately need guidance.

[Mylae90215]

Hello! I have an almost 4 year old son who was a preemie. He's shown most signs of ADHD and some sensory issues. His pediatrician recommended getting him some help but didn't clarify further. So, I found a place that evaluated him but said they aren't qualified to diagnose him. However, they provide play-based occupational therapy once a week (he's been going for a month now). However, I don't know that this is the right thing for him. I am SO lost as to what to do and what steps to take. His major issue is impulse control where it has put him in dangerous situations before. I almost lost him as a preemie baby and it physically hurts me to think that he could get hurt (or worse) due to his issues.

With the occupational therapy, I've gotten some good tips but I feel it's odd to get therapy from a place that isn't qualified to diagnose him.

I could use any guidance on what others have done. Thank you!!!!

[SUEtin]

Have you considered speaking to the pediatrician for a possible referral to a neurologist, developmental pediatrician? These people can diagnose him if there is something of concern.

[J357]

Learn everything possible about this disorder, get a second opinion, an individual education plan in order. Chadds helped me a lot.

[rollercoaster22]

Hi, I have a 5 year old boy with sensory problems and just last week diagnosed with ADHD. I've tried play therapy, OT, and now we just started ADHD medicine. Today is day one of medicine, so no results yet. It's hard. I've struggled too with trying to get an official diagnosis. It's very frustrating. So... I don't have any solutions for you but wanted you to know that you aren't alone.

[Boymom3]

We went to a child psychologist for the diagnosis.

[LuckyMonkey]

You're definitely not alone, and your instincts are leading you in the right direction. It's a scary, lonely road if you don't get help, and we all know how challenging it can be. Push your caregivers (pediatrician, therapist, etc.) for a referral for a neuropsychological evaluation. The results will help you with everything from IEPs in school later, to proper diagnosis, to treatment options as well as confirming that your intuition was on point. Those of us on this thread all know what you're going through, because we've been through it ourselves. It took us years to get the official diagnosis for our 7 year old, but once we did, the pieces began falling into place. We're still fine tuning the medication, but are at least hopeful we're on the right track.