ADHD? Frustrated mama

[svetlana40]

Hi everyone. My 7yo son has been struggling with hyperactivity and impulsivity for a long time but he excells academically. Things have gotten very concerning at school this year however (1st grade). He has been having daily issues with behavioral outbursts because sitting still and managing his impulses are so difficult for him. I met with his pediatrician today for med consult but she feels that his presentation for ADHD is atypical because it does not interfere with his academic abilities. My son is pretty intelligent (self taught himself how to read when he was 3yo). I dont think his academic performance is impacted because he is so ahead vs because he does not have ADHD. i am getting a consult with a child psychiatrist in a month but feel so frustrated that my son possibly have to suffer unnecessarily because his pediatrician doesnt get it.

[mabeyta]

Hello, I read your post and I felt like I was reading my own sons bio. Our son is eight years old and is also doing well academically. He just been diagnosed with severe ADHD due to severe hyperactivity. We went to a formal behavioral center to get his testing. Our pediatrician admitted that he was not qualified to do that type of testing. With the formal diagnosis we received a 504 plan which requires the school to provide our son certain accommodations that can hopefully help him deal with his hyperactivity throughout the day. We just started the 504 process so I hope to see some positive changes for my son. It’s really tough to see him be so discouraged because every day he’s been evaluated/judged for his behavior that I now know he can honestly not control. Hang in there, I know exactly how you feel!

[Janemariekathryn]

My Pediatrician wouldn't recommend medication until my son was in 6th grade. The first six years of school were frustrating for my son as well as me . With some encouragement form the school nurse who happened to have a daughter with ADHD, I made an appointment with the NYU Langone Child Study center. Getting your child a 504 plan will help immensely. Then you need to make sure the teacher understands and follows it. You will need to be your Child's advocate all through school.

[BVBE]

My son is also very smart (113 IQ), and has daily struggles in school with behavior. He was diagnosed with ADHA and ODD two months ago by a pediatric psychologist. They tested him for EVERYTHING and came back with his diagnosis. Let his teacher''s and school principal know what you are doing and 'call for a 504 plan'. It is a plan that you and the school will put into place to help him with his behavior. It will work in conjunction with the diagnosis from the pediatric psychiatrist once you get it. It seems to be a long process, but I have learned that I have to be the strongest advocate for my son. If the pediatric psychologist believes that medication will help your son, they will be able to refer you to a pediatric psychiatrist who will be able to work on medication with you for your son. Good luck and make sure to take lots of time for yourself to rejuvenate.