Waiting period help!

[BaylorFan]

Ok so we have 5 year old grandson no help from pediatric Dr prior to starting kindergarten with testing wanted him to be 6. 2 weeks in to school teacher calls a meeting she says she believes he is ADHD and possibly behind. According to entrance exam. We get her to get the test out and have him do it in front of her and it completes the majority of all of it correctly. However it doesn’t change the fact he can’t be still or stop talking or focus for very long at a time. I knew this prior to him starting. They give us the name of a place that specializes in testing. We make an appointment and do the testing. The lady that does the test does everything but say definitely ADHD but says she isn’t allowed to diagnose and it will be a little more than two weeks before we can come in for the results. I ask what can we do in the meantime she says lots of physical activities which we were doing and have been doing but daily he gets his color changed for conduct or we get notes or calls what do you do? I can’t go to school with him he does lots better at home he is an only child lots less distractions we feel terrible any advice? It’s really effecting him as well he is always looking for praise because he gets in so much trouble

[Onthemove1971]

BaylorFan- I would start counseling right away, if insurance will allow it. If he is already showing signs you should not need an official diagnosis to start sessions in dealing with his issues and role play right vs wrong.

Best of luck.

[Pennywink]

Maybe talk to the school counselor for ideas - ours was REALLY helpful in the early days.

I’m NOT endorsing this, as it has its own health issues - but an ounce or two of caffeine in the morning helps my son, who is currently unmedicated.

[paradoxlive]

You don't need a diagnosis to create a behavioral plan with the school. He Mary benefit from positive reinforcement. For my son, we worked out a rating sheet for different areas and transitions throughout the school day. For example, unpack and be seated in seven minutes, walk in line to lunch, cooperate with classmates, read quietly... His teacher rated him 1-4 on these areas and we created a reward system at home where he earned so many poker chips for X amount of 4s, 3s, and 2s. Each color chip had a value like 5 minutes screen time (or whatever positive and safe thing he craved.) At first his teacher gave "easy 3s and 4s" to get him caring about and then excited about the system. We played it up at home and had him help with the reward system. At the same time, his teacher sat him close to him and encouraged him. He gave him leadership roles whenever possible which really helped with his self-confidence. We worked this out at a meeting with his teacher, principal, and school counselor and got started within a few days. This helped so much! Once he earned a reward, we didn't take it away. We keep focusing energy on positive behavior and study habits - like sitting still for three minutes of homework before a small break, then back to it. Remembering to flush the toilet and wash his hands earned him a green chip.. Customize it as you go! But I find that combining home rewards with school rewards and appropriate teacher support is truly helpful. My kiddo is in second grade now and we're still doing it but have formalized it with a 504 plan for which you do need a diagnosis. As my kiddo has acquired need diagnoses, we will be starting the IEP process. But for us, it was easiest to start with that small meeting, which we requested verbally through his teacher and school counselor. It got things going on a positive direction right away. Oh, in kindergarten the teacher also rewarded him with little candies or treats we supplied. It worked on that instance but I could see it backfiring if the other kids feel left out.

I know it's hard to be patient. I hope this at least gives you an idea of what you could start right away. Every kid, situation, and need is different!