Starting diagnosis journey

[Van3939]

My son hasn’t been diagnosed yet with any formal diagnosis. We get daily message from school that he lacks focus, stamina and attention. I am just starting the journey and want advice on what others have learned good and bad in their journeys.

[Onthemove1971]

I would recommend asking his doctor for a referral for a child psychiatrist. This is a Specialist that looks at children and the best options (medication or not). They also look at the need for behavior intervention (could be one-on-one counseling or other options). Sometimes due to insurance you have to start with a psychologist.

Medication is something that not all people want to start, but many end up giving their children medication becuase they try many other options and end up the child needs medication.

For us, medication was our first options becuase we needed intervention right away. We saw how much ADHD was impacting his life. Our child psychiatrist told us that medication (when it is the correct dose and type) only controls %60 of the behaviors and %40 is controlled by behavior modification and accommodations. Once you get all of that settled, I would recommend writing a letter to the Special Education office and ask for services. This will start the process ( there are timelines that all schools must follow).

We are here for you when you need us, let us know how you are doing.

[Janice_H]

Hello, start by having your son visit his general physician and then a child psychiatrist specializing in ADHD. A psychologist can complete a full evaluation of your son's condition and recommend treatment. Now is the time to take action while he is still young. You will want to get a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist quickly so your son can become eligible for any special education services the school must legally provide to him.

[Van3939 in reply to Janice_H]

Should other diagnosis be ruled out and could a psychiatrist do that? He is 7 I just don’t want to take him in the wrong direction

[Onthemove1971 in reply to Van3939]

They deal with all mental health diagnoses and if you chose the many options for medication. They should also present all of your options (behavior, diet..)

[Janice_H in reply to Van3939]

The psychiatrist will guide you and provide you with a diagnosis after a full evaluation is completed.

[RenoSue]

If you want a clear idea what is going on, go visit his class and sit at the back. Best time is about 45 min before lunch. Less than 30 minutes will tell you what you need to know. You will quickly observe how happy/unhappy he is. I volunteer at an elementary school 3 mornings a week and help slow readers improve and kids unable to focus to finish their work. There is always lots of work to be done in this area.