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[MommaofBB]

Hello, I am new to the community. I found you guys because I was on Google researching ADHD assessments in my area. I have a wonderful 6 year old son who loves math and has soooo much energy. Kindergarten was hard but he had a great teacher. This year He has had multiple lunch detentions and three days of after school detention. The school says hes aggressive with other students and he refuses to do classwork. I feel like his teacher is new to teaching. She seems to get overwhelmed easily and her communication skills are not great. I told her she could email me if she needs to talk because over the phone, she was barely getting her point across. Now, everyday I receive an email with everything little thing he has done. For some reason she feels the need to reiterate that he is acting out for attention and that she feels he could be a danger to other students. He had to use the bathroom and they told him her could not go because he just went so he left and went to the bathroom. The principal decided that she was going to call me and verbally discipline because he walked out the classroom. That conversation did not go the way she thought it was going to go. I was super offended when she immediately said that something must have been going on at home because his behavior has been increasingly getting worse. I have so many stories of nonsense this year and it is so stressful. I took him to his pediatrician and got a referral for services. I found two places that also offer assessments in my area. I hope things get better. We are at the beginning of this journey and I am praying it gets better or more manageable.

[momwifedaughtersis]

Hi MommaofBB, I feel your pain!! My 7yo was recently diagnosed with severe ADHD. We had a similar story in kindergarten (“strict” experienced teacher) and first grade (less experienced teacher, less control of the classroom) — and in first grade, multiple trips to the principal’s office for fighting, not listening, etc. This year (2nd grade) started out really well with a very strict, no-nonsense teacher. By lately things are getting more difficult, and especially when he goes to a different (less experienced) teacher for math. I’m not trying to blame these teachers. It’s just so unfortunate- the ability to listen to one teacher but not another seems to encourage the idea that these kids are “choosing to be bad.”

That person has a lot of nerve to say something must be going on at home. My therapist who specializes in special needs families, and an educational advocate who I spoke to said that November is notorious - kids misbehavior just really revs up for some reason (similar to end of the year “spring fever.”). She said they can often have a honeymoon period with a new teacher.

Have you heard of Russell Barkley yet? I was listening to some of his lectures on YouTube. One concept that really resonated with me is that ADHD kids ability to self-regulate is like a tank that gets depleted. When at school they are working hard to keep impulses in check, but eventually they just can’t keep it together anymore. That feeling of getting all those negative reports about your child is just awful. I love when they say “can you please talk to him about xyz?” Oh yeah! Talk to him! Why didn’t I think of that???!

I’ve found so much comfort here, learning and commiserating with other parents who are dealing with very similar issues. All the best - hang in there

[Hidden]

Welcome, MommaofBB! I know exactly how you are feeling as we are in a very similar situation with our 7 yr old son at school. I too found this group while googling ADHD and joined just several days ago. Its a great place to unload worries and receive experienced advice, although I would advice that you also look into professional help. We have a wonderful psychiatrist on board for our 3 ADHD children and I wouldn't know what to do without her help!

[Cjkchamp]

The school should be looking at evaluating him...I hate when they put it all on us and think everything stems from home for every child! My son does well on broad spectrum micronutrients recommended by the psychiatrist. There are two companies, Hardy Nutritionals and True Hope. He takes the Hardy DEN. I would research them so you are armed with information when you go in for services. I have found I prefer doctors who practice integrative medicine!