Recently diagnosed-am I on the right track?

[1committedmom]

I apologize in advance for a bit of a long post:

First I’d like to introduce myself-I’m a mom of 2 girls 5 & 9 living on the east coast and just joined this online community. My oldest is a smart bubbly girl with many interests, talkative & loves being around others. I’ve always felt something was a little different with her and went through a lot before anyone would even agree to complete an evaluation since she did well in school, made friends easily and wasn’t causing any disruptions. Meanwhile she would constantly have breakdowns at home going into panic attacks, negative self talk and so much more that had my husband and I feeling like the worst parents.

Anyway we finally got an evaluation done and was told she has ADD inattentive type and that cbt might help. I’ve been searching for a therapist for months and so far have had no luck finding anyone who has openings. I’ve tried to start my own research but I find that I’m overwhelmed with information and not really sure if I’m on the right track. I read the book Understanding girls with ADHD which was a little helpful in understanding the science behind adhd and what to expect. We also just had a meeting with a psychologist who prescribed Ritalin. Initially I wanted to try other options before starting medication because I’ve heard so many mixed reviews but she’s just really struggling so we decided to give it a try and see what happens before school starts. She’s also starting a new school this year (after being at the same school since pre-k) since we moved and is very anxious about that as well. We also think some of her mood swings and tantrums are contributed to her oncoming hormones and getting closer to menstruation.

I know every kid is different and what works for one might not work for others but I’m wondering if anyone has any tips and/or words of wisdom that might help.

Thanks so much!!

[Redpanda5]

Hi, I can help with a couple of things:

You said:

we finally got an evaluation done and was told she has ADD inattentive type and that cbt might help

What exactly do you mean by evaluation? Someone talked with her to develop an opinion or she had official testing (that costs a few thousand dollars and several hours of testing)? I ask certainly not to judge but because having the definitive diagnosis with details is key in determining the next step. We received a 30 page report with findings and suggestions. Also, might your child also have anxiety?

You said:

We also just had a meeting with a psychologist who prescribed Ritalin.

Psychologists can’t prescribe medicine. Psychiatrists handle medication. Once you have an official diagnosis then the psychologist sends you to a psychiatrist for medication, a psychologist for therapy (CBT or DBT) and to the school for classroom accommodations (to set up an IEP meeting).

The process can seem overwhelming but just tackle one step at a time and it will all come together after some time and patience! 👍🏻

[1committedmom in reply to Redpanda5]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply! the diagnosis was a result of a full neuropsych evaluation that was done over the course of 2 days and Ritalin was prescribed by psychiatrist I misspoke.

[Redpanda5 in reply to 1committedmom]

It sounds like you’re on the right track! It’s bumpy at the start and with her starting at a new school and getting used to being on medication. Therapists can be hard to get in to see. While you wait, just let her know you are there for her by listening and empathizing with her without giving advice unless she asks. It’s a hard patch of time. Many of us have been there. Better days will fall into place. Be patient and press on. You sound like such a caring person. She is lucky to have you!