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[Bounds]

Hello

My 6 year old son is in grade 1 and was diagnosed with ADHD late 2021. Grade one has been a bit of a struggle being a more structured environment. The biggest thing we are struggling with is behavior, he has a strong willed personality and will argue with you until you give up if he feels he is right . He is also very easily frustrated and upset. I'm concerned that he will have trouble with friendships going forward.

[Bingo3000]

This sounds a lot like my son, who is now in 3rd grade. He is ADHD/ODD, and was diagnosed in kindergarten. Friendships can be an issue: he has plenty of friends, but there are the inevitable conflicts when he doesn’t get his way. He is getting better though, whether that is bc of therapy, medication, maturity, or peer pressure (or a combination of all), I can’t say. He is much more liked by his classmates overall, and has more close friendships that have weathered his issues than when he was in 1st grade.

[MommyTree in reply to Bingo3000]

Hi, what kind of therapy is he doing? I’m unsure of what kind of therapist my son needs. He’s eight.

[Bingo3000 in reply to MommyTree]

He started with play based therapy with a child psychologist when he was 5. The play has definitely evolved over the years, and now there is probably more direct discussion of issues, behaviors, and strategies for how to best handle the same, but I would still classify it as play based therapy, as they are always playing games or doing activities (that may involve cooperation, taking turns, or answering questions that raise issues/prompt discussions).

[Bounds in reply to Bingo3000]

Thank you its nice to hear that your son is having success. My son is also doing play therapy with hope of finding some strategies to help work through his strong emotions.

[HoldingonLou]

It is a big adjustment when they start going to school daily in a structured environment for any child. I know with my child each year got easier. There is alot of great advice on here in the different social networks.