Is it ADHD or Hyposensitivity/Sensory Integration challenges? Or both? Or other/more?

[TowerMom]

My third kid presents as the stereotypical little boy with ADHD (currently age 7). The type the initial clinical criteria were defined around. Can't hold still, fidgets constantly, doesn't remember instructions and has to be reminded of basic expectations CONSTANTLY, interrupts conversations, oblivious to social cues, prone to fight/flight dramatic reactions when told things they don't want to know. His impulse control is terrible (sneaking candy and food when he is supposed to get permission first) and he is constantly putting his fingers or other things in his mouth. This year he chewed threw the cord for his earbuds for his school iPad...twice. He has been caught drinking water from unsanitary sources. He routinely forgets to get permission to hug/touch others and violates personal space.

We were operating on "oh, he has ADHD like several others in the family" but someone pointed me towards hyposensitivity and/or sensory integration and wouldn't you know it, a lot of those things we see in him overlap. And some aren't part of ADHD necessarily. We have occasionally considered if he is on the autism spectrum, and we know that hyposensitivity does not automatically mean they are on the spectrum and could be a separate condition.

Has anyone else had to figure out how to get the appropriate and accurate diagnosis when any/all of these (and maybe more) conditions apply? We love and accept him as he is no matter what, but we want to pursue a diagnosis and I don't know where to start. Our family sees a general practitioner, we don't have a pediatrician for the kids.

[Imakecutebabies]

Your description fits my 6yo to a tee as well. He has a diagnosis from a psychologist of ADHD and is also treated for sensory processing disorder and social skills from an Occupational Therapist. He was evaluated for Autism and does not have it.

Sensory processing disorder is not considered a medical diagnosis. It's not in the DSM. It can't be listed on an IEP, although we try to separately give tips for it to his teacher. It seems to go hand-in-hand with his ADHD, but treating it alone (we started there) did not make enough of a difference for him.

He now receives OT services in addition to a non-drinking ADHD medication, and still struggles with several of the difficulties you described (esp personal space, impale control, and staying on task).

I don't think you need to choose a diagnosis to pursue. Think of OT as more of a treatment option.

[Bookworm365 in reply to Imakecutebabies]

The first outside help we sought for our son was from an OT, when he was around the age of 3. She felt he had sensory processing disorder (we had never heard of this); his is largely proprioceptive along with some auditory and tactile.

He is now in kindergarten and recently diagnosed with ADHD, on stim/non stim combo currently but still trying to find the right mix/dosage. He has an IEP and receives support at school, including OT. To be frank, I don’t feel as though OT (either in the private setting or at school) has resulted in much progress.

I am very eager to meet with a child psychiatrist in a few weeks and learn if they might be able to better weave together these different traits to give us a clear picture of how to best help. I can feel your pain as to how silo-ed all of this can feel from our perspective!!

[Onthemove1971]

Thanks for the message.

For me, I tried to focus my energy on what tools does my child need to function. For us it was therapy, medication, parenting adjustments and an educational plan.

These have help so much! Issues always come up, but for now this has been a solid foundation.

Children with ADHD struggle with more issues than just being hyper.

Hope this helps.

[Peerandparent]

ADHD has symptoms that overlap with a lot of other conditions and disorders. It's important to get a thorough assessment done. Sometimes there are environmental changes and behavioral interventions that can help differentiate between the various options.

They're also only 7yo, and while I advocate for early intervention, sometimes time clarifies things as well.