ADHD preliminary tests... feeling a little unsure

[UnsinkableKristen]

We put our two oldest kids in PS in January. Since then, we've noticed a significant rise in behaviors that we had always thought were a little "adhd-ish" but never so bad that we would have them tested or anything. By the end of this school year, though, I knew it was time to start looking into it.

 

We filled out a Conner's 3 Parental Assessment form, their teachers filled out an Assessment form, and after the school counselor put it all together, we got the results back.

 

Prior to getting the results, we had already decided to homeschool again in the fall. We didn't like the behaviors they were picking up, the "education" they were getting, and we just plain missed them.

 

Today (their last day of PS) we got the results back, and I have to say I am more than a little surprised and am feeling very unsure about what to do. My son's scores were in the 100th percentile for hyperactivity (he's 5, yes, but what he has is beyond normal 5 year old energy) and in the upper 90's for Inattention and Peer Relations (high percentiles meaning many more concerns than typically reported). My daughter's scores were in the 100th percentile for both Hyperactivity and Peer Relations, and in the 90's for Inattention.

 

So, obviously, there is something there. But what do I DO with this information? They were both doing fine academically, and while homeschooling they were both doing fine behaviorally. I know I am supposed to take it to my pediatrician for an actual diagnosis, but frankly, the doctor we see is a General Practitioner and while I think she is wonderful, she is NOT a diagnostician and spends most of her time at the Skin/Botox side of her clinic (:001_huh:). So while I trust her to tell us we have strep, I don't trust her to be my Be All End All in this.

 

What do I do next? I'm worried that if I don't do anything with the dr and just research on my own and try to manage what symptoms there are with diet/OT/etc that I will be doing them a huge disservice and it will turn around and bit me (or them) in the heiny when they are older. I don't want to be irresponsible. But I am equally worried that by pushing through the dr and to whatever specialist comes next, that I will be opening the door for loud voices to tell me that they should be medicated (whether they need it or not) and I will be making a mountain out of a few molehills that could be managed with research, lifestyle changes, and patience.

 

 

Ugh. Thoughts? Suggestions? I'm all ears :bigear:

Edited May 31, 2012 by UnsinkableKristen
Spelling :)

[tntgoodwin]

If they are fine without any kind of official diagnoses, I would just leave it alone. Hold on to the test results, though. If it gets to a point where it has a negative effect on their lives, then take them to the doctor. Your GP may be able to refer them to someone if need be.

[Unicorn.]

If they are fine without any kind of official diagnoses, I would just leave it alone. Hold on to the test results, though. If it gets to a point where it has a negative effect on their lives, then take them to the doctor. Your GP may be able to refer them to someone if need be.

 

:iagree: As long as you can successfully homeschool them w/out meds, do so. When it starts to interfere at home, then it's time to go talk to someone officially. I was able to hold off for years because of homeschooling, but there did come a time when I had to take them in. In the meantime, educate yourself on behavior modifications and start working on organizing and basic skills w/ them. :grouphug:

[ondreeuh]

With scores that high, I think you will need more than diet and lifestyle adaptions and you and your children will be better served consulting wih doctors. A neuropsych is a good person to see.

 

It is not uncommon for symptoms to affect kids more as the work requires more concentration. I'm not someone who thinks all kids need meds, but I cringe when I see parents dismiss them outright. I didn't realize how hard we were all working to manage behaviors until meds took those behaviors away. My youngest is hyperactive and were in the behavior management phase but I'm realistic that he may need more help.

[Juniper]

With scores that high, I think you will need more than diet and lifestyle adaptions and you and your children will be better served consulting wih doctors. A neuropsych is a good person to see.

 

It is not uncommon for symptoms to affect kids more as the work requires more concentration. I'm not someone who thinks all kids need meds, but I cringe when I see parents dismiss them outright. I didn't realize how hard we were all working to manage behaviors until meds took those behaviors away. My youngest is hyperactive and were in the behavior management phase but I'm realistic that he may need more help.

:iagree:

 

Okay, here's the deal. Rather, here is what I would do...and have done.

 

Go to your Dr., get the prelim diagnoses, get the script (which should be a low dose), give child script for a few days and see what happens.

 

The real test will be when you take them off for a couple days after they have been on for a bit. If they have ADHD you will KNOW IT.

 

One thing I found very reassuring was this: The meds work quickly and are out of there systems quickly. They are not like anti-depressants where they have to build up to them. That means you will not (hopefully) be wasting a bunch of time on meds that do not work.

 

Once on a medication, the fine tuning begins. Due to side effects or other situations you may have to switch, but you should know something on the first or second try.

 

The real proof is not in the diagnoses....it is in having a child who is actually capable of focusing, calming down when needing to, and controlling their impulses. A diagnoses is validating and helpful, but you are the mom and will know if it is helping or not.

 

On a personal note: When my ds first went on Aderall I cried. The change was so drastic. I had not fully comprehended how bad it had gotten, it was like getting my child back.

 

Also, we put the kids back in ps in January also, but I brought them home again at the end of March. In the two months they were there he had to go through 2 dose increases and get a secondary medication to help him through all his homework. He was a mess, and it was a big part of why we brought them home again.

 

:grouphug:

 

 

Edited: I am not saying not to go with a neuropsych eval. Please do, if you can. Just letting you know that at the end of either appt you will be driving to a pharmacy with a script in your hand. The medication will be something that you try and hope works. Thankfully, in many cases it does.

Edited May 31, 2012 by Juniper

[rafiki]

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[Ellie]

Don't do anything except continue with your decision to homeschool. Re-evaluate *next* summer.

[zookeeperof3]

I'd take copies of the test results to your Dr and see what she says. I didn't want to medicate my ADHD kids. I waited until my oldest was 12, after trying diet changes etc. After a few weeks on the meds he told me" Mom, I'm not stupid anymore." It broke my heart that all of this time he thought he was stupid because he couldn't pay attention well enough to "get" math & grammar. It doesn't hurt to see what your Dr recommends or to try out diet changes or meds for a time. The kids will tell you if the meds help them or not. My 5 yr old tells me he needs his meds to "think and be good." But all kids are different, some do well with just dietary changes. Borrow some books from the library and see where it leads you. We like the ADHD Diet(book). Best of luck to you! Kim

[Twilight Woods]

If you want an "official" diagnosis then you will want to take them to a NeuroPsyc. for testing.

 

We are actually going in a couple weeks for both girls. After our initial appointment then they both will go for testing.... something like 3 hours I heard.

 

The reason I am opting for this is b/c my eldest is on medication treated by our family physician but we have never been formally dx by a NP. Should be interesting.

Edited June 1, 2012 by my3luvbugs990105