Moxie Posted October 10, 2012 Share Posted October 10, 2012 I'm pretty sure my 7-year-old has ADD or ADHD. How does one get a diagnosis? Is there any value in getting a diagnosis if medication is probably off the table?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted October 10, 2012 Share Posted October 10, 2012 As far as I am aware there isn't a definitive test. From everything I have read it seems to help to get plenty of exercise, sleep and eat a diet low in processed sugary foods. Omega 3s are also recommended. I heard something on NPR about it recently and I can't find it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleIzumi Posted October 10, 2012 Share Posted October 10, 2012 We went to the pedi and did the Vanderbilt Assessment plus one other, but there are many, many test options. Just call your doc or psych. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gracesteacher Posted October 10, 2012 Share Posted October 10, 2012 I would rule out sleep apnea then the change of diet and add caffine. Some kids seem to have add because they are not getting enough sleep even those that are in bed for 10 to 12 hrs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WVNA Posted October 10, 2012 Share Posted October 10, 2012 I'm pretty sure my 7-year-old has ADD or ADHD. How does one get a diagnosis? Is there any value in getting a diagnosis if medication is probably off the table?? My son was just diagnosed with it a few months ago. We first spoke with his pediatrician, and he referred us to a local pediatric neurologist who did the testing. From what I understand, it involved some type of computer test answering a lot of very simple questions(Is this shape a circle or square?). They could measure from that how his responses varied with time and make some type of determination from that. I have always suspected I have ADD too. I spoke with my doctor and underwent the testing for it 2 days ago. I had to meet with a psychologist who spent about 30 minutes talking to me before I took a computer test. Mine involved having to click whenever the number 1 was displayed or said on a computer. I can also say that Adderall has been a godsend in our house. The changes we observed within 15 minutes of my son first taking this were remarkable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted October 10, 2012 Share Posted October 10, 2012 I'm pretty sure my 7-year-old has ADD or ADHD. How does one get a diagnosis? Is there any value in getting a diagnosis if medication is probably off the table?? Why is medicine off the table? If your child actually HAS ADD/ADHD, something is not working properly. If something is not working properly and there is treatment, and you decline that treatment, it is poor medical choices (at best). You get a diagnosis by going to your GP with a list of documented behaviors and history and ask for a referral to a specialist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted October 10, 2012 Share Posted October 10, 2012 You should head to the SN board. Yes, you will learn a LOT more in a good eval than just the label. You'll learn about processing speed, working memory, executive function, whether there are *other* things going on as well like anxiety or missing social cues, etc. With that information, there are some interventions you can chose to make (things you can do at home!). You'll get guidance on appropriate accommodations. You may find some weaknesses or problems you didn't expect, and you may find some strengths you didn't realize. Really though, unless you've been through the process with another dc, I would DEFINITELY do it. And no, all neuropsychs do NOT just summarily recommend meds. Some do, and some are more judicious. Talk with them. There are some other things you can do (flax or fish oil, working on the sleep apnea/mouth breathing, etc. etc.) that work on their overall health that can help. Get the evals. What's really un-fun is realizing a few years down the road that you need the evals and could have had this info a lot earlier. It will make a huge difference in your ability to work with him in an informed way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrganicAnn Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 We went to a pediatric neuropsycologist. Our ped looked into who did the best testing in our area. We expected a diagnosis of ADD. We did not get a diagnosis of ADD. So remember there are other issues that look like ADD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whiskeywife Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 Please don't write meds off just yet if your child does have ADHD. By all means try other methods such as changing diet or adding supplements but don't go in with a closed mind about meds. I was never diagnosed with ADHD, but when I was a kid the only kids being diagnosed with it were the kids who were bouncing off the walls. My parents had never even heard of ADHD. I suffered tremendously in school. I had horrible self esteem because I couldn't pay attention and I felt dumb because all the other kids knew answers to questions but I didn't even know what the questions were. If I had been officially diagnosed and taken meds I would have had a much better time in school and I wouldn't have had to struggle so much. When I first had my oldest I always said that I would never medicate him but watching him struggle like I did, there was no other choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 What's really un-fun is realizing a few years down the road that you need the evals and could have had this info a lot earlier. It will make a huge difference in your ability to work with him in an informed way. :iagree: This is where I'm at. I avoided it for years (suspected it around age 4 1/2) and then I finally went to the pediatrician who scored the Vanderbuilt and diagnosed him with ADHD - Inattentive. Almost a year later, we are still seeing many of the same issues, and I am suspecting there are other underlying things the ped is not capable of addressing. So, we've begun the assessment of ds9 with a neuropsych. I am greatly looking forward to more information, so I won't be pulling my hair out for the rest of our homeschooling journey. The evals may say the same as the ped, but at least I know I've covered all the bases this time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon37127 Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 I can also say that Adderall has been a godsend in our house. The changes we observed within 15 minutes of my son first taking this were remarkable. We just went through 2 days here without meds while waiting for Rx to be filled. And we were wondering if he was still dependent on them- :eek:. OMG. At the very least- start with the ped and they can direct you to the best behavioral specialist to get proper testing. Although, be prepared, here- everyone is directed to the local big name children's hospital. Which you would think is great until you go to schedule the apt- 6 months down the road. Then try to schedule the follow- up 6 months down the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moxie Posted October 11, 2012 Author Share Posted October 11, 2012 Thanks for all the responses! You've given me a lot to think about. (one of these days, I need to learn to multi-quote) I'm pretty sure we should have had our 11yo evaluated years ago but he doesn't stuggle as much as our 7yo. I suspect the 11yo has a sensory disorder (hated anything that might be noisy, anything big, hated crowds, I have probably 100 pictures of him in public with his hands over his ears) so I understand the regret at not getting a diagnosis. I wonder if 11 is too old, although he is doing much better now. My 7yo is brilliant. He knew all his letters at 18 months and can now read and spell almost anything. He remembers everything he reads. But he is quite literally bouncing off the walls (as in, running down the hall, slamming into the wall, running the other way, slam, on and on). He can't sit through a meal. He chews EVERYTHING (shirts, toys, TV remotes). For a long time, I though he was just an energetic boy but he is getting worse as he gets older. As for the drugs, I should have said that I'm not interested in trying drugs FIRST. I want to try other stuff before we do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleIzumi Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 Thanks for all the responses! You've given me a lot to think about. (one of these days, I need to learn to multi-quote) I'm pretty sure we should have had our 11yo evaluated years ago but he doesn't stuggle as much as our 7yo. I suspect the 11yo has a sensory disorder (hated anything that might be noisy, anything big, hated crowds, I have probably 100 pictures of him in public with his hands over his ears) so I understand the regret at not getting a diagnosis. I wonder if 11 is too old, although he is doing much better now. My 7yo is brilliant. He knew all his letters at 18 months and can now read and spell almost anything. He remembers everything he reads. But he is quite literally bouncing off the walls (as in, running down the hall, slamming into the wall, running the other way, slam, on and on). He can't sit through a meal. He chews EVERYTHING (shirts, toys, TV remotes). For a long time, I though he was just an energetic boy but he is getting worse as he gets older. As for the drugs, I should have said that I'm not interested in trying drugs FIRST. I want to try other stuff before we do that. There is a book, "ADHD Without Drugs," that you can check out. We tried a lot of things with The Sponge for over a year with minor improvements but not nearly enough. The lowest dose of Adderall is a miracle drug for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 Thanks for all the responses! You've given me a lot to think about. (one of these days, I need to learn to multi-quote) I'm pretty sure we should have had our 11yo evaluated years ago but he doesn't stuggle as much as our 7yo. I suspect the 11yo has a sensory disorder (hated anything that might be noisy, anything big, hated crowds, I have probably 100 pictures of him in public with his hands over his ears) so I understand the regret at not getting a diagnosis. I wonder if 11 is too old, although he is doing much better now. My 7yo is brilliant. He knew all his letters at 18 months and can now read and spell almost anything. He remembers everything he reads. But he is quite literally bouncing off the walls (as in, running down the hall, slamming into the wall, running the other way, slam, on and on). He can't sit through a meal. He chews EVERYTHING (shirts, toys, TV remotes). For a long time, I though he was just an energetic boy but he is getting worse as he gets older. As for the drugs, I should have said that I'm not interested in trying drugs FIRST. I want to try other stuff before we do that. Auditory Processing Disorder and many other sensory issues can be helped dramatically through neurodevelopmental therapy (the Little Giant Steps website is one place to check for resources). Just wanted to mention that as an option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrganicAnn Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 11 years old is not too old to be tested. Teens and adults get tested all the time. It sounds like you have lots of sensory issues going on (seeking and avoiding). If you get a good neuropsychologist, they will be able to tell the difference between ADHD and other similar issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 Just to follow up with OrganicAnn, not only is 11 *not* too old, but it might not be *just* a neuropsych you need. That hands over the ears can be a symptom of CAPD. You should read "The Mislabeled Child." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 We had testing done here over the summer. We started with the child psychiatrist who had the testing done by the child psychologist in the same practice. Both professionals conducted 'interviews/consults' and then the testing was completed. We met with the child psychologist regarding the test results, then we met with the child psychiatrist after both she and the child psychologist had discussed the results. The child psychiatrist confirmed from the results (this was the first time this particular child was 'tested' for adhd) that we are not seeing adhd but rather seeing anxiety. The first child psychiatrist we saw 6 years ago, immediately went to meds after observing this child for a brief amount of time. The results on the eds from a behavior standpoint were excellent, but the appetite/growth issues were not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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