I Think He May Have ADHD

I Think He May Have ADHD

   Throughout his infant years my son was a fast learner.  In daycare he never had any problem behaving, catching on, following directions or learning.  The first few years of school went well.  Although I began to notice that he stutters.  It wasn’t that he had a lack of vocabulary or a learning disability but that he just simply stutters. It took me three school years to get my son speech therapy.  It has been a bit nerve wrecking to watch the different treatment he receives from others.  Teachers, classmates, friends, siblings and others made it clear they did not have the time to listen to him speak, ask questions or just get to know him.  In his third grade school year I began to see a difference in his grades.  He became a “c” student when in previous years he was a  “a/b” honor roll student. 

                My son was my second child.  This was not my first rodeo.  Oh but my two children are so different.  In third grade he had his first male teacher.  The school curriculum was getting more difficult.  I did not know what to make of it.  I had never seen one “c” grade on any of his previous report cards.  I had a conference with my son’s stepfather, teacher and I but wasn’t satisfied with the outcome.  I did not get a real understanding of why third grade was hard for him.  So I then requested a conference to include the principal.  We got the assistant principal due to the principal dealing with other affairs.  Needless to say we got the same outcome “third grade curriculum is more difficult and the child may not be applying himself as much as he did.”   

                He slipped down between the cracks in third and fourth grade.  At home we attempted extra tutoring but no progress.  In fourth grade I found myself sitting in his class every week for the entire year.  My involvement with his teacher got plentiful.  We emailed, phoned, wrote and made plans.  I was sure that my child had a “better” teacher than before.  Oh and he was switched into an International Baccalaureate Elementary school where his younger sister was attending.  I know, I know.  I took him from an easy public school to a more difficult college preparatory public school.  Why did I do that I began to think.  Once again I was having conference after conference.  I began to research my child to see what was going on with him because there was something I was missing.  His grades were C’s, D’s and F’s now.  How could this be?  All I could think is “What am I doing wrong?”  I came up with he may have ADHD!  I thought “Not my child, how could this be.  I thought he was normal!”  What a horrible thought right?  I made a doctor appointment for him and what do you know he was a specialist in this field and said “I am unable to diagnose him at this office I work at but I tell you he has ADHD.”  He took out so much time to talk with us. This was something most doctors don’t do now days.  I started to feel relieved.  An answer!  The doctor sent me with the NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale to fill out and for his teacher to fill out. He was now in fifth grade and had a new teacher.  One that I might add was working with him so much better than any other.  I needed to bring the forms back to the doctor and after I did he sent me to a psychologist to diagnose him.  When we went to the psychologist he gave the same assessment form for his teacher and verbally gave one to me.  The conclusion was my son has ADHD-Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.  Now some people have ADHD or ADD.  ADD is just the Attention Deficit Disorder.  So I felt relieved but now I had a huge decision to make.  Do I want to medicate him?  I am not fond of anyone being medicated. 

                I sat around with my husband going back an fourth on why should I or Why should I not medicate him.  The explanations of both his pediatrician and psychologist helped a lot.  The medicine will help him retain the information he learns daily.  At the time his brain was like swiss cheese all of the time.  Medicine would close the holes and help him retain.  He would be able to hold on to what he has learned for life.  He could choose not to take medication when he turns grown.  He will already have the information he needs to survive and do well in the world.  Without the medication he may begin to hang with the wrong crowds because most of the wrong crowd is full of kids going through the same issue.  One day they become grown and do not change.  The habit of drugs and alcohol take place.  They usually do not stop because it’s like taking the actual medication.  The patterns start changing as children and their futures do not look bright.  So with the 50/50 chance I chose the medication.  Oh how it has helped!  I knew this when I asked him what I always ask my kids.  “What did you learn in school today?”  He recited a COMPLETE story and when I asked him questions about the story he answered well.  He understood the story COMPLETELY!  His grades have improved and he his back on top.  A’s and B’s!  His language still need some help because of his stuttering challenges.  Also now I am reading a book called “1000 Best Tips for ADHD: Expert Answers and Bright Advice to Help You and Your Child ” by Susan Ashley, PhD and I highly recommend it.  It takes away from many frustrations you may grow to have with this situation and child.  A bit of understanding helps!  My son has hope!

Mrs. A McNair