As you all know I have posted a lot about how rambunctious he can be. His teacher has been great in keeping me in the loop on how/what he does in school. I have said a few times I wonder if I should get him tested for ADHD and I usually got a "no no, he's just very active" but then there didn't seem to be any dismissals of the idea as the year went on.

We had him evaluated at OHSU Child Research and Development on Thursday. It was a very thorough visit. We saw a pychologist and a behavioral pediatrician. I had to answer a battery of multiple choice questions that took forever. Today we had the follow up appointment and thankfully Martin was able to be there too.

When we did the testing he did fantastic on all the developmental/intelligence stuff- they said he was right on where he should be and he really enjoyed it. Then while talking with the pediatrician Ian started bouncing off the walls and complaining of being bored. He was a little disruptive and silly. I was frustrated, but also glad in a way as he truly demonstrated how he can go off.

What they told us was that Ian does have ADHD-more so on the hyperactive end. We are supposed to get a complete write up on the whole thing. It seems like he just needs more of what we have already started putting into place, but it does explain some things. It is mostly when he isn't engaged in something that he is interested in or feels uncomfortable he starts acting out, being silly or disruptive and doesn't always realize how he is coming off. We will need to find tools to help redirect this. He doesn't need medication, just redirection and tools-behavior management.

I don't know why I am letting you all know, I guess I am a little lost. Part of me is depressed and maybe a little scared?. Part of me is glad we might finally get some definite ideas/directions. I've wanted to know, but I also don't want him to be labeled... does that make any sense?

or scared. It is who he is and there is nothing to hide or be ashamed about. My oldest son has it and is on medication and he is doing GREAT. He has friends, makes good grades, is well behaved, and is growing. Life is good here. It wasn't always an easy road but with the right tools we made it. He will always be a work in progress and thing may have to be shifted around. I have noticed some changes now that he is getting in to puberty and we may have to adjust his meds some. I think that is normal. I not afraid to tell anyone who asks that he has ADHD. This is a book I really like and wish I had when he was first DX : Parenting Children With Adhd: 10 Lessons That Medicine Cannot Teach (APA Lifetools) by Vincent Monastra. Check it out. I could go on and on but my best advise is to just love him the way that God made him and give him all the help he needs.


Suzanne

I actually just requested that book from the library tonight! Makes me glad to hear someone appreciated it.

Ian actually can focus really well and does well in school- the friends I have talked to about this were surprised I was even having him tested. It's just been a growing concern, especially how he behaves in class- most of the time it is when he is bored or uncomfortable.

I am glad we should now have tools to help him grow in a better direction. The doctor said he shouldn't need medication, it would just be more techniques to keep him on track. He can be a bit rambunctious, and when it really comes out is when he isn't engaged in what is happening.

As for not letting everyone know, my husband and I wanted to make sure he wasn't labeled and looked at a different way, as some people can do. But if someone asks... and I am sure as we learn more about it things will change.

I really appreciate your reply!
Thanks so much!
Ellen

I think that these days ADHD is pretty well accepted. I think you've always known this, now you just have the confirmation and better people to give you tools.

For me, Sarah's diagnosis was a relief. We finally had confirmation that things were off - think my mom instinct had been saying.

I know it can be overwhelming, but it doesn't change who Ian is - he's still the same kid you've always known.

HUGS,
Kirsten

&trooperBlog: www.blogspot.lafoow.com

I spoke to the principal (small school) and she smiled and said "That doesn't surprise me" and also the school counselor and she said she had already spoken to a few other parents just lately about the same thing.

It's funny how you know things are "off" a little, but you wonder if it's just their personality. Then when it is confirmed as something I was conflicted at first. The main reason I did it was to rule anything out and to have tools to redirect him and help him sooner rather than later.

XX

Listen...I have no personal experience but I have to agree ...don't be depressed or scared. God gave you a gift when he gave you Ian, ADHD or not he's still Ian. You have and will have the tools and the knowledge to help him in the areas that are causing trouble or that are disruptive...other than that I agree. LOVE him as you have and stay strong.

Yes, Ian will always be Ian and we do love his "spark" and the twinkle in his eye. And maybe now there will be less frustration LOL.

as this will only help him and you. Now you can effectively advocate for him and his needs. Some kids/parents go through life wondering why they are different and never having any answers (and that can lead to low-self esteem and more). Good for you!! Also, ADHD can be a gift, it really can. Another great great great book that I can't recommend highly enough is Dr. Sears The ADD book. Its so positive and highlights the strengths of having ADHD.

I know you are worried about having him label, but that label can get him extra support at school if he needs it (either under an IEP or a 504 plan - ask me later if you have questions about the school aspect of this). He may not need extra support now, but later he might (i.e. in middle school he may need a class on organization and study skills, etc).

Also, everyone has some aspect that makes them unique and areas we need to work on (some just don't have a name). We all have these things (I tend to be a perfectionist and will always be working on that aspect of me; my son has difficulty articulating his words; my daughter has challenges in the area of social skills, thus autism). We all have our strenths and needs, Ian's just happens to be in the area of attention. I am sure both you and your husband have areas you have always needed to work on too - we all do.

I don't want to downplay this diagnosis for you - because its ok to feel how you do. But I do want to highlight the positives for you!!


Heres the link to the book.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0316778737/qid=961372794/sr=1-9/colemancapdadhdi

Christina

we were having frustrations and wanted to rule things out. I just felt conflicted, even though I knew something was off. Now to know and hopefully have better tools to help him is making me feel better. He needs to work on his hyperactiveness and impulsivity. I'm not looking forward to puberty LOL.

Thanks so much for the recommendation of Dr. Sear's book!! We had his baby book and also the discipline book. I have requested it from the library.

We are waiting for the complete summary from the specialist and need to learn more about the IEP or 504 plan- it is all so new. Thankfully he is right on or higher in his school/intelligence testing.

I definitely have areas I need to work on LOL.

I so appreciate all your kind words and help!!
~Ellen