My son who is 9 years old now had trouble in school since kindergarten. The school didn’t want to test him for learning disability but they gave him x help in math reading speech. Finaly in the spring of 3 grade ( last year ) they decided to test him n we had an IEP with no progress. I had him tested by a Neutopsycologis who gave him diagnosis of adhd inattentive type   a neurologist confirmed diagnosis. Just started on concerta. We have a meeting pending.  Maybe your next step should be a Neutopsycologis. Good luck. Ik how stressful all this is

Completely agree.  I had the same situation but my child’s doctor referred us to a child psychiatrist who immeidately arranged for a medical so she could start treatment ASAP.  if the doctor you are going to is not one a Psychiatrist that specializes in children with ADHD, you should get a referral.  I also highly recommend you get a referral to a Neuro-Pyschologist, but that referral is best if it comes from the Psychiatrist.  It is better that you get the evalaution instead of relying on the school to do it…then you have a medical partner that you can leverage for on going treatment for your child.  Do not give up!!!

I have a 5 1/2 year old boy diagnoised with ADHD, Anxiety, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Auditory Processing Disorder at 4 1/2… They said to retest at 7 which is the perfect age. What type of insurance do you have? You need to see a psycholoist to get the proper testing and once you have it a Psychiatrist should recommend the right medicine if needed. We have tried everything so far, behavioral therapy, play therapy a private school, strict routines but my son is still having problems focusing in school and sitting still so tomorrow we have an appt. with a Psychiatrist to explose possible medicine so he can be successful in his Kindergarten class… He has no social issues just mood problems when he is challenged in classroom settings and problems sitting still at circle time and desk time.  You should see what your insurance has also… Know your rights for your school district… You might get assistance especially if your at public school. Good luck.

If you have ruled out all “organic” considerations for his behavior (bloodwork, physical/neuro exam eyes and audiology), consider interviewing a different doctor.  Deplin is a anti-depressant, that takes 4-6 weeks to kick in and levels to become therapuetic, and if not titrated (adding small dosages first once a day and then twice…etc) carefully will cause adverse effects.  I wonder why a stimulant or non-stimulant wasn’t tried first? Has he had bad reactions to them as well?  How is he at school/home?  Get a list from your Ins company of every Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in a reasonable mile area ( I do 50 mile), call them first and ask these two questions when you are qualifing them.
1. How much of your practice is devoted to children/adolescents with ADHD?
2, What organizations are you affiliated with and are they how you saty in the loop about ADHD’s most current and correct information?
A doctor worth his salt will understand why you are asking these questions and will have no problem answering.  If he or she is evasive or acting defensively, just say thank you for your time and move on to the next doctor.  I have heard so many stories about parents getting “lost” and bogged down with the wait and see that I would never select a doctor without pyschopharmacological expertise and one who has special interest in treating ADHD.  Believe it or not many docotrs are NOT up to date with the latest research and treatment guidelines.  Become the expert that you are on your child and learn yourself what’s new.  CHADD.org is the best peer/professional organization for ADHD helping families because it’s run by the individuals whose families have been through it.  There is no equalling the emotional connection when it comes to seeking out professionals, educators and clinicians for your child’s treatment and no other way to begin and continue your ourney, then by your own support and education.  This is most of the time the missing piece to any child’s/families treatment.

Absolutely agree. Go to a child psychiatrist. Find the best one you can. One who is part of a group that will also provide a child pyschologist for the therapy part of it so they can work together and with you. A pediatrician is not the right person for you at this point. Then make sure you get them in touch with your school staff asap. You’re not alone, and you and your son shouldn’t have to suffer through this. My wishes a calmer, happier household for you. Just remember it can be a longer process than you expect. But it is worth it.

Kt33 thank you so much for that great useful advise.  It seems like I have been going in circles day after day.  The good news is we have family therapy Thursday.  I have day by day notes, questions I want to ask,
I have to say that my desperation in joining this group for some kind of guidance has been so much more than I expected.  I feel like there is a “path” that has to be taken.  It may be slow and at times discouraging, but all the kind words have made me feel that I am not all alone.
I am sure I will have a million more questions as we go through our “journey”.  If I remind my myself that this is infact a journey and I am not alone, it may not be so exhausting.
Thank you all so much!