children with ADD... advice? insight?

Question

how did you figure out your child had this? What were the problems or signs they shown that made you or teachers aware? how did you handle it? what are you doing that has helped the situation? espcially if having other children in the home. how do you go about it. I'm in the process along with all her teachers to figure out what's going on. And it's its becoming worse, behavior and academically. don't know what else to do. just want some insight on your experiences or what you know for a fact because your child is dealing with this. it's not easy by far, and takes a lot of patience, time and effort. and they are talking of retaining her if this continues because she's not progressing. please no negative comments it's hard enough even having to consider this might be happening and the steps thereafter. thanks in advance. this is a no judgement post just parents giving info to one another in need of help and advice. 😊

Answer

My sister was actually just diagnosed with ADHD. She’s 18 and the doctor just finally confirmed it. My parent always thought she had it and they had her tested when she was way younger I think about 4 or 5 and they said it was too early too tell and they didn’t think she did. Fast forward 13/14 years and sure enough she does. So she just started college and she’s been struggling with test taking even though she will study like crazy. She gets very side tracked sometimes. My mom would tell her to do things and she might get one done and then not do anything else she was asked but it’s actually because she got distracted and totally would forget what it was she was doing. My mom finally took her to be tested again because she wanted help for my sister so she wasn’t struggling in college. They did all sorts of tests and have her on adderall. Not sure how it’s going since they just started it. We are pretty sure my little cousin actually has it too. Shes like 8 I think but she’s will do similar things. You ask her to do things and she gets so distracted and loses focus of what she should be doing.

Answer

You should get free observation and screening by a psychologist by state laws. Talk to your pediatrician about it. You might even qualify for free counseling/ intervention for her depending on state laws and her age. 
As for things you can do I would look into weighted blankets. They can help with the constant need to move. They make small ones that they can have on their lap at school. You can even make a small lap one.  Look them up they can help with lots of things 
Is her teacher patient and working with you? Having a little silent fidget toy is great. But MUST come with rules. When I was a school social worker the rule we had was you can have this small fidget toy but if you use it to distract other kids, it is thrown, etc. you lose it. Standing desk is another great thing for at school. Rewards for good behavior even the smallest good behavior needs to be rewarded. And then for bad behavior it has to be ignored unless the behavior is hurting her, others, or if the behavior is a huge distraction. The reason for this is a lot of times kids with ADHD only get attention when they are doing something wrong. So they start to act out more so they can get attention. It’s hard but only give attention to good behavior. 
Good luck momma! You are strong and can do this 😘

children with ADD... advice? insight?

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