Alot.
One of my children is "spirited".
I have always considered him to be a hyper, strong-willed, spirited child.
He enjoys physical activities...never sits down.....does what he wants.....without a care in the world.
That is him.
But recently I have noticed more.
And have become quite concerned.
Have I been blinded by my love for the past few years?
Have I been saying it is a phase because I really thought that way or hoped it was?
Or is it something more?
Orrrrr....is he just a busy kid and I am thinking too much?
And then I read this.
ADHD used to be known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD. In 1994, it was renamed ADHD and broken down into three subtypes, each with its own pattern of behaviors:
1. an inattentive type, with signs that include:
inability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities
difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities
apparent listening problems
difficulty following instructions
problems with organization
avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort
tendency to lose things like toys, notebooks, or homework
distractibility
forgetfulness in daily activities
2. a hyperactive-impulsive type, with signs that include:
fidgeting or squirming
difficulty remaining seated
excessive running or climbing
difficulty playing quietly
always seeming to be "on the go"
excessive talking
blurting out answers before hearing the full question
difficulty waiting for a turn or in line
problems with interrupting or intruding
-Kidshealth.org
Then I did a checklist. I "bolded" the points that my son shows signs of.
an inattentive type, with signs that include:
inability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities
difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities
apparent listening problems
difficulty following instructions
problems with organization
avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort
tendency to lose things like toys, notebooks, or homework
distractibility
forgetfulness in daily activities
a hyperactive-impulsive type, with signs that include:
fidgeting or squirming
difficulty remaining seated
excessive running or climbing
difficulty playing quietly
always seeming to be "on the go"
excessive talking
blurting out answers before hearing the full question
difficulty waiting for a turn or in line
problems with interrupting or intruding
Umm. Yeah.
See why I am concerned?
So I ask you this.
Do you have experience with ADHD?
What did you notice and what made you finally ask for help?
How was the diagnosis made?
Treatment? What was it?
Please share.
Thanks muchly.
6 comments:
No official experience, but my daughter fits the hyperactive-impulsive type to a T!! She's only three, so we'll see how things work out. I do worry about how she'll do in school. If she'll be able to sit still and listen to hear teacher.
My son is spirited. But not hyperactive. So it's tough but not always, just sometimes. I would think, if his actions/behaviors/hyperactivity are affecting his quality of life (he's not sleeping, struggling to get through the day without problems, socially unable to mix) I would look into some help. But it wouldn't hurt to just get some answers, either. Good luck!
My sister tested for ADHD and came back positive, but has never done anything to treat it. To be honest, I think many adults learn how to deal with it so I don't know if it's necessary to treat it with kids. It probably depends on their level.
Um, is he in school? Does he get good grades? I wouldn't worry about it unless it interferes with his ability to get and follow direction from his teacher.
I am an adult with ADD, who spent most of her childhood being called "spirited" and most of her teen years being called "flaky".
I got diagnosed in 11th but was not put on meds. I had counseling and study skills classes. I also didn't have the "hyperactive" part of it.
As an adult, I finally got put on meds to help me through grad school. I was so ashamed. Why couldn't I just do it myself? When I started taking the medicine, I wished I'd had it in Undergrad too! It really has helped me accomplish a lot more. I honestly can say it changed me for the good.
A few things to note: ADHD is highly over diagnosed, however it has improved in recent year. Medicine for ADHD is controlled because it is a stimulant. I know it sounds weird but you might try giving your son a cup of black tea and see how he does. Energy drinks actually help me focus (what can I say? My pistons don't fire right.)
I would be happy to answer ANY questions you have. (sorry for the long comment!)
*it is supposed to say 11th grade (I was about 17)
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