Parents not supporting my idea in getting tested for ADD?

Question

In first grade my teacher constantly caught me daydreaming and eventually moved me away from the class window. I have always been very random, but daydreaming takes up so much of my time and I dont mean it to. I get caught up in little details or futuristic dreams for hours, or just staring at a test review that I cant manage to actually study for more than 20 min. I have brought up that I think I should be tested for ADD cause I feel through research that I fit all the criteria, yet my mom thinks of it as a handicap. I just finished my first semester and did poor in grades because I feel I can never focus. How do I convince my mom or do I do it on my own? I know that I need help and I believe ADD medication will fix my problem. Where do I go to get tested? thank you so so so much!

Answer 1

I too had the same problems. ADD really ruined my school career. It is not laziness like some have suggested. I was referred by my calculus professor (when I went back to college for post bach classes since my hopitality management degree was a joke) to a testing center on campus where I got to speak to a phychiatrist that the school contracted with. After looking at school, work and family history he said it was very likely I had ADD. The only way to tell for sure is to try medication. I was put on Wellbutrin and the difference was dramatic. Since I was in college, my parents never knew until I told them, a year later. I went from having from having a 2.3 GPA, which is what I graduated with my hospitality management degree, to a 4.0 in a molecular genetics master's degree program.

My son, in elementary school has the same types of problems. We had him assessed by a professional because of his young age. He also has hyperactivity, which I never had, so he is ADHD. It was very expensive, $2,500, and heath insurance doesn't cover it. He spent two days with the doctor, one day on medication and one day off. He answered lots of questions, played games with her, and conversed about his family and school to her. She had a list of criteria that helped her make her diagnosis. My son is now on medication (Adderall) and is doing wonderfully. He is at the top of his class.

Please see if your school has a testing facility or if the school health center can get you a referral. If you are old enough, your parents don't need to know. Getting the right medication can help change your life.

One more thing, there are many different "tricks" that can be learned to help with focus and remembering things. I learned a lot from books written on the subject. I think a combination of both memory aids and medication works the best.

I wish you luck and success in school.

Answer 2

is there some kind of counselor at school you can talk to about it? they may have some tests that will indicate whether further testing is necessary, and they may talk to your parents for you or help you talk to them. how old are you? if you're an adult, you don't need their permission to get tested even if you're on their health insurance. of course, they'd know if that's the case. if you're in college, you may want to check with the psychology department to find out if they're doing any studies in this area and volunteer to be a subject if they are.

Answer 3

Getting an ADHD diagnosis generally involves 2 processes.

First, a questionairre that is answered by you and people who knew you when you were very young.

Second, a battery of tests administered by a psychometrician.

A psychologist or psychiatrist then interprets the results.

Good luck. You basically need to start with your primary care physician. If you are in college, try going to student health services and see if they can assist you.

Answer 4

Hopefully you see a doctor now and then. The next time you see the doctor, speak to him/her about this. Your school can also make suggestions, but usually its the parents who ask for help for their kids. I work in special education and I see the benefits many students get from being on the right medication.

Answer 5

girl i got the same problem. but are you sure you want to get cured or that medication? if your ADD is that bad your teacher will probably approach you and ask you whats your problem. you explain. your teacher will call your parents. but thats only if your teacher is really nosy like how mine was.

Answer 6

Pills are not the answer. Why don't you get your parents to get you a tutor? You are using ADD as an excuse. There are very few real cases of ADD. Medications are WAY overprescribed to kids who are normal, but lack discipline. You lack discipline.

Answer 7

Talk to your teacher or counselor at school. Perhaps they can give you a preliminary exam and some info for your parents.

Meanwhile, don't let it be an excuse for your poor schoolwork. Try really, really hard to do well.

Answer 8

Ask your teacher or behaviour therapist in the school to have a talk with your parents first.

Answer 9

You can look in your phone book for MHMR .Maybe they know where to get tested.Or ask a psychiatrist.

Answer 10

you should get checked for it...i als o have been thinking the same thing,i think i also might have adult add.i catch myself daydreaming or not paying attention whe someone is talking to me....im me if you got any questions or if i can help...."sxmikemald" ..