my son is 6 and his teacher says he might have add?

Question

his kindergarten teacher said the same but his pediatrician says hes to young any suggestions

Answer 1

Take him somewhere and have him tested. I didn't have my oldest tested until she was in 3rd grade and she has some MAJOR behavioral problems because of that. Besides the social problems with her friends or lack thereof. Testing as early as possible is the best thing for your child, it will help him learn better and be better for everyone concerned.

Also on another note. If he does NOT have ADD or ADHD, the medications will not work. I can guarentee you, you will know it REAL FAST, either way.

Answer 2

Personally, I would listen to your pediatrician. Teachers are now pointing the finger at children that have a hard time listening on ADD. I know many people with ADD, some that medicate and some that don't. ADD is controllable to a certain degree without medication. If you really suspect ADD I would try to talk to your son about school, see if he likes it or if he has a hard time listening. He may just require a different learning method than the one the teacher provides. Check out the Internet on ways you can supplement your child's learning as a first step. Also, maybe enrolling him in some other classes like art, gymnastics, swimming, or other physical activity (if he is not already). Some kids with mild cases of ADD do better in school when they have some sort of physical or artistic outlet outside of school.

Answer 3

Teachers who label kids with ADD just because they are hyper drive me crazy! Children are suppose to be hyper acitve thats why they are children and thats why they can eat so much candy and not gain the weight! This is surprising that a dr. would say that your son is too young. My nephew was 5 when he was diagnosed. This is also surprising to here a dr. say no your son doesn't have ADD. ADD is the most over diagnosed disorder! Even though I am a teacher, let me talk down other teachers for a minute! My nephew who supposidly has ADD hasn't been on his medication for about 5 months now, and the teacher doesn't know this she thinks that he is and that it is working. When my nephew goes to school and is a little hyper she will ask him if he has had his pill and he'll say no so she'll call his parents and ask them or another family member to bring his pill. Recently we have started to give him a tic tac dyed blue when the teacher calls. Last time the teacher called I took the fake pill to the school and gave it to my nephew later on I called the teacher and asked her how he was doing and she said he was a totally different kid, he was MUCH better! This is all to prove that some teachers aren't cut out to work with young kids, they are suppose to be hyper and if the teacher can't handle it they say give the kid a pill to calm them down! I would say NO don't do this, give your son a few years to grow out of the hyperactivity! Unless you honestly feel there is a problem! But remember kids will be kids and also boys are definatly different than girls when it comes to their activness!

Answer 4

Do not listen to the teacher. More often than not, they're not qualified to determine whether or not a child has ADD. Many children who the teachers think have ADD, don't. They're often very smart and just bored in class. Case in point - my younger brother. (This is before the days of ADD) His first grade teacher told my mom that he might have a learning disability and she should consider holding him back. This was after he FINISHED the entire first grade curriculum in April and was 20% of the way thru the second grade work. He would get bored in class because it wasn't challenging enough, and he and another kid would sit in the back of the room -QUIETLY discussing their their theories of the Bermuda Triangle. Does this sound like a six year old with a learning disability? Not to me.

IMO - some kids are disicipline problems or are bored and squirmy (I'm NOT saying yours!) and rather than try to deal with it constructively, teachers find it easier to have the kid medicated.

My advice is - if the teachers keep harping on this, take your son to a pediatric neurologist. They can run a battery of specialized tests to determine if he's truly ADD or just bored in school. At six, he's not actually too young - there are cases of 4 year olds with the chemical imbalance that causes ADD.

Good luck!!!

Answer 5

I would find out what the teachers think are his symptoms for add, then discuss these symptoms with his doctor. I know a child who started add medicine when he was 4 years old. So there isn't a "to young". Do you notice the symptoms the teachers suggest? If so, and the doctor still won't prescribe anything, then get a 2nd opinion.

Answer 6

Too many teachers these days are claiming kids have ADD when the kid is just a little hyperactive on occasion. I don't think I've ever met a 6 year old who WASN'T a bit hyper. Go with the doctor's opinion, that's what the doctor went to medical school for, and if the teacher disagrees, ask for his/her medical certificate.

Answer 7

my dad's a pharmacist and he says that add is used as an excuse way too much. also, boys tend to be much more energetic than girls, and when teachers want their kids to stay still, most boys won't. when u think about add, it's not just a little kid who doesnt listen and doesn't pay attention-but that is probably why the teacher's think he has add. maybe u could work with your child, help him to try to follow the rules more, and get his attention span to grow, but at the age of 6 it's highly improbable that he has it.......of course, people can't give accurate answers without a description of what he's like

Answer 8

Some paeditricians do not recognise this problem. I would get another opinion from other doctors.This is something that needs special testing.I have friends with kids that have add and they had to have tests.Kindergarten teachers would not make that kind of statement unwillingly.Teachers see how kids behave and react with other children.Get your son thoroughly checked out.Earlier this is treated the better he will be.Some people will have different views on this so be prepared for various answers.

Answer 9

Regardless of whether or not he has any medical issue (from ADD, ADHD to asthma), a teacher can NOT make a diagnosis or even suggest such a thing. Only doctors can diagnose conditions. ADD is considered a medical diagnosis, not a special need or learning disability. Although, students with ADD or ADHD can be covered under requirements for students with special needs.

Answer 10

two school age daughters. it has been mention in the past by teacher a possibility of add. after some conferences and observation..no. those two little angles just weren't interested at times in what was going on in the classroom. my point was if my children could sit down and watch an 80+minute disney movie then my children could learn to be attentive in class. i just found a focus point for them and taught them about patience. that it okay not to be interested in certain lesson, but it impolite to interrupt your teacher(s) and classmates. find the things that your son like best about school and use that as a starting block.