how to manage signs of ADHD?

Question

I work in a preschool. One of my 4 yr olds exhibits classic signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD. He is unable to focus on simple tasks and is extremely impulsive. I am most concerned about the impulsiveness; when upset, he lashes out with physical violence. Once given time to calm down, he is acutely aware that what he did was wrong and is able to tell me better choices for handling conflicts (using words, walking away, talking to the teacher, etc). Despite these problems, he is one of the brightest children in the class and when he focuses on something, he excells. He also demonstrates much creative talent and can draw better than I can (he is only 4, mind you) When working on such projects, he becomes hyper-focused and it is very difficult to draw him away from these tasks. His parents refuse to have him tested or to see a counselor. His disruptive behavior makes it difficult to teach the other students and I worry about him hurting other children. What should I do?

Answer 1

Well as a teacher its your responsibility that he doesnt hurt the other students, and to tell the childs parent about his signs. Then suggest he goes see's someone with a little bit more background on what he may have in this case ADD and then they give him medication and put him sometimes in special people classes which sucks for the kids self esteem. I would just medicate him and pretend that only the cool kids get the medication or something so he doesnt feel alienated and keep him in the regular classes.

Answer 2

I know the difficult situation that you are being put in. Chances are you are probably aware of the difficult choices that have been places on the parents. I am an elementary educations major, I've been the head counselor at a daycamp and haved worked in many others. I know what it can be like to deal with children that have these behavior problems. I am also the mother of a four year old with ADHD. Like the child you discribed, mine has unusual tallents. He can put together 100+ piece puzzles. Once he gets tired of the puzzle right side up he takes it apart and puts it together upside down.

The cycle of behavior that I started to notice in my own child went something along the lines of he would be asked to do something that required patients or sitting still, he would become fustrated with himself because he could not complete the task, he would lash out in a violent way. My son is also aware of difference between right and wrong and can articulate it very well, but would be unable to controll his impluses.

As an educator I was well aware of the effects of leaving such problems to run thier own course. I have had my son enrolled in play therapy for over a year now. I would be more than willing to discuse further my own experiences with dealing with a young child with ADHD as well as my educational point of view on the matter. Feel free to e-mail me if you would like. Please do not judge the parents too harshly for not wanting to get thier child diagnosed as such a young age.

Answer 3

Although the symptoms you describe sound a little like ADD/ADHD it is way too early to tell. He sounds more like a typical 4 year old boy who is not given boundries at home. If you are concerned about this child then you will need to provide structure for him at school that he doesn't get at home. This child's needs are very different than the majoriaty of the children in your class, because as you said he is bright. His impulsiveness needs to be addressed. This may mean that someone will have to watch him a little closer than the others for a time. Notice what is causing the outbursts then deal with it. Don't expect too much, he is only 4 and still needs to be a child. The human brain developes at different rates for all of us. So set bountries and be consistant at all times. Find out what is causing the outbursts. Let him help you teach the others, when possible (self-esteem is often a cause for lashing out).

Answer 4

well... tell the parent that if he does not get treated at all then there is going to be serious condition cause in the future, there is at risk that he might get kick out school, he might do drugs, he might hurt himself a lots, he might do crime activing, he might have some prombles with marriage. soo of all that of being not on treatment and not getting diangostic could cause that. but just be sure, Make sure that it not only ADHD or ADD cause there is lots of same sign and it could be different of disorder because it is very hard to diangotic. soo make sure if he have another new signs that u might not notice and put it on lists.

Answer 5

they just dont want to face the facts! ADHD is not something to be ashamed of! tell them that even with it , he is still a good kid! he just has trouble behaving! i have it, and with my meds im an excellent student, which counteracts the statement "only stupid people have ADHD!" also, let them know it will become harder to manage him later in life, he might gain weight like me or get REALLY bad grades in middle school! he cant truly be himself without the chemical he's lacking inside his brain, now can he? tell his parents, and theymight reconsider, if theey dont, tell them to take him out! because he's endangering you and the other kids! if he has temper tantrums, they are symptoms of ADHD. i know, i have caused my family much pain when i get them! ;( if they dont help him and they take him out of the daycare, its only hurting him! good luck! =)

Answer 6

i think that teachers or government guidelines expect too much from 4 year olds. like at my daughters nursery they expected themm to sit still for long periods of time. if he hits someone maybe you could get him to do a lap of the play ground to get rid of his aggression and then go and apologise.

Answer 7

Locking a 4 year old up all day in "school" is cruel and unusual punishment. Read BETTER LATE THAT EARLY by Raymond and Dorothy Moore. When you treat a child in an abusive and unnatural way, expect bad behavior!

Answer 8

samishae,

I have an online video addressing this question and problem. Could you message me with the subject ADHD so that I can send you my e mail and then send it to you appropriately?