Concerned my son has ADD?

Question

When do you have usually have kids tested for this my son is 4.5 years old. Most of his immediate family has it. Is this a learned behavior or do you think he may really have it?

Answer 1

Kids are tested at least by the age of 4 if anything is suspected.

There are two major types of ADD at this time (this aspect of ADD keeps evolving): ADD with hyperactivity (the traditional type of ADD) and ADD without hyperactivity ("inattentive" type). Here are the DSM IV diagnostic criteria in a condensed form:

Inattention (must meet six of the following to a degree that is "maladaptive"):

Often fails to give close attention to details or makes mistakes in schoolwork;
difficulty sustaining attention in tasks;
seems not to listen;
fails to follow instructions or finish work;
unorganized;
difficulties with schoolwork or homework;
loses things like school assignments, books, tools, etc.;
easily distracted;
forgetful about daily activities.
ADD with Hyperactivity (must meet six of the following to a degree that is "maladaptive"):

fidgety in a squirmy sense;
doesn't stay seated;
runs or climbs excessively (or feelings of restlessness in older children);
difficulty playing quietly;
often "on the go" or acts if "driven by a motor";
often talks excessively;
blurts out answers to questions;
difficulty waiting in lines or waiting turns;
often interrupts or intrudes on others.

For a longer version of the DSM IV criteria and quotes on related MBTI temperament traits, click here.

Technically, ADD is not something you can suddenly come down with. "Symptoms" such as excessive daydreaming or hyperactivity must be present by the age of seven in two or more settings and cannot be explained by some other psychological condition such as depression or anxiety. However, there are cases of people acquiring the symptoms of ADD after experiencing brain trauma.

I will mention the "Lego Test" here. For boys in particular, some professionals say that if a child can stay highly focused and on-task when it comes to following Lego directions, then he is not actually ADD. This is, of course, not part of any official diagnostic manual and others would dispute it.

There is no exclusion for behavior caused by giftedness, normal temperament diversity, allergies or fatty acid deficiencies. If you meet the criteria, then you are ADD, even if your behavior is the result of having an IQ of 175 and being confined to a dull school. Behavior cannot be caused by some other psychological condition, however, such as depression or anxiety.

More recent studies have shown that ADD is largely genetic. That is, it runs in families. This has lead some ADD researchers, notably Russell Barkley, to assume that our population is experiencing large scale random genetic mutations, a rather ridiculous notion for anyone familiar with population genetics.

Mjr

Answer 2

14 years ive been working with kids, 7 as a nanny. Ive worked with sooo many ADD, ADHD, and learning disabled children. I've never known a child with any of those issues that really had a problem.

In all my cases its been children who are medicated because their parents couldnt parent them correctly. After a while with them and seeing the family dynamic I'd realize what the child really needed, and was able to provide it with my services.

Try family therapy first. It doesnt make someone a bad parent, people dont just KNOW how to parent children. Its a learned thing. Especially for toddlers. Teaching a child self control and focus isnt something we all know how to do, and the child certainly isnt born knowing.

Answer 3

ADD and ADHD are different and you will need to have the pediatrician check him out. There are some papers you will have to fill out and if he is in a daycare or school the teachers will have to fill out the papers as well. Then the doctor will compare them and see which one the child falls under. After that happens you will have the option to place the child on medication. My son is on Focalin XR and it works well most of the day and by the evening it wears off and he is bad to his over active self. Good luck.

Answer 4

first of all it is not a learned behavior it has to do with ur brain and the only person that can tell if kids have it are shrinks they whtch them play different games and have them do other things when they get older they give them a test on a computer and find out that way.its ur choice if u want them on meds but i will tell u now the schools will bug u till u put them on meds plus they do better grade wise when on meds i know this cuz my 15 old has adhd and shes had it since she was 5.dont let people make u feel bad about putting ur kid meds if u do ur justing trying to help him. and yes when kids get older they can learn to deal with it with out meds like my daugther she only takes her meds during school no weekends or in the summer it all up to u.

Answer 5

She was once involved that his writing is higher than normal for his age...? That is senseless! If the purpose you had him confirmed is that he is fidgety or effortlessly distracted in college, then the purpose could also be that he is bored; that is very natural with a baby who's vivid, or complicated for his age. Too many lecturers desire drugged kids they are able to manipulate - however a well instructor will try to meet the demands of each and every baby, something their capability and stage.

Answer 6

No, its not learned, its definitely genetic. I don't think they will usually diagnose them with it though until age 5. But your son is right on the cusp of that, and given his family history, I would definitely take him now to get evaluated. Good luck!

Answer 7

I am first grade teacher. They usually wait till first grade and compare the kindergarten and first grade teacher answers to a questionnaire that you get from your pediatrician.

Answer 8

ADD can be an enherited trait. I would get him checked out by a doctor.

Answer 9

add is a government conspiracy, i woulndt dare put my kids on the drugs they treat for it.

Answer 10

I understand what u r goin through,I can't keep focused either.What are his symptoms?
-Is it hard to keep him focused?
-Does he jump from one thing to another?
-Is it hard to get him to do something?
**********************************************************************
If so,I would have him tested in Kindergarten and then have him re-tested in 5th grade.
**********************************************************************
Hope this helps.Good luck.
**********************************************************************