Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
How to determine if you should have your child tested
avatar
An_248702 posted:
For the most part my son is a normal 6 year old. However, he does have those times in school where he just cannot focus and is a distraction to the other children. At home he is usually good, but at times he gets distracted from the task that he's supposed to do, like changing his clothes - instead he plays. At most i say it's about 2 - 3 times a week I'll get a negative report for him at school from his teacher. At home, only on weekends I usually see him lose focus a few times where he either doesn't seem to listen, or forgets what he's supposed to do.
I know it doesn't seem like a lot, but I do have a suspicion that he is ADD....i am very skeptical to have him go on meds if I have him diagnosed.....I don't want the disruptions to continue at school (causing the other children not to learn), but on the other hand, I feel like I'd be losing my child as well....he wouldn't be the same.
I know other children who are on meds for ADD and it seems like "the spark" in the child's eye is gone".

So I guess my question is, with the amount of time that he disrupts the other children, does it sound like he might have ADD? Is it worth having him tested? If so, will my son lose his "spark" of ambition that he currently has...

Thank you for looking,
-JMH00
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:How to determine if you should have your child testedFor the most part my son is a normal 6 year old. However, he does have those times in school where he just cannot focus and is a distraction to the other children. At home he is usually good, but at times he gets distracted from the task that he's supposed to do, like changing his clothes - instead he plays. At most i say it's about 2 - 3 times a week I'll get a negative report for him at school from his teacher. At home, only on weekends I usually see him lose focus a few times where he either doesn't seem to listen, or forgets what he's supposed to do.<br />I know it doesn't seem like a lot, but I do have a suspicion that he is ADD....i am very skeptical to have him go on meds if I have him diagnosed.....I don't want the disruptions to continue at school (causing the other children not to learn), but on the other hand, I feel like I'd be losing my child as well....he wouldn't be the same.<br />I know other children who are on meds for ADD and it seems like "the spark" in the child's eye is gone".<br /><br />So I guess my question is, with the amount of time that he disrupts the other children, does it sound like he might have ADD? Is it worth having him tested? If so, will my son lose his "spark" of ambition that he currently has...<br /><br />Thank you for looking,<br />-JMH00
Reply
 
avatar
missxmonroex responded:
My son went to kindergarten at age five, and it was the hardest thing he ever experienced, he was interrupting others, he couldnt focus, but at the same time hes just a very ambitious and amazing child, with a great personality, this year he had to take kindergarten again, and I got him put on a very low dose of medicine for adhd, and I cant tell you how amazed I am. As part of the diagnosis and talk with the doctor I told her I didnt want him to be a zombie, I didnt want him to stop being the active and hilarious child he has always been.... within one month my son who couldnt even name his whole alphabet is now sounding out words and beginning to read. I think every situation is different for each child, but I cant tell you how thankful I am for this. He is still the awesome 6 year old boy he's always been but he can focus in school, he comes home and will read with me, and actually tell me what happened at school, before I dont think he even knew. I would say if you're worried, definately address it with a doctor, but make sure that you're very clear with them about your concerns if medication is an option. i wish the best to you, if you have any other questions...let me know, and I'll do my best to answer. But I am sooo thankful for I believe its called Focalin - hes only on 5mg's of the extended release and we started 5mg's after school and its been a HUGE change.
Report This| Share this:How to determine if you should have your child testedMy son went to kindergarten at age five, and it was the hardest thing he ever experienced, he was interrupting others, he couldnt focus, but at the same time hes just a very ambitious and amazing child, with a great personality, this year he had to take kindergarten again, and I got him put on a very low dose of medicine for adhd, and I cant tell you how amazed I am. As part of the diagnosis and talk with the doctor I told her I didnt want him to be a zombie, I didnt want him to stop being the active and hilarious child he has always been.... within one month my son who couldnt even name his whole alphabet is now sounding out words and beginning to read. I think every situation is different for each child, but I cant tell you how thankful I am for this. He is still the awesome 6 year old boy he's always been but he can focus in school, he comes home and will read with me, and actually tell me what happened at school, before I dont think he even knew. I would say if you're worried, definately address it with a doctor, but make sure that you're very clear with them about your concerns if medication is an option. i wish the best to you, if you have any other questions...let me know, and I'll do my best to answer. But I am sooo thankful for I believe its called Focalin - hes only on 5mg's of the extended release and we started 5mg's after school and its been a HUGE change.
Reply
 
avatar
jmh00 replied to missxmonroex's response:
Thank you for your reply. In speaking with his teacher at school there has been a big improvement from the beginning of the school year she said. I'd rather see if I can find a "natural" alternative....something to help him focus.....like i said earlier, it's not all the time......When he does apply himself, he does very well in school. He's at the top of his class in reading, math, and articulation. I'm looking for a way to help him learn how to focus on his own rather than medicating him......
Report This| Share this:How to determine if you should have your child testedThank you for your reply. In speaking with his teacher at school there has been a big improvement from the beginning of the school year she said. I'd rather see if I can find a "natural" alternative....something to help him focus.....like i said earlier, it's not all the time......When he does apply himself, he does very well in school. He's at the top of his class in reading, math, and articulation. I'm looking for a way to help him learn how to focus on his own rather than medicating him......
Reply
 
avatar
missxmonroex replied to jmh00's response:
definately agree with you. if he can focus enough to do well in school even if its not all the time id say its safe to say hes just being his age and with maturity i really think you will seee him turning out just fine. my son couldnt even apply himself to basic tasks thats why the medicine has been such a help
Report This| Share this:How to determine if you should have your child tested<i>definately agree with you. if he can focus enough to do well in school even if its not all the time id say its safe to say hes just being his age and with maturity i really think you will seee him turning out just fine. my son couldnt even apply himself to basic tasks thats why the medicine has been such a help</i>
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

See Related Mental Health Communities

See All Communities

Featuring Experts

Profile
Patricia Quinn, MD Expert
Patricia O. Quinn, MD, is a physician specializing in the treatment of ADHD both in children and adults. Quinn is a developmental pediatrician in Wash...More
Profile
Gina Pera Expert
More Experts

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

all love problems solution pandit ji +*91-9815934087
@india best astrologer +91-9815934087 1. Business related problems.2. Husband and wife relationship.3. Be free from enemy / 2nd wife 4. ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
0 of 0 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Related News

Related Drug Reviews

  • Drug Name User Reviews
See More

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.