Inattentive ADHD....Now what???

GM PA!!

After YEARS and YEARS of wondering what was going on with Dee, we had her tested for ADD/ADHD. I found out on Friday that she does have ADHD-inattentive type. I am still numb from this. In a way, I am glad that they found out what the issue is and that they are going to put a plan in place at school for her. I also have to get her to the pediatrician to see if he wants her to be on any meds. My job now is to find out as much information as possible on this. I did some reading online and asked the school psychologist for some advice as well.

I had read an article a few months ago that premature babies were more prone to ADD/ADHD. Dee was born at 34 weeks. I remember going to the pediatrician when she was 2 weeks old and asked him if she was going to have developmental issues and he said that it was very possible. By the time she was 2, he put a red flag when she was not developing neurologically at that point. So, it took this long to figure out what the issue was.

Now, I also have to figure out how to talk to her about this. I want to make sure that I put it a way that she understands without feeling bad about it. She does have self esteem issues because of the learning issues. The school is going to work with her on that as well.

There are so many emotions that I am feeling. Sad, happy, frustrated, etc....

Thanks for letting me vent!
Love, Beth

It may be that having an actual diagnosis will make her feel better about herself -- knowing it's not her fault or something she could have "gotten right" without help.  My eldest son was diagnosed with ADHD in 1st grade.  Challenging, for sure.  He was on a variety of medications throughout his public school years -- less so when we homeschooled him. He's doing GREAT now -- married, living in Chicago, and working as a pharmacy technician manager. 

You're a great mom.  You and Dee will be just fine.  You'll figure out the right treatment with the right doctors and school professionals. 

Thanks Jill! I know we will be fine, it is just a lot to process...

http://www.chop.edu/service/center-for-management-of-adhd/re sources-for-families/

A friend I'm in school with has talked about this program at CHOP, something to check into?

Thanks Ida! Will do...

 As you are well aware, Siehara has ADHD.. she has the combined type.  I think you will be able to deal much better with Dee since you are not dealing with the impulsivity end of things.  

Definitely let her know what is going on so she knows it's not her fault.  BUT, don't let her use it as an excuse!! Let her learn to work WITH it and not use it as a crutch.  

You are so great with her and have Steven's help.  I know things will turn out just fine.  Plus, now that you have the diagnosis, you and the teachers have something to work with.  Good luck!

Thanks Lisa! I know we will be fine, but I needed to vent and I knew that I could on here!! I also knew that you would understand!

((HUGS))

Beth

My two cents....

Predictable routines will help Dee a lot, both at home and in the classroom. In fact, she will probably thrive on them.

Be sure that her teachers don't just "overlook" her because she may be quiet, compliant, and generally not a problem (while she is totally unfocussed). Be sure that the ADHD kids don't get *all* the attention in the classroom.

Ask her teacher to cue Dee with a quiet signal to be sure she focuses on important information in class.

Set up a feedback loop with the teacher to monitor behavior, attention, work completion, and grades at least weekly (daily if there is a problem).

Use the clock as a tool to help her focus in time increments (for example with homework, "We are going to work on math for 8 minutes, then switch to spelling).

Keep her active in scouting and/or other activities - she will find friendships and good success there. Foster interests and activities outside of school.

Consider martial arts if it interests her at all. Lots of practice there with concentration and confidence building.

Supervise homework. She may just not be able to pull her act together to get it done on her own.

Start now with teaching her strategies to compensate for the attention problems. If she tends to lose things, misplace homework, etc. - teach her that organizational skills are SO important for her. Model them at home (keeping a family calendar, keeping things where they belong, etc.). Here again - make it routine. (Come home. Backpack by the door. Folder on the kitchen table for mom or dad to check. Snack. Homework. Pack backpack for tomorrow. Dinner. Play. Bathtime. Bedtime.)

Remember that she may display a sort of "selective attention." How is it that ADD kids can pay such darn good attention to TV shows or video games? Who knows. But be patient when you see it.

Give her choices as often as you can so she feels a good level of control in her own life. (Obviously not the choice to do the homework or not....but choices about her clothes, weekend activities, tv shows, etc.)

Maintain a list of at home chores/responsibilities. It teaches many skills that carry over, and allows her to experience successes and feel competence.

Will she have a 504 plan at this point in time? Look for creative strategies to help at school. Proximity to the teacher may work....about 10% of the time. That's because most instruction is NOT "blah blah lecture" based (I hope!) And because every single 504 plan in the world includes proximal seating as a strategy. Everybody can't sit up close. So....what ELSE can work? (Ask the psychologist!)

 Where were you a few years ago when Siehara was first diagnosed?!?!?  

I sure could have used this back then.  We are working on keeping structure with the chore chart and it is helping, but not 100%.  If we had started earlier, it would have been much better. 

Lynn,

MANY of the things you mentioned we are already doing!! YEAH US!!! I have already established a routine(at least for during the week) for the morning and in the evening. She already has an IEP which will be revised with this new diagnosis. I will be setting up an appointment with the pediatrician to see if he thinks meds would be needed.

I know her teacher already does silent cues for her, which is a good thing!

Thanks for all of your advice!!

Beth