Need some info from ADD parents - ADD / ADHD Message Board

Shmolissa · 06-24-2004, 07:05 AM

I was hoping that some of you could tell me some of the symptoms that your child had of ADD or ADHD before he or she was actually tested and diagnosed.
My son's school is requesting testing because he is having difficulty with his school work. I think that his problems stem from a lack of self esteem. He had been dealing with severe speech problems which have since been cleared up considerably after having his adenoids removed. His teacher even stated that his school work has improved since the surgery, yet they still want him tested.

Frustrated

Fur-ball · 07-02-2004, 12:40 PM

I do not have a child with ADD (but I suspect that my 3 year old may possibly), but I have ADD. Here is a list of a few classics symptoms of ADD

_ Often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated.

_ Having difficulty remaining seated.

_ Being easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

_ Having difficulty awaiting turn in games or group activities.

_ Often blurting out answers before questions are completed.

_ Having difficulty in following instructions.

_ Having difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.

_Often shifting from one uncompleted task to another.

_ Having difficulty playing quietly.

_Often talking excessively.

_ Often interrupting or intruding on others.

_ Often not listening to what is being said.

_Often forgetting things necessary for tasks or activities.

_Often engaging in physically dangerous activities without considering possible consequences.

fotojunkie · 07-04-2004, 03:18 PM

All 3 of my children have been diagnosed as ADD or ADHD. I found the symptoms to be somewhat different in each child. Some showed the symptoms as stated above, but I also found other characteristics

not understanding boundaries or not respecting boundaries

"invading" your space, so to speak. Standing very close. I don't know how to describe this except that they interact in a much closer distance than other children do. Other children put a little space between themselves and who they are interacting with. ADD children don't seem to understand this and they don't seem to have the boundaries set.

poor social skills

eating binges or odd eating patterns

mood swings

aggression or anger

impulsive, no sense of danger (or gravity!)

accident prone

unable to finish thoughts - lose words - trouble finding the "right" word

insomnia or excessive sleep

The symptoms of ADD and ADHD are extremely varied and can also be symptoms of other disorders, such as bi polar or depression, even diabetes. Get a complete physical, even a neurological exam if possible, then have a psych eval. The school systems have a cookie-cutter symptom list for BD (behavior disorder) students and try to categorize them. Not all children fit into such neat cubbies. Some children are just extremely bright, some are very spirited, some have other health issues and some are, indeed, ADD.

Don't just take the school's word for it. Investigate, research and make sure that you are pursuing the correct "enemy."

I would love to talk more to you. If you just want to vent or whatever, feel free to contact me.