Very good objective most people should challenge the teacher using the prior and next grade as a means to see if things remain the same and if the teacher is wrong it needs to be dealt with before the teachercauses too much trouble . See how things go you are probably right as parents know their children best .

I'm going through some of this myself, but the teacher did not make any recommendations. Actually she won't say one way or the other but give it more time. I'm wondering what this teacher has seen that would make her think ADHD? I can see why its hard to diagnose because any 5/6 year old has a short attention span and gets excited easily. I think that is why my son's teacher is on the fence. But my son is not doing well academically either. I would like to test my son because if he does have an issue and I don't take care of it, I may never forgive myself. I hear early diagnosis is important. Can't he be tested and then you decide next steps? But only if you see symptoms. If you think the teacher could be biased, could you talk to the school counselor and see if they have thoughts? Or what about other teachers like art teacher, music teacher, etc..,? If I find out more I'll keep you posted, so far its been hard to find out anything about disorders & the process to identify them (in my area at least).

I wouldn't let fear of dx get in the way of determining what criteria he meets. I do understand about not wanting to label him, but also you can't let not letting him be labeled get in the way of him being helped.

And I am confident that medicine is not the only form of help. I would actually consider it a last resort. Do as much research on the condition as possible, determine for yourselves if you think he fits the profile on any level, and seek alternative means for dealing with the areas where he does fit the bill. You don't have to be pigeon-holed into thinking that if he fits a profile that he needs pharaceutical treatment. There are alternatives, but they are not quite as 'quick fix' oriented as our society tells us we should desire. Alternative therapies and approaches take a great time investment, and much patience. For some children attention and lack of focus issues can even be linked to something like a gluten sensitivity or some other dietary issue which our standard system of care typically overlooks.

Overlook nothing! Don't let the system tell you that you need to drug him if it goes against your better judgement. They will tell you it is the only answer, but that is because it is the only answer they know... and it often is not a complete working answer, at that.

The dx doesn't change a thing. He is who he is, regardless of what it is called. All the dx is good for is learning about general rules of comparison, and different methods and approaches to dealing with a common thread. Even if there is an organic proof of differing brain chemistry, there are other ways to affect brain chemistry than with pharmaceuticals.

I was told by several doctors that I would always need to be medicated for my former brain chemistry imbalance, and I did take meds for years with varying levels of effectiveness, never 100%... I have been drug free for almost 4 years, and have never been more balanced, more consistent, or more happy. There is another solution.... it just takes a lot more work and patience.

i must admit i am with your wife on this one. it would be bad to ignore the situation, but, perhaps watching your son in different situations will give you insight on what the teacher is going on about. maybe she is just a questionable teacher and doesn't reach him enough to get his full attention.

If there is something wrong, it's better to know than not to know. If you don't want him to be labelled by the school system, go private. Anything you find will not be reported to the school. Then you can try alternative treatments such as diet, etc before going the IEP route.

I agree with Thriver. Go private is a good idea. You can have a peace of mind once you know the result. At least you know what to do next no matter what the outcome is. Good luck!

I don't think the teacher can legally say your child has adhd or any other medical condition. If you think your child might just need some extra special circumstance ask in writing for a 504 plan this is before a child is under an IEP or you can request in writing to your school district that you have concerns and that you would like your child tested for learning disabilities. Do all of this in writing the school only has so long to respond. Also keep a copy for yourself. Start a file of all things talked about with the teacher or other staff.

Well I definatly wouldnt let the school test him. You can have your ped or a third party do it. One that doesnt benefit from a DX. And if he does there are alot of safe and very affective treatments. The old days of Ridalin are gone and now they can treat just the part of the brain that is causing the problem. Were taking our son in to be tested. He has Autism, so most likely he has ADD but if alittle medication can help I would go for it. But DONOT let the school make an assumption. Teachers like to think that meds will make kids perfect, and they dont, there used to help with a problem, trust me if they give your son ADHD meds and he doesnt need them, everyone will be begging you to take him off, It has a reverse affect on kiddos that dont need it.

Thanks everyone for the input I am still afraid about where i get the dx from because I don't want it to end up on his MIB (medical info burue)

Phone your doctor with your concerns and see what he/she says about that.