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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
ADHD diagnosis but lacking some symptons
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
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ADHD diagnosis but lacking some symptons
by Charo, Nov 17, 2003 12:00AM
My 11 year old was recently diagnosed with ADHD. He is a quiet, straight A student at school. The teacher said he is a model student! He pays attention and is focused all the time. Nevertheless, at home he is a different person. He is impulsive and hyperactive, ultra sensitive and has a short temper. He is very good at expressing his thoughts in writing. He has just finished writing a freedom of speech and a short story. Nevertheless, he has difficulty in expressing his thoughts verbally. He gets very frustrated when other people don't understand him. Could he have something else than ADHD or ADHD in addition to a speech disability? Suggestions of books/articles on this subject would be very helpful.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Nov 19, 2003 12:00AM
, Nov 19, 2003 12:00AM
Your son's school performance, particularly given his age, makes it unlikely that ADHD is a major feature of his makeup, if it is present at all. Sometimes we see young children who do display ADHD, do well early in school (e.g., first-third grades) in spite of it, and then show more problems as the curriculum demands increase in fourth, fifth grades etc. Do the school personnel suggest that your son has a speech or language problem? It's not likely he could be receiving all A's in school if he has any significant S&L problem, but check with them to see what they think. Also, address a question to whomever diagnosed the ADHD: if the condition is anything but minor in severity, how is he able to succeed at such a high level in school? Now, it's not impossible that the two (i.e, ADHD and good school performance) can go hand-in-han - it's just a bit unusual. Is it being suggested that you try your son on some medication? A several-month trial would be reasonable to see if it is useful.
I am not a psychologist but I suspect my son might have a learning disability as well as some emotional problems. His dad got married a year ago (we separated 3 years ago).
I want to make sure my son indeed has ADHD. I am reluctant to drug kids for a minor problem.
I am writing because I am curious about the opposing nature of the behaviors described. Your son exhibits one extreme at home, and the other at school. I would be very careful of jumping to conclude that medication is THE remedy, when it is difficult to even pinpoint the cause of his varying behaviors. I also think it is wise of you to consult yet another child psychiatrist. Especially for children, answers are not black and white or cut and dry. I wish you the best.