Girls with ADD

[swissmiss04]

Originally posted by James
In some of the research I have read recently, ADD and ADHD is pretty easy to control with justa couple simple things.


2. Mozart music believe it or not.

No no no no no!!!! The "Mozart Effect" has been firmly disproven. I'm not saying that playing good music for your kid is a bad thing, but looking to it as a cure-all is absolutely off base. It will cure nothing but lackofculture-itis.
Now, to be fair (since everything else in your list was pretty rational, and you're pretty rational as well) using classical music in guided imagery sessions (most especially in the Bonny method...do a google if you're curious) does help encourage relaxation and focus. It's not something, however, that one can undertake at home or alone. It should be done by a board certified music therapist (www.musictherapy.org for more info) that has taken continuing ed classes in GIM. I've never really read any studies on how well this works w/ hyperactive children. I know it does wonders for people w/ GAD, pre-op patients, and recovering addicts.

[tinydancer]

Has anyone been diagnosed as an adult? I can't stay on task for anything. Sounds like ADD to me, but I dunno...

[Kevin]

Originally posted by tinydancer
Has anyone been diagnosed as an adult? I can't stay on task for anything. Sounds like ADD to me, but I dunno...

That's the trouble with the condition. The symptoms are so much like other things. It is in all likelihood possible that you are simply just easily distractable.

It's not a good idea (at least financially) to sign on to the idea that you need a certain medicine to function unless your condition is life threatening or severely impairs your ability to enjoy life.

But that's your call. That's just how I see it.

[tinydancer]

You are probably right. I can control it if I really work at it. It just seems like I am scattered all over the place trying to do too many things at once and not finishing anything.

I sure don't need any more meds!

[PhiPsiRuss]

Originally posted by tinydancer
Has anyone been diagnosed as an adult? I can't stay on task for anything. Sounds like ADD to me, but I dunno...

I was originally diagnosed as a child as "hyperactive." Back then it was thought that everyone grew out of it. I was diagnosed as an adult 10 years ago. If you think that you might have it, you should see a specialist.

[PhiPsiRuss]

Originally posted by ktsnake
It is in all likelihood possible that you are simply just easily distractable.

If you're not a specialist in this field, you're not qualified to suggest a diagnosis for other people over the internet.

[Sister Havana]

Originally posted by tinydancer
Has anyone been diagnosed as an adult? I can't stay on task for anything. Sounds like ADD to me, but I dunno...

Yes. My friend was just diagnosed with it at the age of 37.

I've been doing some reading up on it, and I came across this list in a book called Driven to Distraction. I STRONGLY identify with all but 3 or so of the statements! I also found a more detailed AD/HD self-rating scale for women online, and same story. I printed both these up and am going to discuss them when I go see my psychiatrist next week. It would explain a lot!

I think mine is more the inattentive type...I certainly don't have the hyperactivity...at least not most of the time!

[AXO_MOM_3]

Been awhile since we've discussed this, so I thought I'd give an update and see about some assistance...Last year after we had my daughter tested, her main teacher tried to do most of what the psychologist recommended. She was wonderful, and my child made some tremendous academic gains in the last semester of school.

This year, I feel like I'm running into a brick wall with her teachers. I don't know if it is because they have not bothered to read the psych eval and recommendations, or have chosen not to implement them. Her main teacher said that she likes to get to know a child and make observations before reading the files, and I respect that, but at this point I'm wondering if my child is getting the attention she needs. We did bump her up to AG classes, and she is doing really well considering she has basically skipped the fourth grade curriculum.

My concern is that there are 27 kids in this class, and this teacher probably does not have time to do much more than she already is doing just managing the class and the curriculum. Her teacher last year worked really well with her, and my child excelled. I'm not seeing as much energy from my daughter towards school this year, and am wondering if it is the transition to AG (in that the class is more challenging), or if the teachers just don't have the time or energy to do more, or if my daughter is just reaching that point where school is not as fun! I feel like both teachers blow off her ADD characteristics because she is overall a fairly well behaved child doing her work and making the grades. Just because she is not out of her seat every five minutes or completely not focusing, I feel her needs are being belittled or ignored.

Any suggestions on how to handle this? Am I crossing the line from being a concerned parent who wants her child to be able to work to her utmost potential to being an oversensitive parent? Should I confront the teachers and ask for more, or just be satisfied that she is doing okay in class? (I do NOT want to see her "turn it off" because she is so overwhelmed with handling it all - which from the research I've read can happen) and I'm worried that may happen. Any advice from you veterens of the ADD/ADHD saga would be appreciated! Thanks!

[wrigley]

Originally posted by tinydancer
Has anyone been diagnosed as an adult? I can't stay on task for anything. Sounds like ADD to me, but I dunno...

I wasn't diagnosed until I was 30 by a psychiastrist. I have ADHD. He started treatment with Paxil. Then I switched jobs and insurance plans. Nothing like playing musical doctors. New doctor put me on Prozac and Ritalin for it. I responded rather well to treatment.

[wrigley]

Originally posted by AXO_MOM_3
This year, I feel like I'm running into a brick wall with her teachers. I don't know if it is because they have not bothered to read the psych eval and recommendations, or have chosen not to implement them. Her main teacher said that she likes to get to know a child and make observations before reading the files, and I respect that, but at this point I'm wondering if my child is getting the attention she needs. We did bump her up to AG classes, and she is doing really well considering she has basically skipped the fourth grade curriculum.

My concern is that there are 27 kids in this class, and this teacher probably does not have time to do much more than she already is doing just managing the class and the curriculum. Her teacher last year worked really well with her, and my child excelled. I'm not seeing as much energy from my daughter towards school this year, and am wondering if it is the transition to AG (in that the class is more challenging), or if the teachers just don't have the time or energy to do more, or if my daughter is just reaching that point where school is not as fun! I feel like both teachers blow off her ADD characteristics because she is overall a fairly well behaved child doing her work and making the grades. Just because she is not out of her seat every five minutes or completely not focusing, I feel her needs are being belittled or ignored.

Any suggestions on how to handle this? Am I crossing the line from being a concerned parent who wants her child to be able to work to her utmost potential to being an oversensitive parent? Should I confront the teachers and ask for more, or just be satisfied that she is doing okay in class? (I do NOT want to see her "turn it off" because she is so overwhelmed with handling it all - which from the research I've read can happen) and I'm worried that may happen. Any advice from you veterens of the ADD/ADHD saga would be appreciated! Thanks!

AXO_MOM_3 I don't think you've crossed the line just yet, the teachers still like you enough to talk to you. As for her academic performance it's too soon to see if she's having any problems. Have first quarter grades come out yet? Ask your daughter how she feel in the classroom? Does she feel she's being ignored by her teachers when she has questions? Is the curriculum too fast paced for her to absorb the information properly? Grades won't reflect it. Is the classroom too overstimulative of an environment for her to focus? Is she completing her assignments on time? Is she starting to slip into old habits? I can't remember what you did last time but was there a liason type of person who the district provides to make sure your daughter's need are being met by her teachers? I'm clueless but what is AG mean?

As you know from your research, ADD does not effect just what goes on in the classroom. It's effects also lingers on the playground, at recess, and at lunch. Your daughter may have some trouble going on in peer situations that she may not have brought to your attention. And they will have most likely have gone unnoticed by her teachers.

[wrigley]

Originally posted by Sister Havana
Yes. My friend was just diagnosed with it at the age of 37.

I've been doing some reading up on it, and I came across this list in a book called Driven to Distraction. I STRONGLY identify with all but 3 or so of the statements! I also found a more detailed AD/HD self-rating scale for women online, and same story. I printed both these up and am going to discuss them when I go see my psychiatrist next week. It would explain a lot!

I think mine is more the inattentive type...I certainly don't have the hyperactivity...at least not most of the time!

Driven to Distraction is a great book. I'd like to add other books to take a look at.

Women With Attention Deficit Disorder - Sari Solden, MS, MFCC
A.D.D. On the Job - Lynn Weiss, Ph.d

Definitely get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional.

[_Q_]

OK, I'll chime in, though I'm not a doctor and don't play one on TV. ADHD manifests itself in a variety of ways, so one person with ADHD won't necessarily behave exactly the same as someone else with the same diagnosis. I'm not hyperactive, but there are some telling things in my life, like the difficulties learning social skills, getting organized, and staying on task.
Resolving to get more "willpower" doesn't actually work too well; if it was a matter of wishing this thing away, it would have been gone a long time ago. Instead, it's helped to be realistic and develop strategies to deal with problem areas. For example, housekeeping is a big challenge for me, so I try to keep the amount of "stuff" in my place down. Although I really like animals, I understand that owning a pet might not be a good idea. At work, I've found a job that doesn't involve constant interaction with other people. So when I do come into contact with others, there's enough energy for me to be on my best behavior. (This seems to be working, since I got a good evaluation in this area. ) When I'm online, I've learned that being too quick to click "send" or "post" has caused problems, so I've learned to be especially careful if I'm angry.
As far as the medication, yeah, actually remembering to take it is challenging. To add to the situation, there's also a matter of the doctor's appointments. Oh yeah, a lot of the ADHD drugs, Ritalin, Dexedrine, Concerta, etc, are Schedule II controlled substances, so you have to fill the prescription within seven days after it's written.
AFAIK, there's an elevated risk of comorbidity with ADHD and some other conditions, including depression.

Yes most of the time doctors misdiagnose girls to have depression. Like I am ADD and have depression. One of the symptoms in girls that have ADD is that they're clumsy. For example, it's a miracle I have not broken my neck in these past 23 years of being alive.

[Dionysus]

Errrrr....I'm not that clumsy at all. But sometimes I don't pay attention when I do physical things...like driving or riding a bike. Yeah it is a blessing that I'm alive.

[AXO_MOM_3]

Wrigley - to answer your questions...AG stands for Academically Gifted - they teach a higher grade level to the kids that score in the higher percentile for Aptitude and achievement...so she is a 4th grader being taught the 5th grade curriculum. We have not gotten report cards yet, but I think she has 1 A, 2B's and 1C. I'm okay with her grades because she has basically skipped the fourth grade curriculum, and all these other kids in her class had it last year. When I met with her teacher mid quarter, she felt she was doing fine and keeping up with or surpassing the work of other students in the class.

My daughter says that when she asks questions, her teachers act irritated or mad. We talked about the frequency she is asking them, and how well she is paying attention during the explanation/learning time. I told her to try to stay focused while the teacher is explaining everything, and see where that leads us.

They do have a brand new building that they moved over fall break - and everything is very bright and new and wonderful (the old building was pretty YUCKY - over 50 years old!) so that change may be part of what I've been observing. I did not even think about the new classroom having an effect, but I bet that has something to do with it too!

Being in the AG class, they are moving at a faster rate and the curriculum is more challenging. Her psychological test indicated that she is capable of working in this environment, and her teacher last year felt she would do well. I guess that is where my question comes from right now - if she is having trouble processing it all, and I know she is capable, but feel the teacher is not teaching in a style that best suits my daughter's needs, then should I push harder for having the psych recommendations implemented in her case? Or just leave well enough alone until I have time to make more observation as to how she is adjusting?