Can my son be hyperactive but not have a learning disabilityty?

Question

My son is in the 1st grade, but reads on a 5th grade level. He is very intelligent. We are now, however having a problem with him behaving badly at school & Home. He does excellent work, when he wants to do it. He talks back, always has a rebuttal for what he's told to do. He jumps around. Laughs at nothing, Talks when he shouldn't. He just seems not to be able to sit still.

Answer 1

Yes, this sounds exactly like my son! My son is in third grade and what we started doing in Kindergarten was have daily contact with his teachers on his behavior, if he has a bad report he loses a privilege and if he has a good report he will earn a privilege such as playing video games. Also, get him involved in sports, perfect way to expend his energy! Keep him busy so his mind does not have time to wander.  Give him chores at home to earn an allowance or maybe let him pick a place to go out to eat. Always try to let him know when his behavior is pleasing you. Whatever you do, do not allow some doctor to prescribe meds. so society can deal with him.  With kids like this positive reinforcement is the best! You might also look into his diet, we removed all foods from our house that was full of preservatives & sugar.       Do not give up he is still young and can learn to control his impulses especially if he is so academically advanced! I would not be too concerned unless he was also, showing signs of not excelling academically.

Answer 2

He sounds defiant and possibly hyperactive. He may be bored or he may just think he should be allowed to do what he wants. Sounds like he needs more structure

Answer 3

blister his butt he needs to behave if you dont belive in spanking you should

Answer 4

Absolutely.  I would request for a full-evaluation for special education and seek a doctor's opinion on his hyperactivity simultaneously.

Special education evaluation: Put it in writing and, by federal law, they have 90 days to complete the evaluation.  Tell (don't write) that you are speaking to a doctor, if you wish.  This way you will know your child's estimated level of intelligence and can compare that to his peers ability.  If it's really high, he may truely be bored and you guys can seek moving him to second grade.  He may also qualify for services for the academically gifted.  I wouldn't share all of this up front with your school, just keep it in mind.  Do put your request in writing.  They MUST do it at that point or you have a lawsuit.

Doctor's evaluation:  He may have hyperactivity and impulsivity that could easily be lessened with a single pill in the morning. The rest of the time it wouldn't be necessary, I would imagine.  If he is truely gifted, sometimes kids have trouble developing coping skills.  Short-term counseling can help your son develop those skills.

Answer 5

Being hyper will impair you from learning because hyperactivity effects your concentration. It doesnt mean the child isnt smart.  

Answer 6

ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - is not a learning disability, but a behaviour disorder. It is a neurological disorder, having to do with how the brain interprets and processes information, and sends signals to the rest of the body. ADHD goes will beyond "normal" lack of discipline, but can be affected by parenting, diet, home routines, etc.

So, yes, your son could have ADHD, and be very intelligent. He might also be an energetic kid who is bored and challenging authority. If his behaviour is impossible to manage, or is seriously affecting his ability to attend in school, you should have him evaluated by a pediatrician and/or a psychologist.

Answer 7

he seems ok i think i mean i'm 14 and i still laugh at nothing. but maybe get him to the doctors just in case, better safe than sorry, hope i helped. xx

Answer 8

i am sick on people trying to label kids. he may be acting out because the 1st grade is boring to him and needs harder input for his intelligence. also if he eats a lot of sugar then that could make him hyper. if that's the case cut sugar out of his diet and feed him healthy foods. it cant hurt to try.

Answer 9

maybe he's bored. He sounds really clever and is maybe at a higher level than his grade? I read before that kids get restless and disruptive if their needs aren't being catered for. Maybe talk to the school?

Answer 10

ADHD does not necessaily affect school behavior

in your son's case, it leads to a lack of attention and focus on maintaining behaviours outside school....which is the opposite of what most ADHD people experience

if he does well in school, i'd suggest getting him to participate in reading classes, take piano lessons, or drawing lessons

Answer 11

I don't know, but if he has a studder it was inherited.

Answer 12

sorry ma'am, but that is considered a learning disability....it DOES NOT, however, mean he is not intelligent !  Some of the most brilliant people are hyperactive !!!  

Answer 13

YES, your son can be hyperactive and not have a learning disability.  

To be dx as LD (learning disabled) he would have to have scores that differ by larger than 15 points or 1 standard deviation.  So his performance score and verbal IQ score to be LD would have to be a discrepancy larger than 15 points.

Answer 14

First, I think a lot of it is probably his age...! Not uncommon for 6 and 7 year olds who are trying to be more independent and pushing boundaries.  

About getting in trouble at school: If he's that smart and advanced, I'm guessing he's probably very bored in a 1st grade classroom. Do you have him in any gifted programs?  

Answer 15

no

Answer 16

He may or may not have a learning disorder......does anyone on his father's side have ADD or ADHD?  He could also just be a extra rambunctious child.....try taking him to the doctor, but these days doctors seem to be so ready to prescribe meds, it may do more harm than good.  If it's something that you can handle, I would recommend just dealing with it and only resorting to Meds as a last resort.  

Oh, and try cutting down on the red meat for your son.....every male on my son's father side had ADD or ADHD.  He wanted to get off his meds, and there are quite a few natural ways to help deal with the situation.  Good luck!

Answer 17

doctors

Answer 18

Yeah I'm a kid but I'm that way and i dont have a learning disability and if ur not sure go see a doctor!

      Good Luck