My son has been "diagnosed" as ADHD by his preschool teacher, is it too early to tell & medicate?

Question

My son and I have gone through a big transation in the last 6 months, moving in with my mom, out of the area where he was close to his father, and I have returned to school full time. He is at a new school and has transitioned well, except for the teacher says she thinks he has ADHD because he has a problem sitting still during certain portions of the day. He loves to sit and read books, do music time, and their dance class, but sometimes wants to run around when he's supposed to be sitting. He has been at this new school for about 3 months now, and I think he's just settling into his new environemnt, testing the waters as kids to. He is 5, and will be in Kindergarten next year, so is it too early to diagnose him with ADHD, and is medication the answer now, or would it be better to wait?

Answer 1

he might just be super huper dont medicate

Answer 2

Teachers are not qualified or equiped to diagnose children, any diagnosis needs to come from a doctor.  I would ask the teacher when she expects your son to sit, what she does to prepare him to succeed, how long is she asking him to sit, and what she does when he doesn't sit.  I am a preschool teacher and have been for many years.  5 year olds do not sit well, especially 5 year old little boys.  In my experience children with ADHD have many times that they can not just sit, they do not have impulse control most of the time   If you too are worried please have a doctor check him out.  Please look on the ADD/ADHD web site for a check list of behaviors and remember that these are extreme children.

Answer 3

I am a preschool assistant and I think it is. Wait until he enters kindergarten. Let the Kindergarten teacher know what you and the preschool teacher discussed. All the things he has been through in the last six months is a lot for a preschool age child to handle. He has had a lot to adjust. He needs time to get use to  not having his father around him, living in a new place and being in a new school. That's a lot for a child that age to grasp in such a short time.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, I have it too.

Well ,first try a cure, for example, give your child some tea or coke.

He's small, but will grow. Caffine can seriously disable the ADHD.

If symptoms persist, contact a physician or go to shopper drug mart.

Answer 5

Definitely too early to tell.  There might be signs she is noticing, but he is a preschooler, and often these signs are the same as normal preschool behavior.  Preschool is where they are learning to sit still and pay attention.  Some kids can do this easily.  For others (like my son!) it takes awhile.  You may just have an active son, not a ADHD son.  Please don't medicate this child!  I would say if he enters kindergarten or 1st grade and is having major behavior problems or falls way behind, I would look into a formal diagnosis.  And even then, I wouldn't medicate him until you've tried other options 1st.

Answer 6

Please.  The teacher is NOT a doctor.  Bottom line - there are some teachers who would rather have medicated kids than active ones.  

From personal experience, my son's 2nd grade teacher was horrible.  She was mean and did not like boys.  On the first day of school, I overheard her tell another parent of a girl that she preferred teaching girls and wished she could have all-girl classes.  My son got constantly written up for being too active and hyper. She told me he needed medication.

Then, in third grade, we had a wonderful teacher.  She called me in for a conference and I thought "oh no!"  She then proceeded to tell me that she thought my son was restless because he was too smart for the class.  She wanted him tested for gifted.  When I told her what his 2nd grade teacher said about medication, she looked shocked and said no, that was wrong.  My son got tested and was moved to gifted classes where he excelled.

Don't listen to the teacher.  Not yet.  He's only 5.

Answer 7

I did't read the other peoples advise, but here is mine. Ask the ? is your child so wound all the time where you want to scream, or is it just extra enegies?  The doctor is the one to see. Bring your child in for a health check. Tell the Dr. about your concerns.   My son  was so hyper at age 2 I didn't know what to do.  I did not put him on anything, it left me very angry with him it seemed all the time.  In 2nd. grade more concers with school. The Dr. put him on a small dose of adderall. Worked like a charm.  I still can't deal with him if he misses a dose. I have 4 other children, I don't need to lose out on time with them if he is being disruptive. Ask yourself, is it a boy with extra energy or is it somthing that needs to be addressed.  You are the mom, you know your child. My son is now 13. He is on a higher dose now but I would not change what I did he does need the drugs. Remember being able to love your child or being angry with them. I choose LOVE.  The medication worked for me. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 8

You should let the doctor make the decision if your son needs medication. If you doctor says he does not have ADHD, then don't medicate.

Answer 9

Who authorized your preschool teacher to diagnose anything?

He's 5, it's his job to want to run around at times... Given his upset in routine, I would definitely wait.

Answer 10

It could be that he is just "settling in"... there is usually a "honeymoon" period when a child starts preschool.  The first while that they are there, they tend to exhibit their best behavior- then after they get comfortable in their new surroundings, you start seeing the child that the parents see at home.  All the things you mentioned in his life that have been drastic changes would definitely contribute to behavior changes.  A word of advice- even very experienced preschool teachers, who have been doing this a long time (who may be correct in their "diagnosis") can NOT diagnose your child.  She may recommend that you seek a doctor's opinion, but in no way should she tell you that her thought is that your child may have a disorder.  Unless she is medically trained as a child psychologist (but then why would she be in such a low-paying job?), she does not have the ability to give your child a definitive diagnosis.  I don't say all this against her intelligence or experience, because I too am a preschool teacher, but just to let you know the limits of her professionalism.  Anyway, if you are concerned that your son may meet the criteria for ADHD, take him to his pediatrician to get their professional opinion.  Yes, he can be given a diagnosis at this age, and yes, medication is an option.  You just want to research all the options available, so that you can make the best, informed choice for your child's needs.  You can also find out the criteria for ADD/ADHD from the DSM 4 (just look it up on the web).  Hope this helps!

Answer 11

I am a teacher and I can tell you I am not qualified to diagnos ADHD - however since there really isn't a test for ADHD no one else really is either - the diagnosis is usually a collaberation of opinions of professionals who work with the child over time. Medication is not to be administered lightly. Be careful ! Your child is a little guy who likes to run around and play - I don't think that's so abnormal - observe the classroom for a day and make sure that there is plenty of playtime and not too much "seat -time" kids NEED to run around - it's a requirement! They are learning while they are playing. Since he does love stories that would tell me that he does have an attention span when he is interested in something. I would definitely take the diagnosis with a huge grain of salt.

Answer 12

As others have pointed out, a teacher is not qualified to make a diagnosis -- of any kind!  I am a former preschool teacher, and I can tell you that children need to MOVE to LEARN (especially boys)!  The problem is not your child; the problem is the teacher and the environment she has set up, including the schedule and the activities.   Find a program that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  You must be your child's strongest advocate.

Answer 13

First of all, a teacher can NOT diagnose a kid, only a doctor can.  If you have legitimate concerns then you need to bring him to see a doctor who will at that time make a diagnosis.  Also, just bc a child is diagnosed with ADHD, that does not automatically mean that they will need medication.

Answer 14

Don't medicate - it's too early to tell!!   I hate teachers like that.

Just work on getting him settled in to your new life- it's rough for a kid.  Talk to him a lot and listen a lot.  Prepare him for everything, even when he has 10 more minutes of play before bed-time, then 5 minutes, then 1 minute.  

Also, turn off the TV, movies, video games, etc.  Make him do things that require concentration - board games, puzzles, building blocks, reading, etc.

Answer 15

I didn't know preschool teachers were qualified to make medical diagnoses.

Try a real doctor . . .

Answer 16

i would take him to a child psychiatrist if he were my child.  They know more about children than the teacher will.  if it were my little boy that's exactly what i would do.

Answer 17

The teacher is not a doctor. I would definetly want to hear what the doctor had to say. If he has a problem sitting still during certain portions of the day maybe he does not enjoy and or is bored during those times. As a dance teacher, I know that my dance students don't sit and or stand still. They have so much energy. Let the doctor know. If he or she sees a problem they will let you know. I hope that I help you out.

Answer 18

I was diagnosed with adhd at 5 years old I'm fifteen now you may not listen to a 15 year old but my Doctor told me that kids have to be diagnosed by the age of six i don't know why but there is alot of medicines like concerta that's more for little kids talk to your family doctor or physician  not a preschool teacher

Answer 19

As I read this, I found myself getting really irritated. I am currently a Kindergarten teacher and you need to know that a preschool or any other teacher does not have the authority to diagnose medical situations on your child.

Even If you asked her "Do you think my child as ADHD?", then she should have recommended that you take your child to see a doctor.  Usually preschool is way too early to tell...its their first experience in school for heavens sake!

Even Kinder is too early to tell a lot of times.  I would recommend working with your child nightly on behavior and also making sure he gets good nutrition for his breakfast before he goes to school.  Alot of times parents give their child pop tarts or sugary cereal because its fast, but then they have a hard time focusing at school. Its funny, but I can always tell first thing in the morning who ate pop tarts...Just a thought.

Please do not medicate. Look into seeing a doctor and then look into counseling and so forth, not medicating a 5 year old.  I have about 3 boys who are throwing fits everyday and bouncing off the walls, and I don't think they have ADHD, nor do I have the right to diagnose them.  I think they need more exposure to school and more discipline at home.  Kids will be kids and maybe the teacher needs to get them up and moving more!

Answer 20

hey u know i was diagnosed when I was three so I can give u this advice get him help because if u wait till they are in elementary school or junior high it will be hard for him to be able to get help. medication the best is to start on concerta

Answer 21

there is a test in diagnosing ADHD which is called TOVA. i conducted it while i was doing my intern in a counseling centre in taiwan.

Answer 22

I am a Head Start teacher and I have 14 boys and 3 girls in a class.  I have 2 on medication.  I WOULD NEVER tell a parent her child has ADHD. Where did this c**p come from?  Have you ever read the symptoms?  Maybe I can relate because most of the symptoms I have myself.  What they are not telling you is that this medication causes eventual destruction to vital organs, but oh well, as long as little Johnny sits, behaves, and answers my questions and listen to me read my book I dont care about his future.  There may be a number of things going on.  For those who haven't seen them here are a list of symptoms.....If you have more than six....pop a pill?  I don't think so.

Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Inattention

1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.

3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).

5. Often has trouble organizing activities.

6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).

7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

8. Is often easily distracted.

9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Hyperactivity

1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

2.Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.

3.Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).

4.Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.

5.Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".

6.Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity

1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.

2. Often has trouble waiting one's turn.

3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

2. Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.

3. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).

4. There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

5. The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:

1. ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months

2. ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months

3. ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000.

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Answer 23

STOP!---

Children this young with those types of transitions should be expected to have these issues.

A TEACHER IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DIAGNOSE ADHD!

If there are signs she should SUGGEST your son for testing by a professional!

Google ADHD symptoms and if these are things that you go

AH-Ha about I would suggest further testing.

ADHD is OVER diagnosed! And you need to know that most of these medications stunt the child's growth. Learn what you can and don't look for these symptoms in your child because everyone can exhibit these symptoms at one time or another.

I know it can be hard when a teacher insists tha your child has ADHD, my son (with learning disabilities), his 5th grade teacher would not let up even after I was forced to have him evaluated again, and because of this she looked for any signs that proved her right. My son has had to fight that label for 2yrs now.

I also have a son with ADD so I do know how it presents.

Above all trust your instincts!

Answer 24

my son has tried 3 different meds. for ADHD and nothing helps, but when I took him off of it, he was better. Just want to stress that all schools push ADD and ADHD because they (the schools) get 7 thousand dollars a month for each child that is on meds. for  ADD or ADHD. Boys will be Boys and girls will be girls. but most teachers , if they get a boy that they think is to wild for them, they say they have ADD or ADHD. they are kids, my son is fine at home, why is he not at school? Because he is like all the kids, he is being a kid! Your son may not really have anything.

Answer 25

THAT IS ABSURD!!!

If your child can sit still at activities he enjoys, he does NOT have ADHD!

He has been, and is still, undergoing tremendous upheaval in his life. With all the changes, he is expressing his distress by misbehaving. Even negative attention is attention of some sort.

I'd try to cuddle him a lot when you see him, say how much you love him, what a great guy he is, how smart he is, and what a good boy he is. Explain that you go to school because its really important to get a good education, but sometimes it is hard for Mommy to sit still, too; especially if it's something she's not too interested in. Tell him he should sit still at times like that, too, and that otherwise he may miss something really important!

The teacher is not qualified to make such a diagnosis; she just doesn't know how to deal with him.

I'm sure things will improve for him once he knows you aren't abandoning him. (I know you're not, but he doesn't see it that way). Even 15 minutes playing, reading a book or some other activity you are both engaged in (not TV or video games) will help.

Answer 26

ADHD can be diagnosed at an early age, mostly when kids get to be more "social". I wouldn't take your son's teachers advice though, she's not a doctor. I would just follow up with your son's doctor and not worry about a thing.