My teacher thinks i have ADHD, but my mum thinks it's ridiculous. What's going to happen?

Question

I've always been OK at school. In primary school I was happy but a little wired. When I got to secondary school I found stuff harder but i managed to buckle down. In some lessons i realised i had this buzz that i couldn't keep in, and i started getting in trouble for it. As i started my GCSEs it's been harder to keep myself together, and sometimes i just lose it. i have stopped trying to hold it in, and i've realised that the buzz is always there. One of my teachers realised something was wrong (she just started teaching me) and suggested ADHD. She said she was going to mention it to my named person, but when i mentioned it to my mum, my mum outright denied it as if i was being ridiculous. my teacher thinks i may have slipped through the net. I also procrastinate, lose attention EXTREMELY easily, among other things. If my mum denies it, will it go any further? I really want to know what's going on. If you want more details, let me know in your answer.

Answer 1

It's better to have yourself tested so that you know for sure, that way you won't consider yourself weird,  You don't have to take medication (they can't make you at this age it is your choice.)  A diagnosis of ADHD could also be handy to have if in the future if you feel that you need additional help in something.  An if you are tested and they find you don't have it, end of story!

Answer 2

I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 42; its often missed in girls cos they act out less than boys. Girls like me are more likely to be a little day-dreamy and inattentive rather than hyperactive. I've never been given stimulant medication like Ritalin for my ADD, but my daughter took it for ten years. To be honest, it helped her concentrate in school but didn't really change anything for her long term. She decided to stop taking it when she left school as it made her feel tense and edgy, and she hasn't regretted it.I believe she would have been better off not taking stimulants and just getting more one-to-one help at school. I home-schooled her for two years and she did much better with more attention rather than just meds.  

My advice is to talk things over with your mum and see if she would be OK talking to your teacher. Tell her how you are feeling, but don't worry about it too much. Sometimes, just knowing that you have a reason for your difficulties is enough and may help your self-esteem, and so ease your depression.

Answer 3

Imaka made a lot of good points regarding diagnosis.  It is actually a Dr. who would need to make an official diagnosis.  You sound very concerned yourself so I would do some research.  Can you meet with your school's guidance counselor or social worker for some help and suggestions?  They may be a good resource for you.  Also try having a conversation with your mother about how you are feeling.  Good luck.

Answer 4

Obviously you yourself are very concerned.  If things continue the way they are going, you're going to become even more uncomfortable, unhappy, frustrated and discouraged.

A complete physical examination could end the controversey. Please try to convince your mum!  The diagnosis may prove to be something easily controlled and treated.  Why continue to suffer and be miserable?

I wish you the very best of luck.

Answer 5

ADHD is actually a medical disgnosis.  There is no "test" for it.  Identification is based on checklists, interviews, discussion of behavior and symptoms.  You sound concerned yourself, so you should see a doctor and discuss the issue.  Many girls do slip through the cracks in terms of ADHD because their symptoms are often different from, and less disruptive than, those of males.  Here are a couple of sites that may help you understand yourself better.  You might want to discuss them with your mum.  Do your own searches for "ADHD in adults" and "ADHD in girls" and you will find more information.  Best of luck.

Answer 6

I'm thinking that if your mom really denies it and your teacher really pushes through then they might debate the issue and then decide to have you tested for it to settle the issus.

Answer 7

I do not think it is very professional of your teacher to give you a diagnosis. She may think this is a possibility but she not qualified to come out with such a statement especially to one of her students. If your teacher has concerns then she should have spoken to your mother first. I can fully understand why your mother has reacted this way. I would be furious if a teacher had said this to my child. There could be many reasons why you are feeling the way you describe. Exam stresses, hormones and now thanks to an unprofessional teacher you have even more worries which will only add to your stress. I would suggest that your mother speaks to the head about this teacher. I would also suggest that you and your mother should see your G.P to get to the bottom of this and hopefully your anxieties will be put to rest. I wish you well.

Answer 8

Ok, A teacher making a diagnosis sounds liable to me. An educator should not be making suggestions about what they "believe" is wrong with you. If your teacher is noticing something she needs to document it and refer you for special services. Your teacher cannot state you might have ADHD, unless she has a diagnostic degree under her belt. The special services dept are the ones that ask for permission for an FIE (Full Individual Evaluation) which is then carried out by a school diagnostician.

If your parent denies testing there is nothing that can be done for you unless they go 504 (civil rights act law). Its different than special education but you will still get the help you need. Your mother would need to be willing to listen to what you feel and what you teachers are seeing (notice how I stated teachers; you need more than one teacher) and sign off on you being tested and receiving services.

Dont start thinking you will be placed in a "special classroom" those are reserved for students with very specialized needs who cannot function in the regular classroom. Accomodations and modifications might be the only thing done for you. Medication might be recommended a doctor; he or she will make the decision for that based on a variety of data.

Try get your mothers support she will be your strongest advocate. I hope you get this resolved and remember that no one can tell you how you feel. That is why they are your own feelings.

Good Luck!

Answer 9

This is one of those "fishy" disorders found in kids.  They do have to be diagnosed by a physician who usually relies on  psychological tests administered by a psychologist he or she collaborates with.  Teachers may suggest that students be tested for this disorder, because, like family doctors, they see the same symptoms frequently in children who have been diagnosed and children who have not been identified.  There are some who have ADD without the hyperactivity.  A true ADHD child will respond to medication positively.  The drugs provide the physical stimulation they crave and need, so that they may become attentive to school work rather than be constantly seeking attention and physical/social interactions.