What do I do, I think I might have ADHD?

Question

I went to get testing done for a learning dissabilty when I was 13 years, and in grade 8. They came out with a few minor things that didn't really matter, and the main one is I just get notes given to me in class now, because it's hard for me to write and listen to the teacher at the same time. The only reason I went for testing, was because a TA told my mom that I should, and the TA even ended up taking me, because my mom thought I was just putting on a show for some reason. I've heard that your supposed to get testing done every 2-3 years for it to be accurate. I'm 16 now, and in grade 10. My grades haven't been good for the past years, especially this year and last year I have been finding it quite hard to concetrate and get assignments in on time. My grades are a C-F average, and I'm tired of doing so poorly. I haven't passed a test this year yet, and I'm really scared for provincials, seeing as it might make me fail the year.

Answer 1

I'm going to go in a different direction here and it will require YOU to take action.

First an IEP HAS to be reviewed every year.  In order to get on an IEP you would have had to have been evaluated and that evaluation HAS to happen every 3 years.

Since you are over 14 - transition areas also need to be discussed AND YOU SHOULD BE A PART OF THE IEP OR EVALUATION MEETINGS.

That said: you have a special education case manager - ask to see your IEP and Evaluation.  See when it is due and ASK FOR A MEETING YOURSELF.  I am not sure that they will do it - but it seems like if you are supposed to be involved and your parents don't go - you can go without them.

Share your concerns with a counseler or a teacher at school.

You need to learn strategies to help you learn, use and retain information and you need more than just trying harder.  You may need medication - but that would be a discussion with your medical professional and would include your parents.

Good luck but standing up for what YOU think you need is the first step.

Answer 2

Hey Jenna-

                 You sound a lot like my students!  I have taught ADHD / LD high school students for the last 7 years.  First off-- where are you at?  I am guessing outside of the US?  If you are here, you are suppose to have your IEP updated each year, and a full re-evaluation done every 3 years.  You should also have a case-manager who should be your go-to person.  If your having problems in your classes, having new issues, need more help, etc- you should be able to go to your case manager.

There are a lot of on-line screening tests for ADHD, you can probably start there.  A couple of different ones are at

http://psychcentral.com/addquiz.htm

and

http://counsellingresource.com/quizzes/a...

If the results of the screening indicate ADHD, then show them to your Dad-- that way he knows its not just another excuse, that you really are concerned.  Eventually you would need to see a Doc, they are the ones who have to make the ADHD diagnoisis.  

Try not to worry too much.  You can completly work past LD & ADHD.  Its not going to be easy, in fact- school may always suck!!  But that dosen't mean your not bright and can't do anything you ever want.  I was an LD kid myself (hence the spelling errors I know are here!! lol) - now I have 2 college degrees, and am a teacher.  Don't ever let it stop you!  Good Luck!

Answer 3

Relax!!!!!!! You are like any other teenage girlies. Please stop thinking about everything and concentrate on your studies. ADHD is an attentional disorder which involves lack of concentration on a particular thing for even few seconds. Try to devise interesting ways of studying rather than the usual sitting posture which is difficult even for an individual who don't have ADHD. For eg, when you studying maths, try to use concrete objects while studying. Practice it in your day-to-day activities. Practice Meditation and Yoga in the morning for just few minutes, say 2 minutes, this will definately improve your concentration power and above all, stop getting frustrated it will worsen your mentality. Relax!!!!

Answer 4

Now now calm down.  Together we can work this thing out.  I am  a SPED teacher, I teach reading to h.s. students.  I was "special" in school, and that was before they had IEPs.  Since you already have one, you should have a case manager,a teacher who leads your IEP.  Have you talked to her/him yet? Start there.  Ask them if they could tell you what your reading level is,(at what grade level do you comprehend what you read). Sometimes when our reading levels are low,it's hard to keep up.  Do you know in what area your learning difference is in?  Is it reading, math, listening?  Do you have a processing disorder?  These questions can be answers on page 2 of your IEP. You should also have an "accommodations" page in your IEP.  Some accommodations for Sped students are:extra time for tests, note takers(like the one you have), read aloud test questions, these are just a few.  You should have an IEP meeting EVERY year unless you have been released.  This is the law.  You might also want to ask you teacher if you can tape lectures, then you can replay them at home and take your own notes.  Some teachers don't like to be taped, but if you explain your issue and assure them you will not disturb the others, they may let you. That's what I did in school, along with sitting at the front of the class, which REALLY curved my talking in class. Hope this helps, if you need more help let me know.

Answer 5

Hi Jenna, if going to see a doc is out of the question at present, there are a couple of things you can do:

(1) Double change on your symptoms with the list here:

     http://www.adhdquestionsandanswers.com/A...

(2) If it matches, then I suggest you read the section (in the same website) on ADHD vitamins and ADHD diet and see how your nutritional intake matches what is written there. If not, you may want to give those vits a try.

(3) If you have not been exercising regularly, you need to do it on a regularly basis. Any physical exercises will do, including brisk walking.

Studies have shown that a combination of exercises and proper nutritional intake can do wonders for people with ADHD.

Another important thing is to stay clear of Negative people. Hang around the positive ones. Negative ones will only give you more misery, while the positive ones will show you the way out of the dark tunnel you are in right now.

And yes, patience and a good dose of perseverance can do wonders.

Good luck Jenna, and I wish you good health and a successful future. Always believe in yourself. I will leave you with a wise saying: "If your mind can conceive, and believe, you can achieve."

Answer 6

cool I'm 16 in tenth grade to, it defently sounds like you have adhd and you should get tested for it again but as far as getting better grades ask the teacher if you can go somewhere were its quite to work and study for test at home and things

Answer 7

Do you have a counsellor in your school as the best thing to do would probably go and see them. You do need to talk to someone about how you feel and the problems you are having. My son has ADHD and sees the counsellor at his school, he finds it really helps. Neither my son or the counsellor tell me what they have talked about but if his counsellor has any worries she does let me know.

Answer 8

You should definitely go speak to one of the guidance counselors at your school.  Or if you know the psychologist, speak with her or him.  You had an evaluation done when you were 13; the fact that you now have an IEP means that evaluation concluded with some kind of disability.  It might be a learning disability, it might be something else.  YOu should find someone in your school (it could even be one of your teachers) who will sit down with you and go over that evaluation as well as your IEP.  Now that you are 16, you should attend your own IEP meetings, which should take place every year.  

The questions you've asked here--ask the same ones to your guidance counselor or to a teacher you're close with.  Ask for help.  Ask them to revise your IEP to help you pass your courses.  

It seems as though you are beginning to realize that you will have to advocate for yourself.  This is a good thing!  If and when you decide to go to college, you will have to advocate for yourself there as well.

Good luck.