[BlackCanary]

We will soon meet with a psychologist to talk about what is next for my son, following a diagnosis of ADHD from the pediatrician (using the Vanderbilt assessments from his teachers).

He is 7, 2nd grade. He's highly distractable, often out of his chair, and rarely finishes the assignment when given (has to finish the next day). He's doing great in subjects he likes (science, spelling) and below standards elsewhere (writing/reading comprehension). He will advance to 3rd grade.

I'm having to pick a provider and expect to ask a few questions over the phone about approaches and techniques used.

Please give me your top 3 questions to ask the PsyPhD or other good advice and words of wisdom for this initial step on our journey!

On a scale of one to ten how affected is he by it ?

Apart from a medication based approach what else do you think would help ?

What additional support and respite are we likely to get ?

Do you know of any support groups in the area ?

Four I know but I am greedy lol.

[Gabi925]

My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and later ODD. I hate it but that's it and at least I know or continuously read how to deal with because she doesn't want to take medication (probably that's why she got that ODD as I didn't complain... being afraid of more labelled here)
See here http://www.richardzwolinski.com/zwolinskisite/

I am so sorry no one told me till I found that (only now!) on this very site.

[addmomof1]

What is the medical difference between ODD and children who are extra stubborn??

[Gabi925]

http://www.klis.com/chandler/pamphle...#_Toc121406159

Now, what means "extra stubborn" for you?

[BlackCanary]

@Gabi - thanks for this. We haven't been concerned about ODD so far.

My son will meet with the psychologist on Monday - she has a play room and this sounds good to him.

[sunrise]

I would ask him what are the various approaches to managing ADHD.

There are some therapists who specialize in ADHD and use behavioral approaches, group and individual therapy.

there are some providers who prescribe stimulant medication.

There are some providers who recommend changes in diet.

I would see what your PsyD says. Even if he recommends one approach over others, can he tell you about the other approaches? It is nice to know what the options are.

Good luck.

[BlackCanary]

So far - the one I picked definitely presented a multi-modal approach for treatments that could be included (indiv therapy, medicine, school coordination, parent training). She wanted to do her own evaluation before recommending a treatment plan/approach.

Yesterday she played Stratego with my son; I think he's going to practice after school so he can beat her next time.

[kikki27]

Originally Posted by BlackCanary

We will soon meet with a psychologist to talk about what is next for my son, following a diagnosis of ADHD from the pediatrician (using the Vanderbilt assessments from his teachers).

He is 7, 2nd grade. He's highly distractable, often out of his chair, and rarely finishes the assignment when given (has to finish the next day). He's doing great in subjects he likes (science, spelling) and below standards elsewhere (writing/reading comprehension). He will advance to 3rd grade.

I'm having to pick a provider and expect to ask a few questions over the phone about approaches and techniques used.

Please give me your top 3 questions to ask the PsyPhD or other good advice and words of wisdom for this initial step on our journey!

I would ask how would the medications affect him like make him tired or if medication would be the best choice for his age group.And ask if they put him on medicine what are the side effects.

How to Choose a Therapist
Distinctions Between Therapists' Degrees

[Perna]

Originally Posted by BlackCanary

So far - the one I picked definitely presented a multi-modal approach for treatments that could be included (indiv therapy, medicine, school coordination, parent training). She wanted to do her own evaluation before recommending a treatment plan/approach.

Yesterday she played Stratego with my son; I think he's going to practice after school so he can beat her next time.

I'd go with her, she sounds great! Multi-modal, wants to see for herself/make up her own mind, your son seems to like her.

[BlackCanary]

Thanks Perna!
We are going to see the child pdoc tomorrow, get advice on trying medication. I've been reading up on the CHADD site, and it seems that a directed therapy that focuses on behavioral change can be very helpful.
So, I'll have to talk to the PsyPhD about her approach, which seems rooted in play therapy. My son does not understand why he has to keep going BACK. He may feel more satisfied if he knows that there is a goal, outcome, reward. I want him to feel some success, some self-knowledge.

My husband is coming around. He still has times when he thinks a good whuppin' would resolve the behavior issues. "Cause that's what his parents did....and he turned out OK....
So, some parent training is likely in order! We will need the down-to-brass-tacks version.