[Zacman]

I have an 8 year old who has recently started having issues in school. Lots of reading and consulting with friends and the school has lead me to believe he may have ADD. Where should I turn to get a professional evaluation?

[ally88]

hey zacman, sorry to hear about your son. I think it would probably be best to just take your son to the doctor and have him tested for ADD/ADHD, and that will tell him whether or not he has it, if so they will probably prescribe him a medication for it. hope i was of some help. and hope everything works out for you guys.

[Bloo]

We're going through the exact same thing with our 7 yr-old son, Mac. Luckily I was already in therapy .

1. Ask the school counselor if they can recommend a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or child psychologist to help in the evaluation. The school can't diagnose ADHD.

2. Once you locate a counselor, be prepared to be asked numerous questions regarding your son's history. Bring in report cards, any write-ups from teachers such as how he behaves in class and during what subjects, any referrals to the principal, etc. I took Mac's daily behavior report from his teacher (she does it for all the students), his report card, standardized test results, in-school suspension notice from the gym teacher, etc.

You'll also be asked if there's any family upheavals such a divorce, change in jobs, retirements, deaths in the family.

3. The counselor will observe your son's behavior. The first few times Mac was a rubber bouncy ball, wanting to touch everything. Our latest appt found him sitting and coloring; I had to wake him up when we got to the office and he was much more subdued.

4. In the meantime get a complete physical scheduled. Have his vision and hearing checked. Can't hurt!

5. Once it's determined he is ADHD, work with the school counselor to set up a child study team meeting. There's the federal 504 plan that protects people with disabilities (physical and learning); without that plan in place the teacher cannot give your son special considerations that he might be entitled to.

We have our child study team meeting scheduled for April 19. It's with the vice principal, school psychologist, and Mac's teacher.

Keep us posted!

[littlemissjess]

I was just diagnosed with ADD about 2-3 weeks ago. You can try finding a psychologist/counsellor in your area. My mother works for the hospital, and there's only 2 doctors in the area that accept our insurance plan! So for me to be put on meds I have to wait until July 11th! But that's one thing you should look for, look for doctors in you area and see if your insurance covers it. Or try talking to the school counsellor. When children are younger like your sons age, it's more common to see the symptoms for ADD. But good luck to you and your son!