[Beth]

I am now 54 and a grandmother who has always been "labeled" hyperactive. I currently take paxil but as a child I was given tranquilizers to calm me. Now I question whether hyperactive is a valid assessment. My 7 year old granson just came to me with a tearful fear that I asked at the very same age. "I don't want to die!" In both our cases we had and have never been exposed to the death of a person. No one in either case had died who was close to us. This child does not exhibit any of the classic hyeractive tendancies. I did as a child to a point but now looking back I see myself as an extremely emotional and sensitive child and this is the way my grandson is. He does have some attention symptoms but it usually appears that he is not concentrating on what is being said around him or even to him. He wiggles like a nervous motion rather than the perpetual motion that most hyperactive children exhibit. He is intelligent but has been designated as an average to below average student.

I have just touched the tip of what I consider an iceberg of emotions. I would like to know if anyone else has experienced this type of behavior/emotional symptoms in either themselves or a family member and what you opinion is on it or what advice have you been given. In my area I have never found anyone who was capable of understanding my descriptions. I have a hyperactive son so I have been through the list of local experts. I would like to know if this is all part of hyperactivism or something else.

[darkeyes]

The "fear of death" is not abnormal rather it be an adult or child, and at 7 years old to be "wiggly" or active I wouldn't be ready to say the child is hyperactive. If you see his grades at school are suffering and/or his teachers complain about his behavior is not acceptable or he is constantly daydreaming, I wouldn't worry about it. If you are concerned my best guess would be to have him evaluated by a child psychologist or psychiatrist if warranted. My best advice is to "relax" and try not to read into things unless he has trouble with school and/or friends
Take care,
"darkeyes"

[MomSeesAll]

Beth, in my daughter that was a small part of what they labeled as Asperger's Syndrome, a Pervasive Development Disorder (high functioning Autism). We have overlapping symptoms from several disorders, so I read about it, as it was a new one on me. Maybe you can get clues from him? When he's wiggly, ask him why? When he daydreams, ask him what is on his mind? Etc. Surf the web, many good sites: NAMI a favorite of mine. BPkids too. Look for ones that have chatrooms. You might get a bingo on one of them.

[darkeyes]

Can I just say something with hopes no one gets upset here?
What I want parents to bear in mind is not to "diagnose" your children according to criteria for all the various disorders of children and even adults, I stress if there is one ounce of doubt, and/or question(s) in regards to your children and behaviours, you should check it out "professionally", have a child psychologist and/or psychiatrist evaluate them. This will prevent a variety of labels that can "accumulate" when left to "self diagnostics", internet sites are very helpful but are not the same as seeing a professional, also bear in mind the pediatrician is not the recommended type of doctor for any psychological evaluations, many are taking it upon themselves to do so and handing out ritalin like lollies. Psychiatric Association claims this practice is doing more harm to kids (especially if they are bipolar and not add/adhd)
Sorry, I'll get off the soapbox now.
Just putting my 2 cents in, hate to see kids getting "messed" up these days, this wasn't personally intended for you, just had to post this for the public eyes.
Take care,
"darkeyes"