|
|
Post by Brenda on Nov 29, 2005 8:40:32 GMT -5
I am thinking that my dd may not have adhd but a LD.Can a child have ADHD if they have good days and bad days?I spoke with Steph's teacher and she said she had a bad day yesterday.She said that some days her attention is great and other days it's terrible.She is not on adhd meds but is on Topamax.Doesn't ADHD affect you everyday?  |
|
|
|
Post by d on Nov 29, 2005 9:29:43 GMT -5
ADHD affects you every day but just like neurotypical people ADHDers can have good days and bad days in terms of attention & distractability, memory, etc.
Also, there are so many grey areas when talking about LD and learning differences. LD is just a definition that may change depending on the state you live in. A kid could be one percentile point from qualifying as "LD" but what the heck does that mean?... they don't need help? Also, ADHD can effect learning especially for ADHD In's. ADHD is most commonly an output or performance problem in school. Getting them to consistently demonstrate what they know can be a challenge. I don't think teachers look at it like this - you either know how to spell and deliver a 95% on a spelling test or flawless spelling in an essay - or you don't. Sometimes they don't see or understand the variabilities or the in-betweens and think it is willful or lack effort.
One example is math is the bane of my dd's existence. Memory such as math fact recall, remembering multi-step directions in the right order and directionality (backwards/forwards, etc.) are real challenges for her. Is she math LD? No. But she needs to be taught differently bc she learns differently. Eaxamples are pre-teaching, teaching and reteaching concepts like algebra. That works. Or if she needs to memorize the steps of a problem, let her use a calculator for math fact recall so she concentrate on memorizing the steps of the problem exclusively. Things like this work for her.
|
|
|
|
Post by swmom on Nov 29, 2005 9:52:55 GMT -5
Our dd, who we've been told does not have ADHD now, has good days and bad days. With her, the good days seem to be when she's been successful socially. All of her "issues" literally seem to disappear, i.e. the inattention, the impulsivity, the hyperactivity, making careless mistakes in school, etc. The bad days are when she has not been successful. Because she struggles socially, we see many more bad days than good.
|
|
|
|
Post by brazos on Nov 29, 2005 10:31:18 GMT -5
LD is a real problem with an ADHD kid, I would suggest you have your child tested for it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Beverly on Nov 29, 2005 12:01:49 GMT -5
As it has been explained to me, ADHD involves inconsistent attention. When they are enjoying something, often they can pay attention.
If problems are coming up, get testing done. LD's and ADHD often go hand in hand.
|
|
|
|
Post by ohmama on Nov 29, 2005 12:47:42 GMT -5
Brenda,
Topamax is a mood stabilizer. Does your dx include a mood disorder (nos or bipolar) along with adhd? Is this the only med you are using?
What makes up the bad day? Is her main problem related to a short attention span or do you see anything else going on with behavior problems, etc?
|
|
|
|
Post by Brenda on Dec 17, 2005 9:48:40 GMT -5
Ohmama,he said topamax would "calm " her down.She has not been dx with anything but ADHD right now. We had her IEP meeting last week and they gave her services for Other Health Impaired.She will be receiving resource for Math.I am soooo glad we finally have her an IEP. I told everyone in the meeting about all the side effects she had from stimulants for 2 years.The tics and the bald spot in K for hair pulling.The tics and vocal tic in 1st grade.He dr putting her on haldol and clonidine to treat the tics.I was shocked when they all agreed with me that she should not be medicated because the side effects are too much. They said all her problems are from her ADHD and they would provide her services to help without having to use medications.The psychiologist recommended therapy to help with her behavior problems and social skills. I agree with them about the side effects.I just wish she could take meds but that seems to not be an option. |
|
|
|
Post by ohmama on Dec 17, 2005 11:33:18 GMT -5
Brenda,
I am so glad to hear you have the IEP. I can't imagine any child having to struggle with adhd or a LD without this in place. I'm sure you will find it a great help.
I sincerely hope that you find your child can get along without meds. Please keep in mind that school personnel and even psychologists (who cannot prescribe medication) are not the best ones to make this decision. They are not even qualified to address the medication issues involved in brain disorders and they are out of their league to advise you on this. If you find that things are not working with your program I hope you will consult a board certified child psychiatrist for another evaluation.
Often side effects that are serious as you described can stem from a wrong or incomplete dx to start with and therefore being given the wrong meds.
Either way, with or without meds, the IEP is an excellent start and I am excited for you at the prospect of this working.
|
|
|
|
Post by d on Dec 17, 2005 11:49:43 GMT -5
Woohoo Brenda I'm sooo glad Steph got an IEP.
I second what ohmama says about schools & meds. You absolutely need the school's help and objective observations (not their opinions), however they are not qualified AT ALL to make calls on medication decisions. Licensed medical prof.'ls do that with parents, not schools.
|
|
|
|
Post by VaMom on Dec 17, 2005 15:11:03 GMT -5
That ohmama, she is so wise.... really knows what she's talking about.... guess that's why she's the mama.  Brenda, I'm very happy for you and Steph, re: the IEP. As for meds., remember time changes everything. There may come a time when Steph is older and more self-aware, that she may be able to better tolerate them. The other thing is that as more meds come on the market you may find something that works for her. |
|
|
|
Post by ohmama on Dec 17, 2005 19:57:29 GMT -5
Who, me ;D? Awe shucks, thanks.
|
|
