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Becky Parker
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| Posted: March 02 2015 at 6:45am | IP Logged
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We've finally decided it's time to get an actual diagnosis for my ds with ADHD. I know he has it from my experience as a classroom teacher. So far we've been able to handle it. But now he's in 8th grade, and I don't know if it's hormones from puberty or just 8th grade defiance but we're really struggling. I'm hoping that by taking him to a psychologist we can get an actual diagnosis as well as some help. I want to avoid medication but I'm praying about that. Has anyone been in this situation that could advise me before our first visit? I guess I just don't know what to expect and I'm a little nervous. 
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Becky
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mom2mpr
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We are in the same boat so I will be following this. We had an appointment, but lost our insurance so cancelled and are floundering a bit now. I also want to know what to expect.
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Anne, married to dh 16 years!, ds,(97), Little One (02), and dd (02).
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Anneof 5
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| Posted: March 07 2015 at 9:06am | IP Logged
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I have a 15 yo with diagnosed ADHD combined type. He was diagnosed by a neuropsychologist when he was 9. With testing, you can sort out a lot more than just ADHD as sometimes it is a combination of issues such as slow processing, low working memory, learning disabilities, etc. We were not in favor of trying meds at that age. At age 11, we tried him on a mild one (non-stimulant) for a few years and although it helped a bit at first, it mostly made him tired. After a lot of trial and error, he is finally on one that seems to be working for him. I know some people have luck with alternative methods such as changing nutrition, various therapies, supplements, etc. But it seems as they get older it is a lot more difficult to change their habits and they can be resistant and look at it as a punishment of some sort. They really need to be motivated to change and that goes for trying meds as well. Ds was very resistant for quite a while but now realizes it makes a big difference for him.
I would encourage you to go ahead and get a diagnosis. You need a paper trail if he needs accomodations on college testing, etc. I would ask for recommendations from others and call and ask questions ahead of time. It can take months to get an appointment so you might want to keep that in mind. We had one psychologist who was very negative in regard to homeschooling and you definitely don't want to deal with someone like that.
If I didn't answer your concerns please feel free to ask again!
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: March 07 2015 at 9:37am | IP Logged
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I am curious about what to expect, too, aside from sticker shock. I am calling around to look into testing for dyslexia, etc... for my 8 year old, and it is so expensive! I don't think he has ADHD, though it is possible he has mild ADD, but I primarily want the full battery of educational tests so I can better understand how he thinks and learns best so I can make positive choices for him.
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Lindsay
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[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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Becky Parker
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| Posted: March 07 2015 at 2:05pm | IP Logged
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Anneof 5 wrote:
| I With testing, you can sort out a lot more than just ADHD as sometimes it is a combination of issues such as slow processing, low working memory, learning disabilities, etc. |
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This is exactly what I'm hoping for Anne of 5. Thank you for sharing your experience. We have an appointment in about 3 weeks so it didn't take too long to get in. (Small town benefit I guess.) I have no idea how this psychologist feels about homeschooling so I'm taking a risk. I'm praying this will be a good experience. We need one! 
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Becky
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3ringcircus
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| Posted: March 10 2015 at 5:47pm | IP Logged
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I will pray that it's a good experience!
We started the Feingold food program 2 years ago on the advice of another Catholic HS family and have found much success. It would have to be something your DS was willing to try, though. As PP mentioned, it's difficult to change the habits of older kids.
I heard of the benefits of neuro feedback, but we haven't gotten around to trying it.
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Christine
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Becky Parker
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| Posted: March 11 2015 at 6:19am | IP Logged
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I've looked at Feingold in the past Christine. We are already mostly gluten free and dairy free because I have younger boys that have issues with these two foods, and since I know food dies cause problems with kids with ADHD we rarely have treats that contain them.
I think it would be hard, on top of everything else, but I'll revisit it. Anything I can do to help my son is worth the effort. Thanks for the suggestion.
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Becky
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4Real Forums : Special Blessings
Topic: Psychologist
