Attention Deficit Disorder

[wisebutnotperfect]

I have a 9 yr. old son who we are soon going to have visit a child psychologist because his teacher, school psych, and others are feeling like ADD is a real probability.

I have done alot of thinking about my own childhood, teen, and early adult educational experiences and have a real gut feeling that I suffered from and possibly still suffer from ADD as well. From the symptoms described by the psychologist that we visited with today I have the memories of all of the ADD symptoms.

I would really appreciate anyones input. I am seriously considering going back to school and if I do I think it would be wise to pursue a diagnosis if it is there.

I really wonder what my childhood and years of education would have been like with medical help. I had a difficult high school experience and had no chance at college.

[Touche]

Oh wow. I URGE you to not be so quick to take meds.

 

My background? I also struggled in my early years. I had characteristics of what they're now calling ADD. Look, I won't lie. I think it's bogus. It's just a personality trait. It's not a DISORDER, in my opinion. I mean think about it. People didn't take drugs for it years ago and they did fine.

 

Not only that, my stepson was diagnosed with it at 5. They wanted to put him on drugs but my H and his ex refused. He went on to become a straight A student and will be graduating from college this spring.

 

Our son's 3rd grade teacher strongly suggested that we have him tested because he probably was ADD/ADHD and needed meds. I laughed in her face and never had him tested. He's 12 now. Yes, he's a little rambunctious (just like my stepson) but he's doing fine. He reads above grade level and is very smart. But yeah, he doesn't focus..same as I was at that age.

 

My story? I failed 3rd grade but then skipped over 8th and went into 9th after the 7th grade. I did fine.

 

I went on to college but dropped out and went back in my 30's. I graduated with a 3.5 GPA. No meds ever taken.

 

Listen, I'm not saying your experience is going to be mine but I do urge you to try things without the drugs first. In my view, they are experimental (we don't really know the long-term effects) and they're dangerous.

 

I used different techniques to learn how to focus. I'd be happy to keep checking your thread and try to help you pursue the non-drug/diagnosis path if you wish.

 

Whatever path you decide to take, I do wish you the best.