11 Plus Exams Forum

Do any of you parents of bright sparks have experience or knowledge of adhd. DS is bright and popular (OK we could be misguided) but on the down side is unruly in class (keeps shouting out answers and fidgets) and can be mean to siblings (who admittedly can be mean back and they're generally good mates). He's been seeing an educational counsellor of some description at school and at the end of last year (Y4) we thought he'd pretty much cracked it. But at parent's evening, his new teacher (who seems highly competent) says while she's really warmed to DS she's spent the first 6 weeks trying to get to grips with how she integrates him. The "possible adhd" words were mentioned and when we looked at his work, we were disappointed as it showed a lack of effort (he's fine generally with us and in other one on ones he's fine).

We saw the doc today to discuss (me and mrs firebrand1) and he's going to get a paediatrician to see DS but any experiences of interest. Teaching assistant also suggested an IQ test - anyone have any experience of that for DSs or DDs?

Sorry I am not going to be the most helpful respondent as I have no personal experience of ADHD / ADD. However, I have seen schools kind of push parents down this route, and children end up on medication. I am sure this is necessary in some very severe cases, but I am not talking about children for whom it seemed severe to me - yes a pain for a teacher or TA, but not beyond the range of behaviours one might expect for a "normal" child. Forgive the word.

Have you read the school's behaviour policy? Is it a good one for both reward for good behaviour and consequences for poor behaviour? It may simply be that your son likes to be notice, and this teacher has got into a rut of noticing him for the "poor" things, and not getting to the point with him where she can reward him for good stuff. Do his style of lessons suit your son? Have you spoken to the school SENCO? She may be able to see what kind of learner your son is and help the class teacher plan lessons that will grab his attention more. She may also be able observe him in class and have a discussion with you and the class teacher as to how he can be motivated to behave differently in class.

If it were me, and I thought that the school might be right, I'd rather pick an Ed Psych of my own who is experience in this area, but who would have other avenues to explore with both the parents and the school if a positive diagnosis were made i.e. behaviour modification somehow or other.

Children over a certain age can have a free IQ test through MENSA. Take a look at their website. Otherwise you are reliant on whatever the school gets and LEA psychologist to adminster, or paying and EP privately yourself.

Are you able to look at your son's books weekly and reward him yourself in some way if they look like he is making a good effort in some way?

Good luck!

any medication should be used in conjunction with a behaviour plan and careful monitoring by all staff including lunchtime supervisors, this isn't always the case unfortunately. When used properly medication can make a real difference
clear boundaries, not too much stimulation and consistency at home and school are also important

speak to the senco and class teacher , it is always better when school and home work together

I have ad ADD child - he needs rules and routines that don't change without clear explanation first. He also makes himself notes and lists. He was diagnosed by a peadiatrician.

Will pm you.

it should be a paediatrician diagnosis rather than an ed psych..

Thanks all. We have him booked to see a paediatrician. I'd be very anti-drugs and although he can be hard work for teachers, he's bright and engaging too (they always seem charmed by him even though he frustrates them). He's much easier one on one, when he's not vying for attention I guess. We do use star charts etc and lists more so. Our current focus is on steering him through the 11+ (ie getting him to give of his best in the test itself) as I'd be happier with him at a school that will push him than one where he may end up coasting (as he's capable without much effort so I'd be worried that would be sufficient for some schools). Having said that I'm DIYing and whilst he doesn't always give his very best, mostly he seeks out his work, gets on with it relatively unbidden and does well.

Thanks again all.