Dorothy Willms
Hi, Iam the mom of a 27 year old daughter with ADD inattentive type.Our daughter was only diagnosed at age 25. I was desperate for answers when she was a year and ahalf so can understand your concerns.She had endless ear infections, was easily frightened and slept poorly as a litle girl.She was often very frustrated. The sooner you really know the better because if he does have ADHD he needs help and could be spared incredible heartache. You should ask your doctor for an evaluation by a psycologist or psychiatrist. Don't let this scare you. Don't be ashamed like I was. I also live in northern Canada so there was very little information or help at that time. There are a lot of books written in the last 10 years. Try going to your local library. there is lots of information on the internet too. The huge book on every psychiatric problem around has compiled a list of very specific indicators for ADHD.It is called the DSM IV (4). The best book I have read re little children is called No Easy Answers by Sally L. Smith. There are many others. If you cannot find the list of specific criteria Iam willing to type them out for you. ADHD is a really difficult thing to put your finger on by yourself. But one of the most obvious things is temper and frustration and as they get older they have a lot of trouble with being on time and being organized. My daughter was/is not hyperactive unless very frustrated and angry. I really do not know how I have survived without help. Its been very hard. School was difficult for her because she also has a learning problem with math and so was sticking with a job.Take note that ADHD or ADD does not have a thing to do with intelligence. She is actually a dear and loving person at times but her flip side is still heartbreaking. Her situation is rare because she cannot tolerate any stimulent medications. She was married this May to a patient man who also is eccentric but my relationship with her is very poor and it makes my heart ache. She is a very emotional woman. Very impatient and she often misunderstands what people say becuase she also has a problem with her brain processing what she hears. She could not work as a telephone operator for example because she has to often ask people to repeat themselves. She lives eight hours from us now but telephone conversations are difficult. I love her with all my heart but it is hard to put up with anger. It is extremely hard to knpow where to draw a line between her ADD symptons and where to set boundries for ourselves.I really hope you can avoid that as your little boy grows. Parents with ADD or ADHD kids need all the help they can get. The behavior is often like someone with a mental illness although it is called a disorder. I hope I haven't frightemed you. Your little boy might be perfectly fine, just a busy little guy with lots of energy. Its good that he is not aggressive. But note that ADHD behavior is usually first suspected by a mother because at home the child is totally himself. I really do wish you all the best.Feel free to write me back. I just wish I could start over with my daughter. These children need a lot of love. sincerely Dorothy Willms