newbie with a question on ADHD

[lubeezma]

~ hello

teachers and administrators at dd's preschool (3 1/2yrs old) are diagnosising my sweetie as possibly having ADHD.
i have so many questions
if possible could some one give me some pointers...

are adhd symptoms similar to/same as any other sicknesses?
i am so scared.
i am having such a hard time not associating ADHD with everything dd does. i feel so paranoid.
i keep saying to myself, she is just tired. (she doesn't nap at school) and therefore being overactive

thanks for listening

[Benji'sMom]

Don't worry about it too much. 3 1/2 seems a little young to be making that diagnosis. All kids seem hyper to me at that age. Also, ADHD-like beviors can be caused by other things. Let me think... hyperthyroidism is one thing that comes to mind. I'll try to look up a link for you. You should see a doctor for a more professional opinion before getting scared by the teachers. They could just be jumping to conclusions. There's a diet for ADHD, no sugar, no artificial colors or flavors, to control the fidgetting. You could look into that more if she really ends up having ADHD. Hope everything works out.

http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,4109,00.html


http://adhdparentssupportgroup.homes...icingADHD.html
http://www.support4hope.com/add_adhd..._symptoms2.htm

[ConfusionFusion]

We've had very good results for my DS who is now 8 with the Feingold program. I have learned not to put too much weight into what teachers say ESPECIALLY about ADHD. PM if you have any questions about Feingold or go to www.feingold.org.

[Greaseball]

How does your dc feel about the school? If she is bored or does not want to be there, she may show "ADHD-like" symptoms.

What is the structure like at the school? Is she allowed to be in charge of her own activities? Is it mostly unstructured free play, or is there a lot of academic busywork? Is she expected to sit still for long periods?

My dh is a substitute teacher, and one time he was teaching 3rd grade and the regular teacher just left out a bunch of worksheets for the children to do. Dh said it just pained him to see those kids sitting there for hours doing busywork while it was a nice day outside.

[lubeezma]

thanks

thank you for your helpful posts.
benji's mom the links were SO helpful
i even made copies of the info and took it to the ped.'s office
dd's dr. assured us that it is too early for any adhd diagnosis and
after reading up on the other reason why she might be "hyper" really put some insight into the situation.
the teacher also mentioned feingold~ i am researching it
my focus is more now to give her more unstructured play time G-ball
because i do think school for long hrs is overwhelming dd
and the teacher did mention that dd always knows the answer
even when she seems to not be paying attention
i enjoy that about dd's personality. she tends to move to new and unchartered areas quickly. once she understands something she doesn't really want to dwell on it any longer. it actually motivates me.
once again thanks for your informed support.

[CookieMonsterMommy]

OP-- At that age it is literally IMPOSSIBLY to diagnose a child with ADD or ADHD. If you're feeling snarky, remind your child's teachers that THAT is what they are--teachers. They aren't doctors.

Best Wishes,
Kelly

[ConfusionFusion]

I want to make one more suggestion I hope you see it! Omega 3 supplements are a great way to start treating the symptoms of ADHD. As a matter of fact we all should be supplementing with Omegas!
A great product for little ones for this is NAtural Factors Learning Factors because they are smaller than the typical fatty acid supplement so the kids can swallow them. Just wanted to let you know. Good luck with your little sweety