My son is 7 years old in first grade in a self contained special ed class for all academics and mainstreamed for specials such as gym, art, music, etc. He was evaluated by the school at 5 and classified under “other health impaired” to receive services. Problems noted were inability to focus and listen to direction, sensory integration and auditory processing difficulties (never actually tested for either). As time went on, I was never able to obtain a “true” diagnosis, which I still haven’t so decided to take him for some private evaluations. First started with a behavior modification specialist who basically told me to use some reward systems, read over some papers and basically told me if I don’t medicate him with stimulants he won’t get better. I took that as an ADHD diagnosis. I then went on to a Neurodevelopmental Pediatric Neurologist who recommends Occupational Therapy for the sensory integration problems, and an official auditory processing test. Mentioned meds but not pushing them. Would like to reevaluate in December. The insurance won’t cover the OT so I will be stuck paying for that myself. I am not a fan of the meds because of side effects but since symptoms of ADHD, auditory processing disorder and sensory integration dysfunction are all the same, how come these Docs jump to prescribe meds and just assume it’s ADHD? Is there a way to find out for sure? I’m still convinced he’s dyslexic but because he spoke at a very early age, the Docs are saying no. The Neurologist also stated that he’s already outperforming what his IQ score (scores very low) says he should be. Just don’t get it? Any advice?
Re: Looking for Advice
It can be hard to sort out but if you try the therapy and it works, then you may not need medications. If the therapy only helps somewhat, then you may want to consider a medication trial. You may also want to get a through psychiatric evaluation which may give you a bit more information.
We found a lot of improvement with the APD by using The Listening Program (improves auditory integration) and Earobics. If you get an audiologists report on the APD, there are things you can request from the school to help your child in the educational setting.
Re: Looking for Advice
Please do get a thorough private evaluation. My son had one, and while the IQ (at above average) was as a certain point, it could have been higher but for his deficits. Of course, it could have been the evaluator, too. My son gave her a really hard time not cooperating with the testing. He was tested a few days later by the school psychologist w/the same IQ test and scored higher. She said it was because he had had the test so soon before.
My son was prescribed a low dose of Risperdal b/c the stimulants didn’t work (he has social/emotional delays in addition to the ADHD, and he has high impulsivity w/aggression). Risperdal has helped, and I also give him fish oil supplements and take him to therapy. I’ve been able to reduce the Risperdal by 2/3 of the original prescribed dosage from 9 mos. ago, partly b/c the dosage was too high (he was sleepy and hard to wake), partly b/c of maturity, and partly b/c of the fish oil (I’d like to think, anyway), therapy and other strategies. My hope is to wean him off the Risperdal, but I’m going slow and using all the interventions available.
Do what’s best for your child. Many parents medicate, others use natural or homeopathic remedies (or a combination), still others use a special diet.
ITA w/Beth on the ADHD as a residual sort of diagnosis.
If he is outperforming his IQ score, then it is possible that the IQ test is not accurate because of his disabilities. My son tested as having an 84 IQ at age 3 and 5. However, that was at least partially due to difficulties following the directions. If your son has auditory processing difficulties, it could be the same thing. As well, my son’s performance in many ways was inconsistent with the IQ score. When he was 7, he did a program called Fast Forward which helps with kids’ ability to understand spoken language. Afterwards, he tested as having a 100 (dead average) IQ. He did not actually get brighter but the tester was more accurately able to access his IQ.
It is also possible for a child to have APD, sensory integration deficits, and ADHD. My son did. Sometimes it takes time to sort it all out. You could try medication and see if it helps. Or you could start with the SID and see how far that takes you. I think that APD can be distinguished from ADHD in testing. I was once told that ADHD is a bit of a residual diagnosis—it is a diagnosis for characteristics that have no other explanation.
Beth