EMAIL FROM MEMBER RE: ADHD IN GIRLS: I have a 12 year old daughter with Tourettes, inattentive ADHD (ADD) and possible dyspraxia. This was missed all through primary school as she wasn’t hyperactive...and was mainly inattentive/distracted yet achieved well and was above average. I have heard it is very common for it to be missed in girls until secondary school and even beyond as they are commonly less of a ‘disruption’ to the class than boys with ADHD. Her ADD has been identified since starting secondary school as her symptoms are less easy for her to mask now. I know it is neurological (down to brain wiring) and that there is a genetic link...and feel my 5 year old (almost 6) may also have ADHD. This has been suggested by my GP...family members and also friends who work with children who have a wide variety of Special Needs. • She can’t sit still to do homework/reading. Is distracted every minute or so by the slightest of things (even when there are no obvious distractions around). • Constantly moving/running/jumping/climbing...even when it is an inappropriate place to do so...Unless she is hyper focused on something that is of great interest to her. • She interrupts a lot. • Doesn’t listen – I have to ask her to do things at least 3 or 4 times to do anything. (Hearing has been checked and its fine). • She is constantly trying to get a reaction – will just jump on her older sister to hear her yell – or purposely spoil her games. • Is like a whirlwind in the house...leaving a trail of mess behind her. • Tells lies a lot. • Talks to strangers with no caution (despite being told not to) – frequently discloses her name, age school, sisters name age and school etc! • Wanders off in shops when told to stay close by. Has run out of the school gate before too. No sense of danger. • She takes things that don’t belong to her – from her sister, school and shops and hides them. • Rips up paper all the time – and chews it up too – occasionally has swallowed it. • Can be very loud – making repetitive noises. • Still screams a lot and has tantrums • Hurts the cat then laughs – but can also be very loving. • Into everything – even when its dangerous – she burnt herself on a lamp bulb at the doctors surgery – cut her finger sticking it in a hand dryer in the supermarket toilets – pulled a shopping trolley over onto herself through climbing as example. • At mealtimes she sits backwards on the chair, sits on the table, stands on her chair, gets up and down repeatedly, takes forever to eat! • She still puts things in her mouth constantly – likes to strip off from the waist down as soon as she gets home (sometimes completely naked) – doesn’t like music on in car or loud noises – screams if the sun is in her eyes (over exaggerated reaction) – doesn’t like collars/scarves/anything around her neck – possible sensory disorder?? School aren’t overly concerned...but have commented that she doesn’t listen, is daydreamy and can’t sit still...the exact same school missed my eldest child’s ADD and she had the same symptoms...so I am not prepared to leave my little one another 5 years until secondary school for it to then be identified (which is what happened with my 12yr old)! My GP has witnessed her behaviour and believes she has behavioural problems...so has a 2nd GP in the practice. So she has been referred to CAMHS for assessment.....However her father (who visits once a week for a couple of hours and has never been properly supportive even when we were together) is now saying he doesn’t agree she needs assessing and is accusing me of doing it for disability money...or to put her on tablets for an ‘easy life’! He says I have no control or authority...and that it’s my fault she behaves like it and that she doesn’t do it for him in the couple of hours he sees her! He is threatening to ‘Take action’ against me if I get her assessed...god knows what he means by that! He completely lacks knowledge of what ADHD is...and just see’s it as ‘an excuse for bad behaviour/parenting’! I love both of my kids...and only have their best interests and wellbeing at heart! I just want what is best for my child....and want her to reach her potential and if she does have additional needs access whatever support she needs to enable her to do so. How do I get her father to trust my judgement (seeing as I am with her everyday), support me with this and stop being so ignorant? It is important that we are both on the same page when it comes to supporting our child! I would like to hear from other families who are going through/been through similar. Thanks Ps. We live in the UK
Posted on: Sat, 21 Jun 2014 11:54:29 +0000
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