Does my 4yr old son have ADD?

[mattsmom0205]

My son is an active 4yr old boy, he will be 5 in February, even though he his very active, he is able to sit at the dinner table, sit for family movie night and sit in school. Recently his PreK teacher informed us that he seems to sit in a daze during class. She also mentioned that he is unable to complete his tasks, such as writing his letter repeatedly or coloring sheets. She states that the will do it for a while then just scribble/scrabble one the sheet. From the work sent home I see that he also doodles of to the side. Other then his lack of concentration/ interest he is a good kid. When he is interested or after repetition he learns very well, he has memorized the 3 prayers that are part of his daily curriculum and the Pledge of Allegiance. Is it possible that he has ADD?

[specialmom]

Maybe, but he's only 4.  I think I wouldn't worry as much about his "work" at preschool as I would if he is enjoying it.  He has his whole life to worry about completing work-----  at 4 it should be more optional.  Kids do better with more activity during their day as well.  I would be more concerned with these things than if he gets bored doing coloring pages.  That's just my opinion.  And add/adhd usually isn't diagnosed until age 6 and shouldn't be as there is so much variability between kids.  Try not to worry and maybe this just isn't the program for him.  My kids have gone/ are going to preschool.  They have table stations that the kids go in and out of and circle time.  Sitting and writing letters repeatedly isn't even something my son does in kindergarten.  They write words that they want (in something they call writers workshop) to encourage writing without it becoming a dreaded task.  And developmentally at 4, art should be free form vs a project that the teacher delivers step by step to kids.  That promotes creativity and thinking skills.  I am sure he is in a good program but it may just not be the best for him to thrive.  Again, just my thoughts without really knowing the situation.  Good luck.

[dkpoto]

It seems the age for suggesting an ADHD diagnosis lowers with each passing introduction of an ADHD med. Somehow, school districts are either being financially rewarded or pressured to increase the number of children diagnosed with a condition that does have any diagnostic biological markers, just subjective checklists. A clinician can take these subjective checklists and virtually find that eighty percent of elementary aged children qualify for an ADHD diagnosis.

Children have been shackled by psychothropic drugs that even I would not have touched during my wild college years. Four years old is far too young to even begin discussing behavior issues in school. Moreover, a four year old should be exploring the world and not forced to start school at such a young age.

We are creating a nation of braniwashed children. How sad!

http://www.adhd-information-exchange.com

[specialmom]

Just a note,  my son had issues in preschool.  By addressing them in an appropriate way---  my son now functions very well in the school setting.  Had I not looked further into the issues we were observing then, my son would now be struggling.  And THEN the suggestion might have come about that he has ADD and needs medication.  So, by looking into things early we have helped our child become a happier boy ready for the school experience.  

You may fault me for trying to help my son cope better------  but his happiness is far more important than that.  And all other parents that are trying to help their child should be commended for doing so.  The earlier the better when a developmental delay is involved.  

You ASSUME that all those who want to address something that may be amiss with their child are servents to the  pharmaceutical industry.  Thus it is hard to read much else into your words.  I've never medicated my kid, but I do take his delay seriously and have found ways to help him.  

And one last note about preschool----  all parents are different.  Some take preschool more seriously than others. But going to preschool a couple of mornings a week (2 hours!) and singing songs, playing with friends and coloring is hardly being shackled to school.  It is a social experience that MOST kids do find enjoyable.  And you might want to address your current government that wants kids in school earlier and longer.  

Have a good day.  Isn't life great to be able to express differences in opinion!!  And this was only my opinion .  . .

[specialmom]

um, sorry.  You answered a post that I thought was something else.  There was a post earlier that sounded a lot like my son with sensory and I thought you were answering this . . .  you were responding to someone who's son wasn't coloring in the lines and doodling.  Different story.  Okay-----  better go take a nap or something.  Have a good day.  

[allmymarbles]

He sounds like a very nice kid. A bit of a dreamer perhaps, but so what? Would you really consider putting this perfectly normal child on ADD drugs (speed) just because he doodles? He is only four. I hope he doesn't forget how to dream.