Need advice on what to do with seven year old son

[nicole littlejohn]

My son is seven years old. Last year he was diagnosed with ADHD and is currently recieving 40mg of ritalin sr a day. The problem that i have is that he also has a learning disability with his short term memory in the 8th percentile. He is in grade two but is operating at a 2nd month kindergaten level. He is also exhibits symptoms that don't have have anything to do with the two above problems. He talks excessivly in school, barely sleeps or eats and has wild mood swings ranging from violence on others to wanting to die. I was wondering if i should get him tested for bi-polar disorder as i know that sometimes the symptoms between that and ADHD are similar. They want to increase his dosage of ritalin but i don't think that will help. please help......
(he's been accessed by a school psychologist for learning, recieves speech therapy, and occupational therapy)

at my wits end

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Ms. Littlejohn,

You are right on target in thinking that further assessment should occur around your son's psychological functioning. Some of his symptoms may indeed be due to a mood disorder.

Relative to his talking in class, it may be one of the symptoms of his ADHD, and it's important to consider that insomnia and appetite suppression can be side effects of stimulant medication.

The learning profile you describe points in the direction of special education. Is your son in a regualr education classroom? If so, it might be worthwhile to reassess such a placement and move in the direction of a self-contained special education classroom, or at least a considerable portion of time in a rwesource room setting.

[nicole littlejohn]

Thank you for your advice. I will definatly look into seeing a psychologist for further assessment.

In relation to your question my son is currently doing an IEP (individual education plan) and is getting all the help he can get.
thank you again.