Ugly Words

[drego]

My 7 year old was diagnosed with adhd last year. we have not put him on medication and he's been doing great. he's had good grades and is no longer hyper. Up until about a month ago his grades started droping and I'm now getting complaints from the teachers as he is not finishing his assignments in class. I don't have this problem at home. I just got a phone call from the principal and he said a child told the teacher that my son was doing something and my son went ahead and to the child he was going to kill him. I'm sooo frustrated as I'm not sure if this was just a figure of speech for him or if this is a was of releasing his frustration or something. He is not capable of doing anything but now I'm worried about his behavior. Please help!

[drego]

thank you so much i have his therapist look into same. he has an appointment on jan 28

[specialmom]

Sensory is diagnosed by an occupational therapist that has been trained in it.  It can look a LOT like adhd or add.  It is sometimes called sensory processing disorder.  We've had great luck and I have lots of ideas of things to do if you think it is at all relevent to your child.  good luck!!

[drego]

by the way how is sensory diagnosed?

[drego]

Thank you so much for your story. I will try it and keep you posted. I will also look into sensory integration disorder, I had never heard of that. thanks a bunch you were great help!

[specialmom]

My son  has a tendency to lack a filter as well and say things he shouldn't.  What our occupational therapist has worked on is the "thought bubble" concept.  He can have any thought he wants but he has to put some in a thought bubble----  he can think it but not say it.  Kill you is most likely a figure of speech but not a good one.  Schools take that seriously.  I had my just turned 6 year old kindergartener come home and tell me that the kid behind him on the bus said he was going to kill him but that the kid next to that kid said to not to because he kind of liked my son.  Huh?  I didn't go all crazy about it----  but it is a little unnerving.  I told my boy to sit straight on the bus and not turn around.  (this same kid told me son he should get a gun to shoot my other son because he is annoying-----  needless to say, we aren't having any playdates with that boy).  So, I guess that is my point-----  it is not so much what he said as it is inappropriate.  He can think it but not say it.  And to have friends, he has to do that.  I'd present it that way.  Talk about being a good friend with him.  

My son has sensory integration disorder which is like adhd in that it is a delay of the nervous system. He lacks impulse control too  . . . it is tough on him.  Medication doesn't work for sensory----- so we do occupational therapy.  Does your son need to move in order to focas?  Mine does.  He needs movement breaks during the day.  We also do a lot of physical activity with him-----  every day no matter what the weather is or how busy we are, we do it.  It helps with his behavior tremendously.  

Also, when he is angry----  give him appropriate things to say.  He is still young enough that you can help him find the words to express it.  goodluck