What is wrong with my kindergartener??

[jmansmom]

Noone seems to be able to figure him out.  Here are his issues:
Impulsive, obsessive, sensitive to loud noises, in unstructured environment cannot seem to choose an activity as rest of class can, cannot wait his turn, must be first to do whatever, rushes thru work so not readable or very messy, steps on or hits children unintentionally jsut to get where he needs to be or get his project done.  Does not respond to behavior mod becuase obsesses over earning the stickers or rewards.  Doesn't care much when "treats" are taken away from him either.  

He was speech delayed and received early intervention from 18 months.  started occupational therpy for fine motor at 2. went to developmental preschool until kindergarten and also rec'd play therapy. Also attended "typical" preschool so he could have "typical" role models.  Had a SEIT there which helped but may have needed more time with one.  District wouldn't approve of one until after a year of my requesting. Has improved tremendously.  Used to have lots of tantrums and crying fits.  Close to none now unless "noise" issue. Almost never. Receives no services except for a "social opportunity"  after school once a week.  Does extremely well there.

Neurologist stated he had some pervasive delays which he will grow out of and to return if anything worsens.  Hasn't.  Only geting better but still too many behaviors to "fix" for kindergarten teacher.  was contemplating a belnded. integrated/ collaborative classroom.  School psychologist and other experts who observed my son recommended the "typical" kindergarten.  

Any ideas?    Is there a diagnosis for this behavior or lack of?  Recommended treatment???  Appreiciate input

Thanks.

[NikkiPoo]

Maybe your son is extremely bright and not being challenged enough, you should have his iq tested..

[pumpkin78]

I was wondering if the teacher is the one reporting the behaviors or if this is what you experinece at home, or both? You didn't really say in your post. If he is making progress in the regular classroom and the teacher is able to work with him and maintain appropriate behaviors from him, then the placement is not inappropriate.  Your post doesn't differentiate between home and school, which as we know, the little ones can behave completely different in the two settings.

I agree, it's hard to diagnose without meeting the child.  As for the med issue, it is often prescribed before all other options are exhausted; however, some people do benefit.  Try to rule out anything medical, otherwise continue to work on structuring his environment, following through with rules and consequences.  Behavioral modifications need to be in place for a substantial amount of time too.  Many people give up after a week or two, gotta be consistent and persistent.  Good luck!!  It will be good to hear of his progress.

[beentheregrandma]

I have a grown "child" who exhibited similar behavior patterns at this age. I would never allow Ritalin to be used for this so-called hyperactive disposition.
At age 12 a real sequence of anxiety behavior reared its ugly head. The diagnosis was Tourette's Syndrome by age 16, after 4 years of doctors/counselors/psychiatrists/etc. who all had a different view of what "was happening" and how many prescriptions could be given to 'test the result'. The compulsions and fears and anxieties and mood swings became pickled with the motor tics, which finally alerted some brilliant medical professional what was really going on. I say this sarcastically, yes indeed.
Tourette's is surely nothing comical like the movies portray. Not everyone swears or flails arms and legs, though, sadly, some do, mine was one of the luckier ones.
With a lifetime med-treated adult anxiety swing coming to light for so many young children, it is my observation that starting anti-anxiety/hyperactivity meds in a child's very young age will improve the life of no one but the kindergarten teacher.

[jujusmommy]

sound like a typical 5 year old boy to me. maybe a little hyper, but I think his main problem is an overly attentive and slightly paranoid mother. stop obsessing over him and let him be a little boy.

[DJ-RxT]

I think it'd be very difficult for someone to really come up with much of a diagnosis without having met and observed your child in person, but based on your accounts, it seems like he may be exhibiting signs of a general behavioral disorder. If he seems to be doing well with the current treatment, you guys probably couldn't go wrong with sticking with it unless it begins to not have the desired effect. On the medications side, Ritalin might be a like an extreme measure, but I really doubt that'd be necessary for the case you described. If you are having trouble with your school district in getting the proper measures, you may want to consult the school psychologist and perhaps an outside pediatric mental health clinician, and they would likely be able to help you get the paperwork to have things done. I believe that generally, children with mild behavioral disorders at an early age and without major learing disability can usually have the behaviors corrected with light counseling and behavioral therapy. Good luck!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The chances of your son's making good progress are good, provided he receives adequate evaluation and treatment. He likely displays several conditions, which often do co-exist. The likely 'culprits' are sensory integration disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and, perhaps, anxiety disorder (though the latter is not clear - those symptoms may be more indicative of a mild version of pervasive developmental disorder). It's important to recognize that your son will not 'grow out of' thse problems, because they are biologically/neurologically determined and have to be addressed. He is clearly being underserved in his current placement and that needs to be re-visited.