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Post by Dad2Brooke on Feb 3, 2004 11:14:06 GMT -5
Posted for Momof2Boys
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Post by Dad2Brooke on Feb 3, 2004 11:17:45 GMT -5
From my experience with evaluation testing, typically it is just observation. The doctor usually does them in his office and it is basically just questions about school and what not, but what he is really doing is observing their behavior.
He will probably give you some Conners Assessment sheets, one for the parents and one for his teacher. Basically, they will allow you to rate your son in different behaviors commonly associated with ADHD.
Once you and the teacher return the assessments, the doctor will use them and his observations to make a diagnosis.
He may do some other stuff of which I haven';t seen. But typically that is all that is involved, initially.
As far as how to explain it to your son, I would just build on what you have already told him, and let him know you all are going to see the doctor to talk to him.
No harm, you are just trying to get him the help he needs so that he can concentrate and focus and do better in school.
Good Luck.
(I'm no expert, so you may want other opinions. I am going post your initial IM to me into the The Doctor's Office section of the board, which I just created for this question.)
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Post by Honeysmom on Feb 3, 2004 16:24:41 GMT -5
Does your son recognize any of his symptoms? If he does I would explain to him that he is seeing a doctor to try and help him get better at finishing his homework, for example.
Then explain to him that all of the tests are going help the doctor determine what he is best at and what he needs a little help with. If it was anything like what Honey went through it was not bad. Once all the medical stuff was ruled out the ADHD doc did neurological testing and that actually looked fun to me.
Maybe if he can see a reason for the appointment and realizes that it can help him be better at whatever then it won't bother him. Good Luck...
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Post by Jorgy on Feb 3, 2004 19:57:35 GMT -5
mom, it has always been my experience to tell children the truth but at thier level. At 9 kids are also starting to see what is "normal" and it bothers them that they don't seem to be like the other kids. This is very disturbing to them at this age. He needs to know the truth. I can guantee (sp) you that he probably won't say anything to other kids. Ask him how he feels about all this. He probably has seen differences between himself and his friends and more than likely doesn't like it. Be open to him and encourage his questions. Do not ever lie to him as he will pick that up pretty fast. I find with my son who is now 11 and continuing to deal with learning disablilities that it is best to be alone with him and kinda circle around to the stuff you really want to talk about. Once you get him to the subject that let him take the lead. He actually may end up relieved that there is help out there for him. It has to be sooo lonely and scary to not know why you seem different. Good luck and God Bless, Sue
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Post by mctavish23 on Feb 3, 2004 23:24:18 GMT -5
Hi,
Unfortunately there is no standard way to test for ADHD.It really depends on what type of professional you are seeing and their areas of competency.For example, a first time appointment is called a Diagnostic Assessment( or something like that).That's similiar to an Intake and may include things like a thorough
developmental history, family history, list of symptoms and maybe a checklist.Some psychologists use computerized testing but recent research shows that is not appropriate for diagnosing ADHD.
Now, when you talking strictly "testing", that usually involves an appointment of several hours in which different tests like IQ test's such as the WISC-IV or memory/neuropsych tests like the WRAML, are given. Remember what tests are given is determined by psychometrist(evaluator) and probably managed care panel too Im afraid.Usually , most psychologists wont test a kid without having met them first for an Intake. That way you can break the ice and hopefully establish some rapport.However, I'm speaking generically if you will.
I agree with the earlier post of telling child the truth. The good news is they won't get "poked" or have to have a band aid.
I hope things go well and you gain some good feedback.Please remember that psychology, psychiatry. and medecine are not exact sciences and that second opinions are a good thing if feel so inclinded.
Take care and good luck.
mctavish23 ( Robert)
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Post by Momof2Boys on Feb 4, 2004 10:08:39 GMT -5
:)Thanks everyone for your prayers and concern. I also believe in telling the truth to my kids, to some extent. I have spoken to him about the issue of how he daydreams so much, and his lack of attention. I plan on spending some time with him tonight and start the process of letting him know that we have this appointment and that its not like a regular DR where they run test with needles or machines. He was in the hospital for Christmas with pneumonia, so he knows about needles and those types of test. I plan on talking about the issue of not paying attention in class and that its not his fault, its something that we need to look into and see if there are things we can do to help him learn to stay on task. There are lots of people out there with the same problem. Its nothing serious, we just need some help from someone to show us how to help you more. I'm sure he will understand. I am pretty open with my kids. Thanks again......I'll let you know how things go after my visit..........God Bless
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Post by Honeysmom on Feb 4, 2004 12:28:49 GMT -5
Just one word of caution. Your ds is older than mine, so maybe it does not affect him as much, but don't promise that there will not be any needles or anything. I did that once, assuming there would not be, and we saw an ADHD specialist who worked in a clinic and she did want to send him to the lab to do some blood work. She was nice enough to put if off until the next visit b/c I had already made the promise. Probably won't apply to you so don't worry. I just thought of it b/c that is Honey's disclaimer every time we see a doctor. "No shots today."
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