We tested my son because of the focus issues.
Same here - the teachers thought DS had the 'worst case of ADHD ever.'
The tester felt confident that he does not have ADD (which was our concern based on teachers frustrations with him).
Same with our 2nd grade tester, Same with our 3rd grade tester. 4th grade tester saw ADD, but was kind of a jerk. Chart review by Private Gifted Specialist saw it in 6th grade. Psychologist saw it in 8th grade, when DS demanded to be evaluated and medicated. Really excellent Gifted Tester saw it 'for sure' last year.
I sat on the fence so long I got metaphorical splinters!
In addition to the medication, which DS reports feeling 'more like himself' on. ((Yuck!)) I've found this book to be the only really helpful parenting book ever: Transforming the Difficult Child Workbook: An Interactive Guide to The Nurtured Heart Approach [Perfect Paperback]
Lisa Bravo (Author), Howard Glasser
If you are inclined to read the same thing from a less practical perspecitive, I would recommend the more recent:
Notching Up the Nurtured Heart Approach - The New Inner Wealth Initiative for Educators - Perfect Paperback (Jan. 23, 2011) by Howard Glasser with Melissa Block, Chris Howell and Richard Diffenderfer
He does fine if given challenging work, and falls apart on the mundane everyday tasks at home and at school.
Thanks to the above books, this is no longer true at our house. We've really hothoused 'taking no for an answer,' 'walking away from a hot-button topic,' and 'finding something to enjoy.' DS14 is doing beautifully lately with those very challenging issues.
Peace,
Grinity
