Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 12/6/2005

Question
Hello Ms DeLoatch,

My name is Louise and I am writing to about my seven year old son. Due to personal problems and relocation.  My son is now attending his fourth school.  In all of his school there have been concerns about his behaviour during the lessons.  He is prone to shouting out and wriggling around a lot.  He finishs his work quickly as he is a bright child but then goes on the mess about and distract the other children from their work. I really am at the end of my teather.  I have done some research on adhd and hyperactivity disorder.  I understand that the symptoms of these disorders should present themselves in mmore than one environment.  Yes he is a little energetic but no more so than I would imagine any other 7 year old confident boy would be.  It has been suggested that he suffers with a problem but out family doctor feels that this is not the case.  However I do know that the schooling system in state primary schools in this country is not a very attentive one due to huge class sizes and teachers uneducated in such matters.  Does any of this sound like my boy has real problems of is he just rebelling or being naughty.  I have tried shouting I have tried taking his stuff off him and tonight I sent him to his room straight after school and he stayed there until bedtime (except for food and bath).  He is always sorry or at least says so and he was very upset by this evenings punishment.  I could just do with some advice where to look for help or advice next.

I welcome any suggestion at this point.  He is a good boy at home and nice to be around.   HE is helpful. polite, respectful,fun, sweet, caring and so much more...he never has tantrums.

Yours sincerely

Louise

Answer
Dear Louise,

Thanks for asking me your question.  I apologize for taking so long to respond to you.  

I don't know where you live so I can't really compare how the education system might be where you are.  I also don't know how your son compares to other boys his age.  

It is true that it is said that these symptoms should present themselves in more than one environment, however, I think that tolerance makes a big difference and where one person sees challenges another might see zealousness.  It really is a matter of perspective.  

I would say that if it is bothering you son, if his grades are not good and he does not seem happy about school then you need to do something.  Moving 4 times in such a short period of time could by itself cause challenges in some children.  

I will also say that family doctors do not always understand development in children and a number of children do not get early intervention because someone said - they were 'just being boys.'  If you are concerned, if the teacher is concerned then look for more answers.  

If the school is offering support I would take it, so long as you feel comfortable.  If they just want you to fix it with medication, then I think you need to get more enlightened teachers for your son.  

I hope the response helps somewhat.  If you would like to write to me again and give me more details I may be of some better help to you - but I'm not sure exactly your son is doing to distract the other children and what exactly the teachers are saying to you or to him in terms of consequences.

With the limited information you gave me, these suggestions are first steps - consider the school's perspective, get a better handle on what the behaviors are that are challenging and what you think would improve your son's focus or decrease his impulsivity at school.  

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

Christine