Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 5/12/2006

Question
We recently had our 10 year old tested at school for ADHD after years of her being "too talkative" and constantly out of her seat in class.  After evaluating the Connor's scores, the school psychologist believes she has a tendency towards ADHA.  She was also tested for the gifted program at the same time and although she did very well in the verbal her math score was average and she did not qualify for the program.  My questions are as follows:  Would a pedicatric neurologist be the best to see for diagnosis and treatment? Are the ADHD diets helpful and if so, which one would you recommend? Last, in our school system they have "inclusion" classrooms which have learning disabled/life skills children and general children in one classroom with both a spec. ed and regualr teacher.  The guidance counselor recommended this for our daughter but we aren't sure if this would be overstimulating for her to be in a class such as this, and we think it would damage her self-esteem to know she was placed in this type of class.  She manages well in her current classroom but we know the talking and getting up has become annoying to her classmates as well as her teacher. She is intelligent enough to get good grades, but we feel eventually her lack of focus will catch up with her and her grades will slip.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. THank you for your time.

Answer
Firstly, an appology for the delay, but I was not aware of your request.
ADHD is a medical, ,Neuroligical condition ,thus a Psychologist could test ,but a medical expert does the final diagnosis and plans treatment. As medical treatment forms the most important starting point, once again you will need a doctgor to decide about the need for medical treatment. Diet plays no part what-so -ever in the treatment of ADHD other than a healthy diet. With a good IQ there is very often no need to place the child in any special progrgram until the treatment team has had a chance to prove itself. The initial team consists of the parent's motivation, teacher's education, doctor's medication and a dedicated and unstresses child. You are quite correct about the future. If not attended to at the easliest, underachievement is the  unfortunate outcome. See a medical expert and good luck!