The Forums › Forums › Parenting & ADD › Diagnosis negative for my kid – but I know she has ADD – now what? › Reply To: Diagnosis negative for my kid – but I know she has ADD – now what?
Hi there,
I never had the same experience you had, my daughter got diagnosed last year and when I tried to find out more about ADD in girls I discovered that pretty much everything applied to me as well.
That said, as a mom I think you know your child best. I know well enough that the behaviours the children show at school can differ tremendously at home. So the teachers and other professionals at school might not see what we deal with daily at home.
At school my daughter does well, her test scores are great and don’t reflect the struggles I notice. She has a hard time with reading and writing (we are still looking into the possibility of dyslexia). Her teacher last year told her she just needs to read more, write more, practise more and get over her shyness.
They didn’t see the anxiety and frustration with reading/writing that I get at home. My girl is definitely not shy, but shuts down when she gets overwhelmed.
Soon I will go to school and push for an IEP (individualized education plan). Not because she is not doing well, but because I want her to get the best opportunity to shine. I don’t want to wait until her grades drop, until there IS a problem and she’s behind.
Any way, long story…but what I am saying is: if you are convinced your daughter has ADD and will benefit from a diagnosis DON’T GIVE UP. Write a list of things that you notice at home with your daughter. Make your own questionaire for the teacher, so the teacher may observe in a class room setting. If the school is not willing to help more at this time, maybe look for help or an assessment privately.
I would definitely not give up, eventhough finding the right people to help is hard and takes time. Your girl deserves it ! And I think you can be the very best advocate she can ever have, because you know exactly where she’s coming from. You an explain the way she thinks, acts and feels to others (teachers, doctors etc), because you know from experience.
Take Care,
K.