Where do I start? (possible ADHD)

Parents Forum Learning Differences and Challenges - LD, ADHD
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<p>I think my HS freshman D may have ADHD. I think she has all but a couple of the characteristics I've seen listed for ADHD. Since she was young, she's always been disorganized, impulsive, fidgety, hyper, etc. However, nowhere along the line has any teacher, social worker, principal, etc. from her schools mentioned ADHD or any LD. I've heard from them about behavior and the like, but never about any learning issue.</p>

<p>Now she's in high school, has acknowledged that "this counts" and is trying. After 3 weeks, she's failing. She has a couple Fs, a couple Ds, a couple Cs. She's lost points for leaving homework in her locker and forgetting homework assignments. She's failed a couple tests. She's had to have her seat changed in 3 different classes. And in classes with participation points, she's getting Fs in participation for blurting things out, or in the case of Spanish class, for speaking English (example: another student will say Peru is in Europe, and D's first reaction will be to blurt out "no it's not" in English). I have been sitting down with her to do homework at night and it's torture. She has a LOT of homework and can't go more than 15 minutes without needing a break. She can't sit still. She drives me nuts with all the fidgety things she's doing; I can see why she's always getting in trouble with teachers. I went through her notebooks, and when she takes notes, there's no rhyme or reason to the page she chooses to take them on. I'll find English notes in the Spanish section of the notebook (in the middle, not near any other page with writing), a couple lines of biology in the social studies notebook, etc., but mostly just doodling. I've set her up with a fairly simple organizational scheme, but although she can find some things, and seems to try to stay organized, she's still a hot mess where organization is concerned. </p>

<p>I don't know if she has ADHD, but I know there's something wrong. The problem is I don't know where to start. How do I go about having her evaluated? Should I be talking to someone at the school? I don't even know where to begin or who to consult. Any help would be appreciated.</p>

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<p>Start with her pediatrician, ask for refs. Go with her to the first appt or two- and then occasionally, to check in, see progress (or lack) and to give your input. If there is any suspicion the first counselor is not the right match for her, change asap. Resolving this will be hard on both of you- sometimes it takes time. But, my heart goes out to you for caring. One thing I have learned is that you cannot look back too much- can’t say, well, no one flagged it in the past- because hs and puberty bring intense changes. Emphasize not the illness, but that she can try baby steps, to practice better control.</p>