Is It ADHD? The Teacher and Doctor Disagree
Ask the Experts: My second-grader's teacher and principal say he has ADHD, but the
doctor says he doesn't. What should I do?
By Dr. Stacie Bunning, Clinical Psychologist
Question: My son's teacher
and the principal say that my child has ADHD, but my doctor says he doesn't. What
can I do?
Answer: First, find out the exact nature of the
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teacher's and principal's concerns. It is not unusual for school personnel to quickly
label a child with attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder if the child exhibits occasional hyperactivity, inattention or
impulsivity in the classroom. These behaviors, though disruptive, may not be consistent
or severe enough to qualify as true ADHD.
If you have not already done so, ask for a conference so they can share their thoughts
and give you more specific information about your son's behavior. Discuss successful
and unsuccessful interventions that have been attempted in the classroom. Ask the
teacher to fill out a behavior checklist, such as the Conners Rating Scales or the Child Behavior Checklist, which you can get from the
school counselor or your pediatrician. Data from these checklists can be presented
to the physician to assist in his/her assessment.
Second, keep in mind that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is actually a
complex neurological disorder. Diagnosis and treatment of ADHD requires specialized
knowledge and training. As such, consider having your child evaluated by a child
psychiatrist or a pediatric neurologist — comprehensive assessment by a specialist
would be worth your peace of mind and might reassure school personnel that you have
taken their concerns seriously.
Finally, what do you think? As his parent, you know your son better than anyone,
and have seen him at his best and at his worst. If you are confident in your doctor's
opinion that your son does not have ADHD, ask the teacher what the next step is
to help your son succeed in the classroom. Collaborate with your son's educators
and support their efforts. Being a strong advocate in your child's school is an
important part of parenting.
Dr. Stacie Bunning, Psy.D,
is a licensed clinical psychologist in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. She has worked
with children, adolescents and their families in a variety of clinical settings
for 20 years. She also teaches courses in child psychology, adolescent psychology
and human development through the lifespan at Maryville University in St. Louis.
Advice from our experts is not a substitute for medical or other professional advice
and services from a qualified health-care provider familiar with your unique situation.
We recommend consulting a qualified professional if you have concerns about your
child's medical or emotional condition.
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