Diagnosing and Handling ADHD

My son is in second grade and showing signs of ADHD according to his teacher. I notice his lack of attention, failure to follow directions and fidgeting at home, too. He currently works above grade level; however, the teacher needs to constantly get him back on task because his attention span is so very short. She wants to have the behavioral specialist come and observe him and develop a behavior plan. Next, testing will come and then a label, which I do not want my son to have, as the school handles ADHD in a cookie-cutter fashion. I plan to discuss ADHD with his doctor next month. What do you think I should do to solve this problem? -- Concerned
Answer: The school has identified your son as possibly having an attention problem, which could hurt him academically down the road. Now is the time, as the teacher suggests, to do something to help him with his attention issues. They are not likely to disappear without some focus on them at school as well as at home.
You definitely owe it to your young son to let the school develop the behavior plan and then, if necessary, have him tested. Don't worry about the labeling as much as getting the right diagnosis. If required, an Individual Education Plan or a 504 Plan will be written for your son telling his teachers what they can do to improve his attention span. How effective any education plan will be depends greatly on your input into what needs to be done and your checking frequently to see if the plan works.
Your son's doctor needs to talk to you about the best ways to handle your son's possible ADHD. Beyond this, you need to learn all you can about the ways to help your child. One very helpful website is that of ADDitude Magazine, at
www.additudemag.com. Our Dear Teacher website also has many helpful hints on ways to help children with ADD or ADHD.