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Does My Son Have AD/HD or a Behavior Issue?

Ask the Experts: My son acts out at school and at home. Is it AD/HD or a behavior issue?

By Dr. Stacie Bunning, Clinical Psychologist

Question: My son is on point academically. However, he talks out during class, he doesn't respect authority, he makes fun of the blind child in the class, he laughs at the teacher when she is trying to discipline him and he never wants to go to school. He is pretty much the same way at home. He jumps on the furniture, he is impulsive and persistent. Does this sound like AD/HD or a behavior issue? All school year long I have received notes and phone calls from her that he has no respect for the class rules. I cannot tell her how to do her job. I do not know what to tell her. I simply do not want a zombie child, from him taking medication, because she cannot cope with his energy or behavior issues.

Answer: It sounds like you have two separate (but related) concerns. Let's deal with them one at a time. First, you should address your son's off-putting behaviors, because early negative experiences can color his entire school career, and it sounds like he is getting into quite a bit of trouble at school. While it is impossible to tell if his behaviors meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis, a cluster of disruptive behaviors suggests that additional assessment is needed.

If you have not already done so, ask for a conference with his teacher, and make an appointment with his pediatrician.

From the teacher, get very specific information about your child's classroom behavior. Ask her to fill out a behavior checklist, such as the Conners' Rating Scales - Revised or the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), which you can get from the school counselor or your pediatrician. Data from these checklists can be presented to the physician to assist in the assessment.

Consult with your son's pediatrician to rule out any medical problems, discuss the teacher's concerns, and share the problem behaviors you have seen from your son at home. If your son does have Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, explore different interventions and formulate a treatment plan.

Your use of the word "zombie" suggests that you have concerns about the use of medication to treat behavioral issues in children, which is understandable. While this is a common concern of many parents, I can tell you that AD/HD is a complex neurological disorder that has been researched extensively by both medical and psychological specialists. Most experts agree that the most effective treatment includes a combination of both medication and behavior modification techniques. The National Institute for Mental Health is an excellent resource.

If you still have doubts, consider having your son evaluated by a child psychiatrist or a pediatric neurologist. It would be worth your peace of mind and might reassure school personnel that you have taken their concerns seriously.

I also picked up on some frustration toward his teacher. Keep in mind that one disruptive child in a classroom takes a teacher's attention away from all of the other children, and learning for everyone is halted.

Dr. Stacie Bunning, 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.

Got a Question?

If your first=grader has an academic or school-related behavior problem you would like help solving, send it to myfirstgrader@greatschools.net

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.

May 2008

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Comments From GreatSchools.net Users

07/2/2008:

"Thank you for your response to my question...'Does my son have AD/HD or a behavior issue'. I still have not received the teacher's copy of the 'Conner's Scale'. Is there another way to obtain this? I know his behavior has been an issue since kindergarten. He is approaching 2nd grade and I definitely want this year to be off to a better start. Obviously, I am a parent who is wanting to work with the teachers and my son's issues. We have tried several methods at home for 'punishments'. Such as; no playstation or tv, writing apology notes, early bed time, chores and family group conversations. I am running out of ideas. I was really hoping to get this paperwork so that I could turn it in to our pediatrician for further evaluations. Is it a must have from the teacher or can I initiate this? I believe pediatrician stated that it had to be initiated by the school."

06/18/2008:

"As I am reading all of these comments I feel compelled to write from the perspective of both a teacher and a parent. While everyone is quick to state that the problem may lie with the teacher, one needs to look at how the parent handles the disruptive behavior at home. If there are no consequences to the behavior it will continue and translate into school. The parent wrote that he acts this way at home as well. As a teacher, our hands are tied in terms of discipline when a parent is not supportive. As a parent, one knows that handling an oppositional child is difficult, imagine having a few in the class of 25. See if you would be so quick to judge!!!"

06/4/2008:

"I too have concerns about my grandson. He is six yrs old and has been with me for over a year. I know that issues like missing his mother and little brother have a lot to do with some of his behaviors however he has been through alot as a young child. Understanding this when the school began to have problems in the class room I became very concerned about it. We had a big meeting witht he board and decided to have mental health intervine. I am hapy that I did because I thought that they would simply give him medication. That is not! the case. There are many approaches to this problem. I reccommend that parents with this concern work very closely with the school teachers and mental health. You will be surprised at the results. Debra from Calexico, CA"

06/4/2008:

"Dr. The teacher is obligated by law, as is the school, to intervene and offer ideas to correct the behavior as a first course of action. The teacher may very well be frustrated but it his her job as an educated paid professional to apply all of her talents and experience towards these exceptional childrens issues AND to control her frustration toward the child and the parents. I know, I've been at this point as a parent. "

06/3/2008:

"I read this and thought it was me writing the letter. My son just completed 1st grade with honor roll grades and an IQ of about 110 I believe. (we had him tested last summer) He didn't make honor roll due to his behavior. He laughs when disciplined as well and is SO infuriating. He hated school last year and I am afraid he has been 'tagged' already as the bad kid, but I hate to change schools.3ped's have said he is not ADD, unfortunatly he is 250% boy"

06/3/2008:

"I would like to state that sometimes a negative or ineffective teacher can exasperate a child's behaviors. When my son was three years old his preschool teacher advised me she thought he was ADHD and informed me he was uncontrollable, distruptive, unable to sit still, wouldn't listen, aggressive etc, etc. I was shocked as I had no idea he had so many problems. I took the day off from my work and observed him through the glass the following day (he absolutely did not know I was there) and he was fine. If anything I was shocked at how well behaved he really was. He listened, participated fully, raised his hand, was the first one to start his work... I was very confused. I observed him for three and half hours with not one behavior problem. My son did not know I was present, however the teacher did. So was she treating him differently because I was there? The only problem I did notice was that the teacher was trying to force my son to write with his right hand and he is ! left handed. While I was there observing I was approached by my older son's teacher. She was the the teacher from the five year old class. She stated she 'liked' my son and asked if she could take him into her classroom. I hesitated for concern of putting my three year old in with five year olds but decided to give it a try. My son moved into the other class with older kids and that was two years ago. He is still doing great, he's not perfect but he rarely get into trouble. I think sometimes teachers may have personality conflicts with children or just may not like them or show an interest in them. I think it is important to advocate for your child and make sure they are in an environment that is positive and nurturing. "