Misdiagnoses in Schools: Disruptive or ADD/ADHD?

All kids become fidgety now and again. Can't sit still; become impatient at the worse times. Although frustrating, parent's deal with it and we all make it through the day. We learn to adapt but schools don't or won't adjust and they began labeling a child disruptive. But what if it's more? This exact scenario happened to me. I felt bad for punishing my daughter, when all along, it wasn't her fault. The teacher made inappropriate comments to the class, which the school never addressed. It's funny how schools expect you to drop everything when they beckon and they want problems addressed immediately. When a parent has a problem with a teacher or the teacher clearly has done something out of character, the school will try and brush it aside.

ADD and ADHD are neurological disorders that render a child inattentive, hyperactive or can also affect speech. Teachers and other school personnel usually will not pick this up. As I said before, it is easier to label the child disruptive, calling the parents to school for conferences, explaining how your child will not listen or follow directions. It can become a nightmare. The easiest thing to do is approach the subject with your doctor. They can order simple tests and then you will know how to handle your child's situation. Once diagnosed, you can present the findings to the school and they must set up strategies to help your child in school. Children with ADD and ADHD are eligible for special services or accommodations at school under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) and an anti-discrimination law known as Section 504. It's not as scary as it seems but don't wait and make sure you hold the school accountable. Know yours and your child's rights and go into the school prepared. Parents that know the laws that protect them cannot have the wool pulled over their eyes.

Some symptoms of the inattentive type of ADD are:

1. Being easily distracted from a task, lesson, or conversation
2. Difficulty keeping the mind on any one thing
3. Getting bored with a task before it's completed
4. Skipping over details
5. Making careless mistakes
6. Difficulty listening when directly addressed
7. Difficulty following instructions or finishing tasks
8. Disorganization and forgetfulness

Children experiencing the hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD may:

1. Fidget and squirm or have trouble staying seated at all
2. Move around constantly, often running or climbing inappropriately
3. Have difficulty with quiet, sedentary activities
4. Talk excessively
5. Blurt out answers before questions are completed
6. Speak tactlessly or inappropriately
7. Exhibit difficulty waiting
8. Interrupt or intrude on others