Today we had a very long day. It started with the first parent teacher conference at 730 this morning and we finally finished with appointments around 315 and then stopped in to see a friend who was being wheeled out of surgery. ADDYSON had a certain toy her friend has been looking for so we took it to her!
Parent teacher conferences went as expected…no major issues there. Addysons teacher agreed with us getting her tester for adhd and anxiety. She has noticed symptoms of both. I told her we had an appointment for both of those today.
We had to be to kki by 930 for a 3.5hr appointment. We made it in time!!! And yes the appointment took the whole time…but the dr was good. Very thorough. She said clinically she agrees with adhd (inattentive) and anxiety (unspecificed). The teacher was spot on. She said the same thing. The anxiety piece is still unspecified right now because her anxiety was never this bad until all the invasive medical procedures but now the anxiety is way more widespread. Trauma is trauma though and once it’s there it takes time to undo so we will keep working on that. We have to go get an ekg done because Addysons one done at chop was abnormal back in July so we can’t start any meds until her cardiologist signs off on her heart.
Her psychiatrist also mentioned possible dyslexia but we will table that for a few.
Addyson had a good appointment with Ellen her psychologist and we will see her again in 2 weeks
DSM-5 criteria for adhd:
The DSM-5 allows for diagnosis of the predominantly inattentive presentations of ADHD (ICD-10 code F90.0) if the individual presents six or more (five for adults) of the following symptoms of inattention for at least six months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
• Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
• Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
• Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
• Often has trouble organizing activities.
• Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period (such as schoolwork or homework).
• Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
• Is often easily distracted.
• Is often forgetful in daily activities.
An ADHD diagnosis is contingent upon the symptoms of impairment presenting themselves in two or more settings (e.g., at school or work and at home). There must also be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. Lastly, the symptoms must not occur exclusively during the course of a pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder, and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, personality disorder).
Examples of Observed Symptoms in Children
- Failing to pay close attention to details or making careless mistakes when doing school-work or other activities
- Trouble keeping attention focused during play or tasks
- Appearing not to listen when spoken to (often being accused of “daydreaming”)
- Failing to follow instructions or finish tasks
- Avoiding tasks that require a high amount of longer-term mental effort and organization, such as school projects
- Frequently losing items required to facilitate tasks or activities, such as school supplies
- Excessive distractibility
- Forgetfulness
- Procrastination, inability to begin an activity, such as completing homework
ADDYSON took the scared screening for anxiety tonight. I do think she answered truthfully. I agree with majority of them when it comes to her behaviors.
Mental health help is so important for everyone. Especially for the kids who go through so many invasive procedures and surgeries as these kids do.
Beaming with hope 