by Elaine Thigpen

Created on: March 24, 2009

Should teachers be allowed to tell parents their child has ADD/ADHD? No. No teacher can tell a parent that a child has ADD/ADHD or any other illness, just because they do not have a license to diagnose. The best thing that the teacher can do is explain to the parent what is going on in the classroom. There might be changes going on at home that would cause the change. The child might be on medication and the teacher is not aware of it. Best thing is to monitor behaviors at home and keep close contact with the teacher. After a few months make an appointment with the pediatrician and give them your report, so they can make the determination.

In order to be diagnosed, symptoms must occur in more than one place setting for at least 6 months. Some of the symptoms, include fidgety, lack of focus, very loud while playing, careless, appear to not listen, short attention span, and does not think before speaking, just to name a few. There are different types of ADD/ADHD. In my experience, not one teacher made a hint of suggesting that he had ADD/ADHD. When my son was in Headstart (similar to PreK) he started to exhibit aggressive behaviors and was on medication. The teacher was aware of the medicine he was taking and thought, as well as researched the information, that the medicine was causing the problem. I confront the he pediatrician and he said that " The medicine has nothing to do with it" and not offered to help me find the cause of the aggressiveness. When taking any type of medication the instructions does not list all side effects, but do list some possible ones. A doctor or pediatrician who denies any link between medicine and side effect means it is time to get a second opinion. Probably wouldn't hurt to get a second or third opinion of the diagnosis.

A teacher can always offer their opinion. Sometimes have a teacher that might go as far as researching the information for you is good and shows that they truly care and wants the best for your child. If you have a teacher that does it, don't take it personally. I honestly believe that there are some who really care and will go up and beyond to help the parents with their child.

The bottom line is when your child starts to exhibit a change for the worse behaviors monitor it and keep a journal. Also document when the teacher starts having a problem and what kind behaviors they are at school. Document the slightest little thing because you never know that tiniest detail might help determine the diagnosis. As a parent you can always do the research as well on the symptoms. You might be surprised that the symptoms can lead to more than one diagnosis. As long as you are armed with the information when you goto the pediatrician they might be able to help narrow it down for you.

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