Had the psych appt for son today....

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Registered: 03-25-2003
Had the psych appt for son today....
3
Tue, 02-07-2006 - 10:38pm

This doc was absolutely wonderful. Loved him...loved him...loved him. He was quite thorough. My Mom had come with me and he allowed her to come into the room, too. He spent over a hour interviewing Dakota, my Mom and I. The appt was a big turn around of the previous appt with the other doc we saw in another town who stated that he wouldn't even diagnosis my son due to his age. Don't get me wrong...I'm not pushing for a diagosis of any kind. I had rather not have one at all. Well, after telling this new doc everything...what is going on at school, home, etc., he had come to his conclusion. This conclusion was also based on the counselor notes he received long before Dakota's appt. He stated that Dakota definitely has ADHD and feels that he has a very mild form of Pervasive Developmental Disorder and a very mild form of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. For the ADHD, he prescribed Focalin XR, which I have decided to give a try. For the PDD, he suggests social skills therapy/training. For the ODD, he suggests behavioral management. I'm not thrilled that he has these diagnosis but at least now I know what I'm up against and it gives me an idea what we need to do to help him.

Michelle

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Registered: 04-11-2003
Wed, 02-08-2006 - 8:08am
Glad to hear this appointment went better!
Samantha
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 02-08-2006 - 9:55am

Same thing I just mentioned to another mom. Your right. All of us would rather not have a diagnosis at all, but that isnt in the cards for us. Whether or not you seek a diagnosis, your child is still the same child and still has these neurobiological challenges. By putting a label to those challenges it helps to understand them and to access appropriate supports as well as plan for the best ways to help them learn and grow.

Glad you had a good doctor this time. THat can make all the difference in the world.

Renee

ps, editted to add - My youngest is diagnosed with ADHD and mild PDD-NOS. He would also definitely fit the criteria for ODD (probably more than the other 2). He is doing fabulous with some behavior management support, diet (he had seizures on ritalin so I don't do meds with him) and social skills stuff. There are some rough patches here and there but overall he is doing really great and continues to grow. We just took him off his IEP last week.




Edited 2/8/2006 9:58 am ET by rbear4
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Registered: 02-24-2004
Wed, 02-08-2006 - 2:31pm

Michelle,

Glad to hear it went well! Our dr was quite thorough too, and went over everything. Getting an actual dx is hard, but at least you know what you're looking at now. Hope the meds work out for Dakota. Keep us updated!

michelle