in spec. edu program and issues with auditory processing

[Anonymous]

Hi,

My son (almost 3) has been attending PT special education classes in FCPS since Jan. He does have an attention issue and is often dreamy and easily distracted. The teacher is not recommending that he sees a school psychologist since he is so young. His teacher still thinks that with continued work, etc. he can improve. BTW, his teacher is amazing and so capable that I do trust her judgement. When is it suggested that children get tested for ADD/ADHD? And does anyone know of docs who do this kind of work in the area.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

I don't think a child can be officially diagnosed with ADD/ADHD until around age 6 or 7. It may be helpful to see a developmental pediatrician now about these issues, though. My daughter, who is 5, has significant attention issues and her developmental pediatrician has said since age 4 that she has "probable ADHD" but also says only time will tell. Children's National Medical Center has developmental pediatricians. We drive from Virginia to Kennedy-Krieger in Baltimore and feel the trip is worth it a couple of times a year.