Frustration Tolerance

[Anonymous]

I have a 3rd grade DC who does very well in school academically, is able to focus during lessons and complete work, but struggles
socially with being flexible in group work. Frustration tolerance is also very low in these instances. If DC doesn’t get their way or feels someone else isn’t following “the rules” they get angry and sometimes cry. It was mentioned at the most recent parent teacher conference.

Is this just a lack of emotional maturity? Has anyone else child displayed these symptoms but fallen in the no man’s land of not enough for a diagnosis but worse off than their peers?

[Anonymous]

Are they autistic? Being treated for anxiety?

[Anonymous]

Sounds like cognitive rigidity.

[Anonymous]

I mean this is me at work honestly just under the surface.

[Anonymous]

My kid has all the diagnoses. But there were a lot of kids like that in their social skills class. Most had ADHD but not all had diagnoses. We went to Stepping Stones at In Step in Merrifield.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are they autistic? Being treated for anxiety?

Definitely not autistic. Not anxious either. Just isn’t very resilient in reeling in big feelings before they become an issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid has all the diagnoses. But there were a lot of kids like that in their social skills class. Most had ADHD but not all had diagnoses. We went to Stepping Stones at In Step in Merrifield.

Op here. DC is in the resilience builders program at Alvord baker. It’s a good program but the effects aren’t immediate and will take time to put the skills into use. I guess the issue is that DC doesn’t require medication but is still struggling at times in social settings. Maybe dc just needs to mature?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid has all the diagnoses. But there were a lot of kids like that in their social skills class. Most had ADHD but not all had diagnoses. We went to Stepping Stones at In Step in Merrifield.

Op here. DC is in the resilience builders program at Alvord baker. It’s a good program but the effects aren’t immediate and will take time to put the skills into use. I guess the issue is that DC doesn’t require medication but is still struggling at times in social settings. Maybe dc just needs to mature?

No he needs someone to teach him how to interact appropriately.

[Anonymous]

Both DH and adult DD have adhd and very low frustration tolerance. It is almost comical. Never outgrew it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid has all the diagnoses. But there were a lot of kids like that in their social skills class. Most had ADHD but not all had diagnoses. We went to Stepping Stones at In Step in Merrifield.

Op here. DC is in the resilience builders program at Alvord baker. It’s a good program but the effects aren’t immediate and will take time to put the skills into use. I guess the issue is that DC doesn’t require medication but is still struggling at times in social settings. Maybe dc just needs to mature?

No he needs someone to teach him how to interact appropriately.

Well that is what the social skills group he’s in is for. It’s one thing to practice skills in group and another to apply them in real life. Many adults aren’t able to pause and take deep breaths when they get upset. He doesn’t really meet the threshold for medication. I guess I’m looking for a quick fix that doesn’t exist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid has all the diagnoses. But there were a lot of kids like that in their social skills class. Most had ADHD but not all had diagnoses. We went to Stepping Stones at In Step in Merrifield.

Op here. DC is in the resilience builders program at Alvord baker. It’s a good program but the effects aren’t immediate and will take time to put the skills into use. I guess the issue is that DC doesn’t require medication but is still struggling at times in social settings. Maybe dc just needs to mature?

That certainly sounds like anxiety. How do you know he doesn't require medication?

[Anonymous]

I could have written this! A nueropysch uncovered details that have helped explain the underlying why. We are systematically trying different interventions and supports with medication soon but last. The 1x1 therapist for social skills has helped immensely, but feels like all kids are struggling with friendships in this over programmed and lonely age. Playing card games slowly was rec to build frustration tolerance and seems to help. You might probe for a diagnosis again? Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I could have written this! A nueropysch uncovered details that have helped explain the underlying why. We are systematically trying different interventions and supports with medication soon but last. The 1x1 therapist for social skills has helped immensely, but feels like all kids are struggling with friendships in this over programmed and lonely age. Playing card games slowly was rec to build frustration tolerance and seems to help. You might probe for a diagnosis again? Good luck!

Thanks op here! What sort of details did the neuropsych undercover that helped explain the underlying why?

[Anonymous]

You described my DS in 3rd grade. He’s now in 8th and is finally medicated for anxiety. It took awhile to get that diagnosis as he also has ADHD and as he got older his frustration morphed into easily getting angry which isn’t a great combo for school. We also did the Alford Baker Resilience Builders and he’s in biweekly therapy. Medication really made the difference though.

[Anonymous]

My DS has ADHD and this is him exactly. He’s in 6th and it has gotten a little better.