Is there a point when "spirited" can become a special need?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is my ADHD/anxiety/gifted kid.

Who did the ADHD diagnosis?

OP here.

A child psychologist

He also ruled out anxiety and depression

I don’t think he is depressed. A PP used the word intense - that’s the perfect word to describe him.

My husband is similar I guess except he’s learned how to channel it productively (work, hobbies, home improvement projects - he never just sits around watching tv or reading).

Maybe that’s where DS gets it from.

[Anonymous]

My DS is a teenager- he is similar in that he is very sensitive to his environment - he has gotten easier but he is still my more difficult child.

He needs sleep, food and his schedule -he has anxiety, but I think his "sensitivity" is just something we constantly work on.

For my son, it's some of anxiety and worry and some is just he isn't a flexible person. We are constantly working on things like

"think about it from the other person's perspective", " what are some other ways to look at this, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DS is a teenager- he is similar in that he is very sensitive to his environment - he has gotten easier but he is still my more difficult child.

He needs sleep, food and his schedule -he has anxiety, but I think his "sensitivity" is just something we constantly work on.

For my son, it's some of anxiety and worry and some is just he isn't a flexible person. We are constantly working on things like

"think about it from the other person's perspective", " what are some other ways to look at this, etc.

How else are you working on his sensitivity? My son is only 5 but fits op's description and tbh, I was kind of challenging and not very flexible as a kid -- needed more sleep etc. I'm 40 now and I'm still the same. I'd like to help my young son, so he can manage better as he grows.

[Anonymous]

My 11yo is highly sensitive and also has ASD and anxiety. If he's at all stressed (low on sleep, hasn't eaten recently, long day, ...) he may break down in tears if I chastise his brother. I see where his sensitivity overlaps with his other diagnoses, but it's also just another part of what makes him him. He's been working with his therapist on listening and processing rather than reacting. I think the phrase they use is "listen, don't react".

[Anonymous]

Raises hand with a spirited boy...

We just started kindergarten and it has been full of ups and downs. The developmental ped said he’s doing great and that we’ll evaluate for adhd towards the end of the year (I have add/adhd too) but to be wary of anyone who tries to diagnose him with it preemptively.

What I’ve come to realize is that there are tons of adults who eat the same thing every day or need to wear “uniforms” and such and they can still thrive. But, OMG, it is so tiring!!!!

[Anonymous]

My 8 year old DD is very similar. Her neuropsych testing showed ADHD but I also just feel in my gut that it’s something more. Extra is the perfect way to describe my kid. Every day is exhausting.