6 yo recently diagnosed with ADHD and Anxiety - Need a psychologist referral

[Anonymous]

Hello,

My DS was diagnosed with ADHD and Anxiety a few weeks ago (6 yo)

I'll try to make to short. He started at a new school this fall (private), which we thought it would be good for him because it was "small", shortly after he started exhibiting new behaviors, not integrating, loud, not sitting still, not following directions, etc. Not a good experience. The school was not able to "support" him.

We did an neuropsych evaluation. He just started at a Public school this week, where they will have the resources to support him. This has been a very difficult time for him and for our family.

I'm new to all this and trying to move forward and set up appointments for behavioral, social skills, etc.

I'm looking for recommendations for a good child psychologist who offers Parent Child management training. Thank you!!!

[Anonymous]

Where are you located?

[Anonymous]

I'm in North Arlington but willing to drive to other locations. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Sorry I can't offer you a referral. But I will say we had what sounds like a similar (awful) experience last year with my then 6 year old who has since been diagnosed with ADHD. It was very hard to find a psychologist and then we found one and had an awful experience. But what I'm writing to say is that it got much better after we 1) got him into OT and a social group run by a speech pathologist to deal with his sensory issues and social skills; 2 really changed our parenting to be more encouraging and clear about the expectations; and 3 helped him gain skills that made him confidence (eg tying his shoes). I'm sure counseling could help too but I don't think many do much to help with the times you're not in session. I hope things turn around for you all

[Anonymous]

we use dr. Joshua Weiner in McLean and I highly recommend him. He sees a wide range of clients. He’s worked with my you g son since he was 5.5. Hes very smart and responsive and takes things very carefully.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry I can't offer you a referral. But I will say we had what sounds like a similar (awful) experience last year with my then 6 year old who has since been diagnosed with ADHD. It was very hard to find a psychologist and then we found one and had an awful experience. But what I'm writing to say is that it got much better after we 1) got him into OT and a social group run by a speech pathologist to deal with his sensory issues and social skills; 2 really changed our parenting to be more encouraging and clear about the expectations; and 3 helped him gain skills that made him confidence (eg tying his shoes). I'm sure counseling could help too but I don't think many do much to help with the times you're not in session. I hope things turn around for you all

New PP. Who did you see for OT and social group by SP?

[Anonymous]

We are in the same boat, just started 2nd grade in APS from private school. Teacher complained from first week, my kid had some issues in private smaller class but nothing like this. My younger son has IEP, so I consider that I have some experience, although different issues. I personally don't find OT useful unless there are fine motor delays. I asked the school special ed teacher for meeting to provide in class support while doing Tomatis. We did it for my younger son and I do think it helps. Early next year after we finish the Tomatis and have in class organization support and if that doesn't work, I will ask the school for formal evaluation and will do our private one on the side. At this point we will do behavioral therspy as well. If none if this work, by end if school year, we will look into medication. I don't want my kid to struggle in 3rd grade too. If nothing work medication will be an option. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are in the same boat, just started 2nd grade in APS from private school. Teacher complained from first week, my kid had some issues in private smaller class but nothing like this. My younger son has IEP, so I consider that I have some experience, although different issues. I personally don't find OT useful unless there are fine motor delays. I asked the school special ed teacher for meeting to provide in class support while doing Tomatis. We did it for my younger son and I do think it helps. Early next year after we finish the Tomatis and have in class organization support and if that doesn't work, I will ask the school for formal evaluation and will do our private one on the side. At this point we will do behavioral therspy as well. If none if this work, by end if school year, we will look into medication. I don't want my kid to struggle in 3rd grade too. If nothing work medication will be an option. Good luck!

Also to add that we don't have formal evaluation yet and I'm not doing it just yet, because my son's issues had been more serious for only two month, so I want to wait to see if settling in after few months will help. I personally believe for the diagnosis to be valid, the symptoms should be consistent for 6 months.But I do think if it doesn't get better it will be most likely ADD and some anxiety issues.

[Anonymous]

You should be talking to a psychiatrist about meds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should be talking to a psychiatrist about meds.

Can you recommend good ones?

[Anonymous]

OP, thank you for posting. I wish I knew you in real life! This has been such a lonely experience. Our 6 y/o was also just diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety through a private neuropsych evaluation. Like your son, my DS has had an extremely difficult time in school (1st grade). We are in Alex City Public Schools. We just started our search for a psychologist and have lucked out so far. Ideally, we will find a good psych who accepts insurance, but I’m finding that most don’t. I’ll be following this thread closely.

Medication is our absolute last resort, and I say this without judgement of other parents who decide differently.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, thank you for posting. I wish I knew you in real life! This has been such a lonely experience. Our 6 y/o was also just diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety through a private neuropsych evaluation. Like your son, my DS has had an extremely difficult time in school (1st grade). We are in Alex City Public Schools. We just started our search for a psychologist and have lucked out so far. Ideally, we will find a good psych who accepts insurance, but I’m finding that most don’t. I’ll be following this thread closely.

Medication is our absolute last resort, and I say this without judgement of other parents who decide differently.

Yo need to move or go private. Acps has virtually no sped services. And the schools are already terrible.

[Anonymous]

And no, no good psychs take insurance. And medication sounds necessary rather than having a “terrible” time. I judge parents who’d rather they stand by their “moral” stances meds and let their kids have terrible time.

[Anonymous]

Medication is virtually every parents’ last resort. Most of us tried diet, exercise, years of therapy 4 times a week. I

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, thank you for posting. I wish I knew you in real life! This has been such a lonely experience. Our 6 y/o was also just diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety through a private neuropsych evaluation. Like your son, my DS has had an extremely difficult time in school (1st grade). We are in Alex City Public Schools. We just started our search for a psychologist and have lucked out so far. Ideally, we will find a good psych who accepts insurance, but I’m finding that most don’t. I’ll be following this thread closely.

Medication is our absolute last resort, and I say this without judgement of other parents who decide differently.

It's very hard to find a good psychologist who takes insurance, so just bite the bullet and pay out of pocket. Don't treat medication as a "last resort." Treat it as one tool in your toolbox. Most parents who resist medication at first end up regretting they didn't try it sooner.