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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I have been told by multiple therapists (child psychologist, child psychiatrist, and OT) that ADHD would not be diagnosed in a 3-4 year old[b] unless the hyperactive behavior was extremely severe and distruptive, like they literally can't focus enough to eat, run into the street constantly, danger to themselves.[/b] I don't know if this is what you are dealing with. In our case I strongly suspect we will get an ADHD diagnosis in a few years but the most anyone had ever said to us now (at 4) is "keep tabs on his attention." [/quote]

I'm not sure why the therapists told you that, but my kid didn't meet any of the criteria you listed and was diagnosed at 4 by a developmental pediatrician. His behaviors were never this extreme.  We waited until school age to start medication, especially b/c the behaviors got worse.

OP, I think what you need is a differential diagnosis.  I would make an appointment at Children's or KKI with a developmental pediatrician.  It will take a while, but I think will be worthwhile to have some confirmation.

In the mean time, I'd look into behavioral therapy as well as try to a functional behavioral assessment with the preschool so that he gets the support he needs in the classroom.  If they don't want to do this, I'd look for another preschool.[/quote]

they told me that because ADHD is diagnosed and it is [b]extremely hard to distinguish between normal 3-4 year old behavior and abnormal[/b]. The criteria are very subjective. Even just a year later (now close to 5) it has become much more clear what aspects are what. eg he has a fine motor delay and now it's easier to tell what is short attention span, and what is frustration with legitimate challenges. Also I think it might have to do with the fact that it would be very hard to justify medicating a 3 year old if the symptoms weren't having extreme impacts (eg risking their life by running into the streets). Later when the academic impacts are relevant the calculus would change.

[/quote]

No it's really not.[/quote]

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