Does my 4 1/2 year old son have ADHD, something else, or just too immature for class?

Why is he starting Kindergarten at 4 1/2? It doesn't sound like a kindergarten enviornment is suitable for him.. yet. A year of pre-k could get him used to a classroom setting. Even though many children appear advanced (they can count to 100, know the alphabet, can do basic math skills, etc) it doesn't mean they have the self-control skills developed yet that will enable them to learn in a highly structured enviornment. Hold off on the doctor and meds, as a mental health professional I can tell you that there is almost NO legit reason for a child that age to be on behavior medications. However if you can afford the time and money consider a family based therapist to assess your situation and give you some more personal recommendations.

Well, I think he started Kindergarten to early. Kindergarten is for ages 5-6 in most places. Try waiting until next year and see what happens. You can always take him to the doctor to see if he has AD-HD. But most 4 1/2 year old boys are wild.The one I babysit doesn't sit still!

He was too young to start kindergarten. You should have waited another year. And to answers your question, the kid is 4 1/2. Also no kids are the same. You can have a calm kid, but then his brother could be wild.

I think it sounds like immaturity. I mean I have adhd and I know just wanting to be difficult isnt one of the symtoms. You should take him to a doctor and try to get a professional opinion however.

I think he is undisciplined. And before you get up on your high horse, no, I am not criticizing your parenting skills. I had a son like this. No problems with my other two children. But when we were referred to a child and family psychological unit I was amazed how much they helped. Our parenting was fine with our other children, but we needed to learn other parenting skills with our 'active' child. Whether it is ADHD or not, it is learning the right parenting skills that will help your son progress in a positive way through life. On a more cheerful note, my son (who was probably much worse than yours) suddenly calmed down when he was 9 years old.

I think you should redshirt him and in that time take him to a doctor. Sadly society is too quick to lable kids adhd when in reality your kid is just being a kid. I think he needs a year. He is pretty young to be starting anyways.

Mayo clinics site for adhd should have some helpful information - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275/DSECTION=symptoms Many cases of ADHD are parenting issues and not a medical problem with the kid. This does NOT mean you are a bad parent, it just means you need to find the right way to reach that particular kid. As a suggestion, look at the "Supernanny" type shows. At first glance, many of those kids would get a adhd label. BUT, when effective discipline methods are taught and in place, the kids are magically cured. It sounds like he has a behavioral problem, on how to behave in different situations. Basically he either does not know the rules or does know them and does not follow them. Something to consider is how and when you discipline him. Is it consistent? Do you explain why? "You can not climb on the refrigerator. The refrigerator is for keeping food in. The playground is where we can climb things. We'll go to the playground another time. If you keep climbing inside the house, you will be in timeout. This is your warning." and then FOLLOW THROUGH. Counting does NOT work with kids. I do not know how many times I see parents go, "I'm going to count to 10". The kid starts behaving at 9 3/4's, because they figured out the second time you did this that you weren't serious. Why not teach the kid to behave the first time? I teach, and I have successfully broken the I'll behave when you get almost to the magic number, but starting at ZERO and going into NEGATIVE numbers. Especially with a little kid, this can work remarkably well. Then explain to them, you are not counting again. Counting is for fun and math, not for behaving. Education your child - have you considered homeschooling? This can provide a way to teach a smart kid, without the need to force them into the developmentally inappropriate behaviour of sitting still for extended periods of time.

well i dont have any kids....but the behaviour u described reminds me of my cousins kid.....we went to visit an aunt and he turned her house upside down in minutes...bit people...kicked....pinched and spat. Weirdest thing is i think he picked it up from preschool.. Now i dont think ur son exhibiting adhd...i think its plan simple naughtiness...maybe he needs to be diciplined...or maybe he needs a behavioural theraphist. Maybe he seeks attention and gets it this way....he is the middle child...middlekid syndrome? Adhd requires medication...my opinion...ret tranquils kids and turns them into zombies....so consider other things before starting him on meds please

Ma'am I'm sorry but what you described sounds alot like autism. If it is it's a mild case. I sure hope not and pray for the best.