Adhd evaluation

He sounds like he might be autistic and that's okay mama, my daughter who's 5 is autistic, and has ADHD and she has something called odd. My inbox is open

@Kara we are waiting for a call to schedule an evaluation for autism.

@Kris when is it scheduled for ?

@Kara adhd is scheduled for Tuesday. I'm still waiting to hear back about the autism evaluation but it might be September or October. He is starting speech in July and OT in August

How old is he please? Also, i would highly recommend listening to this book. She gives fantastic, practical examples for almost every adhd trait. https://amzn.eu/d/iql0lBY

@Ghitta he's 5.5 years old

Your son sounds very much like my 3yo, but a few extras which sounds like autism to me so he may have audhd. Sleep: I play this for my daughter and she is now asleep in under 10mins. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/66Np1EGOCdMxlgZUq3p1hk?si=B2zzAdQhSAulorf7SihlpA&pi=IdPMtrgpQkmCT Since potty trained she also sleeps so much better. As dr for Melatonin. Depending on his age. Magnesium gummies may help too Make sure he gets daily vitamins! Other things you may or may not do already: 1. Optimise Sleep Hygiene (But ADHD-Style) Sleep hygiene advice often falls short unless adapted for neurodivergent brains. Predictable wind-down routine – at least 45 mins before bed, with visuals if helpful. Same bedtime/wake time – even weekends. Helps reset the circadian rhythm. Lighting – dim lights after dinner and complete blackout at bedtime. White noise – consistent sound can help calm the brain. Temperature – cool room (16–18°C) can signal the body it’s time to sleep.

Protein-rich bedtime snack – supports blood sugar and melatonin. Have a consistent Middle-of-the-Night Wake-Up Plan Keep interaction calm, minimal, and consistent. No screens. Try a low-stimulation comfort item (weighted blanket, soft audio story). Play that hypnotic playlist i mentioned earlier.

Depending on his age, as you didn't mention, you can do this: Evening Mind Dump or Worry Box Their brains don’t always process the day until they’re trying to sleep. Have a “brain dump journal” or worry box before bed. Get those thoughts out early. Use visuals or prompts to help them name emotions or thoughts. Adhd and autistic kids work much better with visual cards than words. I find this Facebook page helpful. https://www.facebook.com/share/15L7eUSZdt/

Physical Regulation During the Day Often, the problem at night reflects dysregulation during the day. Plenty of physical movement (outside ideally) during the day. Avoid screens within 1 hour of bedtime. Consider a sensory diet with calming activities: weighted blanket, compression clothing, swinging, deep pressure massage. (I bought all sorts of rollerballs and massages for the bedtime routine. Our routine starts around 4.30 til 7pm.) There's so much info on Instagram. Search bedtime sensory diet for ideas. Keep Expectations Flexible Sometimes, lying quietly awake is the best you’ll get—and that’s okay. For some ADHD kids, the goal isn’t to “stay asleep all night” but to stay calm and rested during wake-ups.

@Kris sorry just saw this.

Re pottytraing: This has been the best training ever! I signed up to this, you do your child's personality test and train them accordingly. Worked like a bomb! I tried about 4 different training systems before and they all failed. Then I did this and combined it with a POO PARTY! my daughters' personality is a 50/50 mix between courages lion and cheeky monkey. I told her, if she poos in toilet for a month, I will hold her a poo party. Invited all her friends, had poo cupcakes, poo balloons etc and celebrated a month later. I also gave her a poo chocolate (melted in poo molds I bought) after every poo. And she got a peppapig figurine after every toilet use (i bought tons for cheap on fb) At the end of the week, if she completed all toilet runs according to sticker chart, she got a peppa pig house/biat/car/plane/helicopter etc. Took 4 weeks to train her, kept it going for another r and then gave her a poo party. Worked a charm! But recommend following below system https://www.pottytraining.com.au/

Help with focus: I have visual timers everywhere. A clock as well as sandtimers. Everything is on timers and countdowns. Timers (sand, digital, or visual countdown) help them see time passing and stay on task. https://amzn.eu/d/7CfZoYY Checklists with pictures or icons work brilliantly for younger children or non-readers. Remember, they work much better with visual aids. Use a “First...Then…” system – e.g., “First maths, then trampoline.” First food, then chocolate. I also change my wording when speaking to my lo. Instead of saying NO or DON'T I change my sentences. From: Don't jump on the sofa! To: We jump on trampolines, but we SIT on sofas. Effectively telling them what we want them to do. Sit on sofa. Or From: No you can't have chocolate To: You can absolutely have chocolate, AFTER you ate your lunch. We can absolutely read 4 books, AFTER your brushed your teeth. Colour-coded folders or areas for different subjects or tasks.

FOCUS: Declutter the space Too many distractions = sensory overload. Keep only the essentials on the table. Noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders can be a game-changer Fidget toys, stress balls, putty, or chewable jewellery (depending on sensory profile). Allow “wiggle breaks” – jumping jacks, trampoline, skipping rope, or dancing. Use standing desks or let them sit on a wobble cushion or yoga ball. Turn big tasks into mini-missions – one thing at a time. Pomodoro technique works well. Google it. Engage the Right Brain First Creativity helps bypass resistance. Start with a doodle, quick sketch, or short silly story before a task. Use role play, storytelling, or visual cues to teach or revise. Let them “teach” the material back to you—turn them into the expert!

Mindfulness & Breathwork (Yes, Really!) Use fun breathing exercises: Blow bubbles, “hot chocolate breath” (inhale smell, blow to cool). Try short guided meditations or body scans – under 5 minutes to start. Loads to be found on youtube. “Shake it out” – full-body shake for 30 seconds, then stillness.

Use timers, visual goals, or “focus jars” (fill with pom-poms or tokens when on task). Try a focus buddy (stuffed animal, toy soldier, or action figure “watching” the task). Stick goals on a whiteboard or window where they can see progress. Also remember, adhd is about the next dopamine rush, so play into that. Praise and micro-rewards (e.g., “You focused for 5 minutes—brilliant!”) Novelty (change the task slightly, use different pens, sit under a table, read upside down!) Movement, sunshine, music, laughter—all help regulate attention Be curious, not critical: “What made that tricky?” rather than “Why didn’t you finish?” Celebrate effort, not just outcome.

Have a “restart” button—everyone gets another chance. I haven't got this yet, but you could use this as a restart button. Answer Buzzers, Voice Recording Button, Button Answer Buzzers Game Show Buzzer, Pet Training Buzzer, 30 Second Record & Playback, Funny Gift For Study Office Home(Without Battery) Mother's Day Graduation I discovered amazing products on SHEIN.com, come check them out! http://api-shein.shein.com/h5/sharejump/appjump?link=lW2Z4b8955S_8&localcountry=GB&url_from=GM71109602543 I also got one of these for her. Energy Mood Changer Metal Sliding Social Engagement Badge Brooch For Boys & Girls I discovered amazing products on SHEIN.com, come check them out! http://api-shein.shein.com/h5/sharejump/appjump?link=lW2tUsyiIfb_8&localcountry=GB&url_from=GM71109602543

DEAL WITH THINGS INSTEAD OF SCREAMING Understand the “Why” Behind the Screaming - Feel emotions more intensely and struggle to regulate them -Can’t always find the words to express frustration or disappointment -Are impulsive and react before thinking Have sensory sensitivities that make small things feel huge

Teach Emotional Regulation Skills Name it to tame it – help them recognise and label their emotions ("I feel angry/sad/worried"). Use a Feelings Thermometer – green = calm, yellow = frustrated, red = exploding. Roleplay situations and how to react differently.

Teach the concept of an “emotional remote control”—they can learn to “pause,” “rewind,” “turn down the volume,” or even “switch the channel.” You can use below visual aids: 1PC Anger Scale + Coping Skills For Kids & Teens, Anger Management Mental Health Children, Emotions Feelings Counselor Chart, Wall Art, Canvas Wall Art,Wall Poster Wall Art Decorative Murals, Home Decor, Poster Art Gifts Birthday Graduation I discovered amazing products on SHEIN.com, come check them out! http://api-shein.shein.com/h5/sharejump/appjump?link=lW2KzpU2Sty_8&localcountry=GB&url_from=GM71109602543 BAEMEFLE 9Pcs/1Pc Calming Corner Posters For Teachers, Emotion And Feelings Educational Charts, Growth Mindset & Coping Strategies Prints For Classroom, Solid Patter, Letters Theme, Frameless, Wall Art, Canvas Gifts Birthday Graduation I discovered amazing products on SHEIN.com, come check them out! http://api-shein.shein.com/h5/sharejump/appjump?link=lW2KQ5ENTYe_8&localcountry=GB&url_from=GM71109602543

Create a “Calm Down Plan” Together Involve them in making a personalised toolbox of what helps them calm: Sensory items (fidget toys, chewy jewellery, weighted blanket) Movement (trampoline, bear hugs, dancing, squeezing a pillow) Safe space – a quiet corner or tent where they can retreat Visual aids – cards or posters showing calming strategies

Aim for proactive, not just reactive. Use visuals: clear routines and expectations reduce uncertainty and power struggles. Prepare for transitions: give warnings before changes (e.g., “5 more mins, then dinner”). And put your visual timer in front of them to see 5mins. 5 mins of tv. 2 more mins before bath time We are leaving the park in 10mins (timer on my phone with fav song playing at end of 10mins) etc. Regulate before dysregulation: build mini breaks into the day for movement, snacks, and sensory resets. Avoid vague language: “Be good” means nothing to a child in emotional overload. Say, “Use a quiet voice,” or “You can tell me with words.” Model and Practise Repair After a screaming episode, when they’re calm: Gently debrief: “What happened in your body?” “What else could we try next time?” Praise recovery: “I noticed you took 3 deep breaths—brilliant!” Rehearse: “Next time you feel really cross, what could you try first?”

Phew. Now I'm exhausted. You've asked alot of questions. Lol. Hope these help. Good luck. It takes time but it is all in the way you help and understand them better. Start with that book I mentioend. That's where my learning journey started. Xxx

@Kris I hope this has been helpful.

@Ghitta yes it has thank you

@Kris ah ok great. You went quite after your message about his age so wasn't sure if you've seen the rest. Let me kmow how it all goes for you.