Hi,

My daughter Lauren, 8, was diagnosed a few months back with severe ADHD. We are not medicating her at this point, since we found a wonderful developmental pediatrian who is running a battery of blood tests from zinc deficiencies through dna for fragile x to t cell subsets. I need to rule out all other possibilities before medicating her. And even then, I am not sure about medication. She is doing well in school -- so far. And has no social problems -- so far. Since no-one on either sides of our families has this "gift," I'm learning as I go with the help of this forum -- thank goodness -- and books. Here's my question: Lauren will take up an activity one day, like joining the swim team, and a week later lose all interest. When she joined I explained to her the committment she had to make. She agreed and was all excited. Two weeks later she can't wait for May to come so swimming will be over. She is one of the best swimmers and the coach has told us on several occassions that she is a "natural born athelete." I encourage her to explore things she likes, like swimming, but she quickly loses interest. Is this classic ADHD? Why does she flip/flop? What can I do to help her? Is medication the key. I don't know why I am fighting meds -- but I am.
Thanks,
Mary

I think it sounds like typical ADD -- getting really into something in a short period of time, then losing interest just as quickly. I do this, and my son (7) does it too.

But it is important to establish a routine. ADDers thrive on structure, although they may buck it.

In our son's case, he goes to soccer and swimming. Started both with great enthusiasm, then started saying "I don't want to go today" after a couple weeks. We basically forced him anyway -- "Just go, you don't have to participate if you don't want to, but you have to show up." Once he was there, he'd be fine. Now it's basically a routine that he's used to.

This trend is pretty common in all kids, but definitely more pronounced in ADDers, I'd say.

Thanks, I am making her stick it out till May 2006. What worries me is that she is a really good swimmer. But when the coach is instructing the kids on breathing tecniques, etc., she is swimming around like a little mermaid. I don't think she is listening to half of what he is saying. The reason I wanted her to do this is because I know she feels insecure in the classroom -- always being the last one to finish. The coach is just thrilled with her, and I felt this was something she could excel in... and help build her self esteem.