Two kids...two diagnoses

for ADHD

Christopher is 7, and was diagnosed with ADHD in 1st grade. He had issues in kindergarten staying on task, but he generally did stay in his seat and that sort of thing, just could not/would not do his work, got frustrated extremely easily, and gave up very easily. He required constant reminders to do his work, and he would talk out of turn and blurt things out. In first grade, he was diagnosed as ADHD-Inattentive. He began Concerta and has done a complete 180 and is now still doing quite well in 2nd grade.

Well, Johnathan is 5. He has had a hell of a time in Kindergarten. He can't/won't stay in his seat, he draws on things he shouldn't, he constantly talks (the child talks and/or makes noises from the time he wakes until he goes to bed), he doesn't do his work, requires constant redirection from the teacher, is VERY emotional-including "tantrums," is very intense, demanding, rolls around on the floor, is in constant motion. I finally gave in and took him to a psych to do a full eval. I thought perhaps there may be some SPD going on due to his emotional, intense behavior, the fact that he didn't sleep til he was over 2, his physical aggression-for example, he can't just "hug" me, he has to run full steam ahead and crash into me. Just stuff like that. Well, now, the psych has done a couple of evals, and we've done the BASC (both parent and teacher) and now he's diagnosed with ADHD-Combined, and she is recommending behavioral modification and probably medication as well. Here is an excerpt from her report about her DIRECT observation in testing with him:

In a one-to-one setting, Johnathan followed directions but was easily distracted by the other toys in the room. He could be redirected, easily, but this was frequent. It was important for him to be actively involved in whatever we were doing as he is constantly moving. Sound effects and a constant dialogue were also displayed while we worked.

I had just hoped that Johnathan would not experience the difficulties Christopher has in school, and now it appears he's going to be WORSE.

So many people have so many more difficult things to deal with in their children, so I hate to complain, but I just feel bad for them-they both struggle so much in school. Christopher is doing better, but each day is a struggle for him. Johnathan is just almost out of control. And the thing is-these kids HAVE had discipline. I mean, this is not just a case of "well that kid needs discipline!" They've HAD it, and it's been pretty dang consistent. I just hate it for them.