What would you do?
Re-posting as a different question as I am not asking for a diagnosis and really just need some advice/support. I will of course seek a medical diagnosis if that is the best way forward based on the below. Please mods I just need help!
My son has recently turned 6. Ever since he was little he’s been “a lot” - the whole “big feelings” “deeply feeling” etc. I was recently diagnosed (F 35) inattentive ADHD and it’s making me wonder if he might be going through something similar… And I don’t want him to end up 30 years down the track like me but also not sure if this is just “typical” 6yo behaviour. Things that are tricky for us day to day are:
- Doesn’t/cannot(?) listen to instructions. Getting ready/out of the house in the mornings is awful for everyone. I can’t get him to do homework. It takes an hour to eat dinner because he gets distracted if we have the tv on or will go off and “bite then play”.
- Severe picky eating. He has limited foods (things that will always taste the same) and is very particular on brands - will notice instantly if it looks different. Nothing can be touching, and ends in tears if we try to get him to try anything new so we’ve all but given up so we don’t traumatise him. He’s living off frozen chicken tenders (only one particular type!), carrot, apple and the rest are plain pasta or carby snacks.
- OBSESSED with getting new things. He will beg and beg and beg for a new hot wheels car or toy every day. It feels like a step further from a kid wanting a new toy, it’s like he can’t move on from it and the stronger I hold the boundary the worse the outbursts are getting. Is it dopamine seeking?
- when upset about something he seeks comfort in things… like asking for a chocolate or a new toy.
- his first reaction to things not going his way is anger/frustration which is exhibited by top of lungs screaming/thrashing onto the floor
- he is a very “sore loser”. Eg if his team doesn’t win soccer or he isn’t the one that gets a mentos at the end he will leave in tears. We had a school disco last week where they were handing out prizes to the best dancers and he danced his little heart out for the whole hour, didn’t win, and I carried him out heartbroken and screaming.
However! He is on track at school, and making friends no problems. It’s really only at home and at social events so maybe it’s me that’s not coping…
Again, not asking this community for a diagnosis. Just insights and advice/help please