Attention Deficit Disorder or immaturity

My 2nd grader is having some difficulties behaving in school. The teacher states it is impulsive behavior. He also struggles to stay on task. He is easily redirected but the teachers have to constantly remind him what is appropriate. While they haven't stated ADD I know that is what they are thinking. I've been reading about it and to some extent I think he does have tendencies toward ADD but I believe most of it is immaturity for his age. He is not young for his class. He is keeping up academically. The teachers say he is bright but we are not fully tapping into his potential due to his impulsive behavior. I plan to talk to my pediatrician in January. The teacher is updating me weekly on his behavior and we have made some progress. It has been slow. I want to make sure I am doing everything I can to help him achieve academic success but I'm unsure how I should proceed. Do you trust the school system or work primarily with your physician.

Personally, I'd look for a resource other than the schools and the doctor. Larger cities have centers that evaluate children for all types of learning issues, including ADD/ADHD.They can be a very valuable resource. Therapists or social workers who specialize in children and families are also a resource I would investigate. Neither one looks at a "medication first" approach, the tendency of doc & schools, but look more toward developing behavioral controls to deal with the issue.

Could it be he is bored with the work? Maybe he already knows the work and the class is too slow for him? That is what happened to my husband. They wanted to label him ADD but come to find out he knew the material and was bored. They moved him up a few classes and he graduated at 16.
Also with ADD ( not that that is what is happening) a simple diet change can help( in most cases). No red food coloring, limit sugar (high furtose corn syrup) and even milk allergies diguise themselves as ADD.
New learning solutions can help , like if he is feeling restless give him a out like counting to 10 or a saying he can repeat in his head to calm him . Doctors and Teachers can help but you are your childs best indictor. As stated above , maybe think about a specialist that is fimilar with this. But maybe try a few at home solutions first.

I agree. I also think too many things that are normal for kids are diagnosed as things such as ADD and ADHD. I honestly think if schools were like they use to be we wouldn't see such a growing epidemic, but that's a whole other thread.

I agree. I also think too many things that are normal for kids are diagnosed as things such as ADD and ADHD. I honestly think if schools were like they use to be we wouldn't see such a growing epidemic, but that's a whole other thread.

Like if they could run around for a long recess like we used to?

The teacher is not trained or certified to diagnose ADD/ADHD. If the teacher mentions it, she should be reported. Only doctor's can dx.

I would start with the pediatrician. Good luck.