Do I have to get my tested at school before he is put on medication for ADHD?

Thanks for your question. Here is an overview of the ADHD diagnosis process, and here is a sharepost from expert Eileen Bailey listing the people who can diagnose ADHD.

Doctors and others who diagnose ADHD often rely on information from the school to paint a picture of what the child is like in the school setting, to see if he or she shows symptoms. Perhaps that is what your pediatrician means by saying he or she wants testing done at school. Whatever the case, you may want to clear up what he meant by "getting tested at school" and why wants it.

I hope this helps.

i had to do the same thing i took him to the doctor then i had to get the school well his teacher to fill out several papers on him

Talk to your son's teacher - the school district should have a Special Education Dept.  The test to determine ADHD is very subjective and the psychologist should have sent questionaires to your family and your son's teacher (andy day-care provider if that applies) to look at behaviors.  The Special Ed Dept should be able to help.  I live in California and we have a document on file with the school called an IEP - Individualized Education Plan.  This determines the accomodations that will be made for my son in a school setting.  Also, unless your son is emotionally disturbed DO NOT let the school qualify him for Special Education benefits under SED - Seriously Emotionally Disturbed.  He can be qualified under OHI - Other Health Impaired.  The SED label wil follow him throughout his school career into college.  Also, once diagnosed he is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Get a copy and start reading.....Don't accept or follow blindly everything the school or doctor tells you - read up on the disability and be your son's advocate - YOU are in the best position to determine what he needs - I am speaking from experience.  If I had left it up to the school my son would be a drugged zombie.  He was diagnosed at 4 and is now 16.  He carries a 3.3 GPA and is working on his Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts.

Good luck and God bless.

I had my son tested by his doctor, he has an IEP to begin with, but all we had to do was mention it to the pediatrician.  He gave me some papers to fill out and my son's teacher as well and then we sat down in a meeting w/son and discussed it. 

I think it is very important that you use the school's resources to have your son tested.  By law schools (in most states) must provided special educational services to any child that resides in their district, even if the child is being homeschooled, attending a private or parochial school.

You should contact the school's counselor or principal for more information.  You may also contact the board of education office for more information on having your son tested.  Most districts will pay for these tests.  Once the tests are completed, the school will set up a meeting with you to go over them.  At that point it will be determined the type of services your child requires (if any) such as an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), meds, etc.  It is very important to have in IEP so that the school understands their responsibility in accommodating your son in his classwork and behaviors.  If you son is found to have ADHD, you may want to consider obtaining a parent advocate, that can help and assist through this process since it can be very overwhelming.  My son is 14 years old with diagnosis of ADHD and autism and it can be confusing, and stressful at times. 

Here is a link to state and national resources.  I am not sure what state you are in but hopefully this information will help. 

Keep every single piece of paper you are given.  Use a binder and take notes.

http://www.ptimpact.com/resources/links/state_and_national_resources.htm

Good luck and God Bless

Does the pediatrician want him tested or does he want the teacher to complete a Conner's or other rating scale.  This can be helpful for putting your son on the lowest effective dose of medication he needs.