Adhd - Cleveland,MS

Have you heard of Neu B'Calmed? It seems like a non-medication remedy for ADHD. I read about it on the internet. Try GOOGL'ing "neu-b'calmed."

I had the same problem with my youngest son he has adhd, so i talked with some people at school and the aranged it to where he would walk down to the lunch area about 10am and get a snack everyday so he isn't stuck in the class room all day. Once he hit junior high and got to go to other classes he was much better. Plus he had the same problem with his father, but now he has no contact at all, and my son is better about that.

talk to a homeopathic or naturopathic doctor as alot of adhd/add may be related to a deficiency that you can correct with the right natural remedies and foods.

Please take your daughters to a doctor who specializes in natural cures (can't remember what they are called). A lot of recent studies have linked ADHD to food allergies. Once the allergy is found and the child's diet is changed, they start behaving well. Traditional doctors are not trained on this, so all they give are pills. If you live in Oklahoma, I know there are several of these doctors in OKC and Tulsa. It may mean a huge diet change for your whole family, but is definately worth it to have your girls healthy. Good luck!
J.

I don't think it's fair to totally discount the benefits of medication for ADHD. I was a service provider in an elementary school for several years and worked with many students who, after unsuccessful attempts at dietary changes, behavior modification programs, etc, finally experienced success in academic and social settings with the appropriate medication. I realize it's not the answer for all children with attention deficit disorder (every child is different!), but it can be highly successful with some. It sounds like it's time to talk with your girls' teacher(s)and their pediatrician, who can work together to determine options and to assure that your children's unique needs are met. You may also want to investigate counseling services (start with your school guidance counselor)to address the family issues you mentioned, since that kind of distress can also effect a child's behavior and performance at school. There is help available for you!

We were able to control it , for the most part with counseling and diet. You wouldn't believe how many products (especially pre-packaged) and dyes can trigger terrible responses in the human body.
(Also, as I hvae mentioned numerous times on here--things like hypothyroidism, pituitary malfunction, thalmus problems, diabetes, etc., may do undiagnosed because of the ADHD diagnosis. It helps to look at it as symptom, rather than a disease.)
As for the other--I am sorry for whatever has happened. (You are welcome to private massage me if you feel you can. I will listen and keep your confidence.)
If the girls are not in counseling for this, they should be. I am personally a Christian, and would recommend a good, Christian counselor. There is hope. I just want to encourage you in that.
I am not anti-pharmeceutical, and realize sometimes, for everyone's sanity, it's necessary. But if it's not working
anyway, and if you consider the side-effects... This might be an optimal time to look into something natural--or just a different way of treating. And the whole person--body (diet, rest), mind (counseling), and spirit (know what you believe and live it).
I'm not being funny, but have you ever tried plain, old coffee?? Since an 'upper' often settles an ADHD child down, some docs use caffeine as a 'test' to see if Ritalin, etc., will work. My 5 year old is TERRIBLY hyper, as was his oldest sister.
We already eat all-organic, low-sugar, chemical free, no red dyes, etc. (We suspect he may have hypoglycemia)...but he is still hyper with zero concentration.
But so help me, one cup of (organic, chemical-free) coffee, and he can concentrate fine! I put stevia (natural sweetener) and powdered milk in it, and he loves it. In addition, we also give him fish oil and other aminos to help brain function. PLenty of 'good fats' (olive oil, raw coconut oil, etc.)
Blessings to you and yours. I will pray for you and your sweet girls.
H.

I'm not sure this will help much, but my husband has ADD and while he was on medicine for a while, it caused him to lose weight and he didn't need to lose it at the time. So he found ways to cope with it. He's found he can pay attention by either super-concentrating on one task at a time (which means he tends to forget other things, but he's very sweet about being reminded) or by doing something else at the same time (like bobbing a knee or chewing gum). As for school, I don't know how that would work out. I read a book by John Rosemond called "A Family of Value" and he suggests that a child with any sort of illness or disorder is only maybe 10% "that disorder" and is 90% like a regular child, and so should be held to the same standards. In other words, having ADHD is no reason to not do well in school. He gives some examples from his own experience that are worth considering.

I hope this helps; if not, ah well. Good luck!

p.s. My husband's father was also not really available as a father, even though he was still married and at home while my husband was growing up. Neither this nor the ADD have kept my husband out of medical school. :) (*brag brag brag*)

Hi, Y.,

I'd try neurofeedback. Find someone in your area that does it. It's safe, effective, often covered by insurance, and has few or no side effects (depending on what it is being used for, how it is being approached, etc.), and they're always harmless and easily reversible - even from one session to the next.

Neurofeedback is just a way of training the brain to produce the electrical activity that it is supposed to. It is done with the feedback part. Usually you just play video games, but they're specially created to reinforce optimal electrical patterns in the brain. The more you create the right patterns, the better you do at the game. Kids find it fun :)

As for the issue of the father, if it's really bad, maybe it's better that he is not involved in their lives. You can get them involved in positive activities that expose them to really supportive, healthy male role models, and they'll be fine. I barely had any contact with my dad as I grew up, and I think my brothers and I have turned out fine. It is just a matter of really supporting them and giving them the love, support, guidance, enriching life experiences, and fun that they need - from you, and a safe, healthy community. Maybe their step-father has been more important to them than their father ever will be, and that could very well be just fine.

That said, if they are still showing signs of some kind of distress, like not doing well in school when you think they could, counseling really can work wonders if you find the right person. Cutting off communication with what sounds like an unhealthy person in the background of their lives might be necessary, as well, if it really comes down to it. You'd probably want to talk to your kids about this and make the decision together, and talk to a counselor, as well, about it before you go ahead with it.

Good luck.

L.

Hi Y.,

I have a 15 year old son with ADHD...he also has other diagnosises so I may not be helpful where the meds are concerned. I might be of some help with the fluctuating grade issue though. Are they being taught in a manner that ADHD kids can understand...generaly visual and tactile? Do you have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for them? With an IEP you can make sure they are being taught in the appropriate manner which takes away the grade fluctuation. My son is now in 10th grade and never would have made it this far without an IEP.

We tried the no meds route with our son for almost 2 years with no luck...but that probably had to do with his multiple diagnosis.

W. Q

Please, please, please do some serious research, Y.. My grandson is now 10. At 6 years of age only by Mom and the teachers filling out a questionnaire, the doctor decided to put him on drugs - another word for chemicals. I forget the first thing he was on, but the second was Concerta and next was Adderral(sp). ALL of them mess with the brain and cause liver and kidney damage - in some cases, the heart. He turns into a zombie and when it wears off - look out! He says his head hurts so bad and he gets incredibly angry and wants to hurt anything and everyone. Not only that, but my little guy also was diagnosed with asthma and allergies out the wazoo.

When I get my grandkids for the summer - the first two weeks are rough; however, they get little to no sugar at my house which includes soda and their food is watched as well. I change their diet and use cleaning products with no chemicals.
I have an air purifer as well. After the two weeks, my grandson is off ALL his meds - he sleeps well and can even play outside for 30 minutes at a time. It used to be about 5 minutes.

So, I ask you to PLEASE look at what he's eating and drinking - check for sugar and preservatives. Look at your cleaning products - there are so many chemicals in them and some kids will definitely act out due to sensitivities.

I have more testimonials if you are interested in reading them - from other parents of ADD/ADHD kids - who are NOT using "medications" - but a healthy and natural supplmentation program instead.

Watch the following 30-minute video - it's a real eye-opener!
Toxic Brew
http://www.theglobalsuccessteam.net/resources/wmv/toxic_B...

I do hope I have helped. Feel free to contact me if you'd like more information.

My first step would be an allergist. Food and food chemical allergies mimic ADHD and unless they have had a specific brain scan used to diagnos adhd you can't rule food out as the culprit. They will test for between 700 and 1500 different foods, additives and area allergins. Don't be surprised if they come back with a lot of allergies. This will mean a very drastic change in your eating and cooking habits. In some cases even grinding your own grains. Good luck

Y.,
Don't give up~I am a nurse as well as a mother of six. I work with a 4yr old autistic child. First let me say that 4 is a tough age. Second divorce at that age for the kids is a tough age. However, Concerta is a GREAT medication. There is a small secret in the fine print that parents don't tend to read....And if you go back and read the paper the Pharmacy provides you with in your hurried schedule you will find what I am going to tell you that will change your life. Are you ready? Concerta is a time release capsule. You're shaking your head going duhhhh! Here is the kicker....WHEN FIRST TAKEN IN ORDER FOR IT TO PROPERLY BEGIN TO WORK IT MUST BE TAKEN WITH A FULL (DID YOU CATCH THAT WORD) F*U*L*L 8 OUNCES
OF LIQUID. You see my dear I have ADHD. Yeap you heard right and I take concerta as does my 21yr old son which is College making straight A's. And when we first started taking it we didn't like it b/c it "didn't work" When we started taking it "as directed in the paper" DUHHH~ It works Wonders all Day long.
Hope this tip helps! If it doesn't maybe you need to talk to the prescribing doctor about what is going on in their lives and he may want to increase it or change it or add something else to it. Remember divorce is the hardest on the boys.
Take care of yourself through all of this.

Look up "indigo children"...that is your answer for adhd, and for the school and behavior problems.
Schools are nothing more than institutions anymore...no child left behind..not even if they are 25, and still trying to pass 5 grade math...
Indigos know that...called systembusters for a reason.
Certainly would take them off the meds...that creates more problems. Try visualization techniques...
ADHD is just another "dis-ease" they have created to fulfill the desire to pad their wallets a bit more. Check out the FDA, and the drug companies...one and the same...

My son too has ADHD and ODD and he is four years old. He was on adderall and Doc wanted to up from 5mg. I freaked and said no we are just not going this route. It already took a lot for me to be convienced to take 5mg. Right about same time a friend's mother recommended reading Parenting with Love and Logic... let me tell you this, we are drug free and behavour is a lot better. Attention is kinda hard sometimes and he does require a little more redirection to the task/activity if its something he isn't interested in. It took a bit of work and 100 percent consistancy but it works. I love what I have learned. You also might want to check out christianadhd.com as I have found many resources there.

Hi Y.-

I have an 10 yr. old son who is also AD/HD. He is also on Concerta but on a 36 mg. dose. They may just need a higher dose of it. Some good friends of ours has a teenage son who needs the 72 mg. of Concerta. It could be that their doctor needs to try a different med for them. As for school I was wondering how good of a school system would you say they were in? I homeschool so I have the option of getting different curriculum that is perfect for my creative yet active son. Sadly, not a lot of teachers are trained and know how to deal and teach AD/HD kids. Part of their issues in school maybe med adjustments, to teachers needing to do things a little more creatively with them. Hopefully they have a teacher(s) that is open and compassionate about how to best help your girls. They certainly deserve and are entitled to that. I hope things square around for them. I know it is difficult to raise our active ones but I am sure you'll agree they are a huge blessing! My son has taught me so many things just by being who he is. ;)

Y.,
I have a 7 yr. old son with ADHD AND RAD. It is a challenge, but it is also worth it. Currently, my son is on the Daytrana patch. It seems as if his system builds up almost like a resistance to his meds within a year. Needless to say, he's been on many. We went the summer without any meds at all, and I could tell by about two weeks before school started up again that he would DEFINITELY need the meds, again. He is also in behavior therapy through Children & Family Services, which actually does help. He was diagnosed when he was 4, so it really hasn't been all that long, but at this point, I can't see trying to deal with him, his sister, and my two grandkids without him on meds!

My son is 11 & has ADHD also. He was on Concertta & it seemed to help. In the summer we would give him a break & take him off. Last year he didn't want to take it & so we didn't & he seemed to do ok. He has to be reminded all the time to bring his homework home & when he does he does really good. He is in the special ed class for spelling & if we think he needs more we can. Last year he got lucky to have a teacher that really went out of her way & on the multiple choose questions she would mark out 2 chooses & leave him 2 to pick from. We do have a big problem around the house with picking up after himself & I haven't figuered out what to do about that yet. His hyperactivity is better to.
Hope this helps a little.
J.

will I had ADHD my son had it and my Grandson has it and he is off my Daughter he was also on Concerta and the we changed him to the patches those made his red to we stop taking them now we do different he has to be in school if he gets in trouble he gets taken care of when he gets home all so when the meds wore he was hungry the whole evening but just tell the his Doctor put him the Meds and they must be working if they are asking why he is on them you also taking him off a couple of days and let them see how he is good luck also there is over the counter call Nature's Plus and Source Naturals its GABA Calm and we used them on hin they helped

My son who is 8 (ADHD)and was on Concerta had very bad mood swings and was not getting the best of grades.he was also not eating nor drinking lost tons of weight.They asked me the same thing if i was giving him his medication's. We then took him back to his doctor and put him on Adderall XR it's time released threw out the day what a difference. His grades are very good hes not running around with his head cut off he's eating and drinking on this medication.We moved from Louisiana to Missouri (not my choice army moved us)and they have a better education level (talk about being behind).Maybe you need to look into a different medication. In less then a week i saw a change in my son who has been on medication since he was 5. PLease let me know how things go with this. Ask your doctor if you can change or try a different mediction..

No mom, no parent, likes the idea of having their child on a drug. But, if this is making your child's life more of a success, then this is really an answer. I have a circle of friends who have given their testimony about their children's ADHD... guess what? Noone wants to "drug" their child, but the diagnosis is ADHD and the answer was the med. I read an article about a lady who refused to accept the doctor's diagnosis (on her child... ADHD). She spoke to her sister and told her she just couldn't give "such medication". Her sister asked if her child had been diagnosed with diabetes, would she or wouldn't she give him insulin. Of course, she said she would. Bottom line... ADHD is a medical problem, just like diabetes. If you have tried other remedies and they haven't worked, meds are the answer.
Have a great and blessed day!

I am so sorry about the situation with your children's dad. I believe that God will take care of you and your twins, especially if you trust Him!

Hi Y.,

I agree with you that meds are not the answer and you are on the right track by beginning to research natural options. I wish I had a good solution for you but I'd say begin by researching natural remedies on the web. That is what I do when I have an issue that I need some help with. Also, I have read that sometimes there is a fungal link to ADHD, meaning your twins may have too much yeast in their bodies and so you have to watch their diets and make sure they are not getting much if any sugar in their diets and then feed them whole milke yogurt which has the good probiotics in it or you can purchase probiotics from a health food store.

I wish I had a suggestion on the medical side of your question, but I'm of no help there. What I do want to suggest is that you know what the girls and their dad are talking about at all times. They are at a very impressionable age and he appears to not be a good role model for them (at this time). I hate snooping, but for my kids, I will do whatever it takes to keep them safe (sorry if that's wrong). Listen close when they are on the phone and if you have to pick up another extension do it. If there's nothing to worry about in their conversations after you've monitored the situation for a while, yea! ... but if there is, you will be glad you know and it will be what was best for the girls.