ADHD Advice

Hello my name is Jenny and I also have a 7 year son watch has ADHD, PDD NOS, and other things. I understand want you are going through. I know that with is behavior the best thing is to stay consist with him. I also know that will be hard to do with the baby but that is your best bet. Also with him starting school in the Fall you NEED TO GET AN IEP. This will help when is impulses overwhelm him and he does something bad. If he has an IEP they have more oppositions other than ISS or hiking him out of school. If you have any question all you have to do is ask.

S.,
First, let me say that it sounds like you are doing a great job. It also sounds like you have a lot of good advice. Avoiding preservatives has been shown to work for some and natural remedies have worked for others. Looks like you also have some good ideas for giving yourself a break.

I am a school social worker and have struggled with many parents to find the best treatment for their child. That being said, talk with your doctor if you feel like the meds are not working. The challenge with ADHD is that it is not an exact science. Sometimes several different meds must be tried before you find the one that works best for your child. Additionally, as they grow(gain weight) the dose must be adjusted. Just be sure to let doctor know of any changes you are observing. Hang in there and keep up the good work.
P. L.

Shana:

Your son has special needs and you need help. Why doesn't your husband get up with the baby at night or get up with your son at 6am? Can you get someone to come in and help you during the day with the baby, like a mother's helper? You didn't mention your oldest - he needs attention, too. Change doctors until you find one that gives you the right attention. Join an ADHD Support group in the area. But most of all, don't be afraid to ask for help. Even a teenager or middle school aged girl for a couple of hours per day would give you a reprieve. All 3 of those children need you and, as a child of a family with a sibling that had special needs, I can tell you it's easy for the other children to get pushed into the background while the parents focus on the sick child. But you can't go this alone!

Do you know if you qualify for Head Start? It's a national preschool/school readiness program. If you don't qualify (income will determine), your local social services office could help you find an affordable pre-school so you can at least have a break during the day and he can become accustomed to going to "school." I also agree with the other moms-consult your doctor about therapy and allergies. Best wishes.

My son had ADHD. I know that it is not fun. If he is on meds and you do not think that they are working you need to talk to the doctor and have him re-checked. my son had to use a few different meds until they found the one that works for him. My son is currently in the 5th grade and is on Concerta. He still has a few minor problems in school, but rest assured you will be at ease once you and the doctor find that "perfect" fit pill.

S.
I don't know if this will help or not. It's just something to consider. My stepson is currently being tested for ADD and we've opted to try a more natural method before even considering meds. The company that I work with and shop at makes all natural products. We've started my stepson on vitamins and supplements that gives his brain and body the nutrients it lacks. He's improved his ability to focus just by being on these vitamins/supplements. It doesn't cost a lot either and there is no risk of addiction. They are just vitamins. Also, it seems that some kids are affected by the toxins in their environment than others. So by taking out the products in your home that have toxic chemicals in them such as bleach, lysol, windex, etc. and replacing them with more natural products may help. I have read a lot on this subject lately and I was a sped teacher for 7 years before I started working from home. If you'd like to read over some testimonials from our company concerning adhd, i'd love to share it with you. just let me know.
J.

S. My son has been on meds since he was 5 and I had to get his meds changed and dosage change alot until the dr got it right.My son is ADHA and since last year I found out he was bipolar,belive bipolar is worse than ADHA .I feel like screaming sometime.I just had my son med up.Call your dr and maybe they can work with you like our dr did.If he gains any weight his meds won't work right either. J.

Check out www.trianglemommies.com! They will offer you the advice that you need!

S.,
Check out this website http://www.feingold.org/pg-overview.html
Click on "See more about colorings" and then click on
"Complete listing of E-Numbers from Northern Allergy Center, Australia."
Among the "E" numbers is about 75 items the Hyperactive Children's Support Group (HACSG) recommends to avoid.
Perhaps you have already elimated all these preservatives, colors and additives from his diet, but if not, I believe it may help!
My son is sensitive to several of the additives, in that he becomes hyperactive, though he does not have ADHD. I have been doing lots of research lately and have seen a difference in his behavior by eliminating preservatives and colors.
Good luck and email me if you need any further info!
G.

First of all - God Bless You - mother of 3 boys! lol. They are a blessing and a handful all at once!

Secondly, i can emphathize w/what you are going through. My son has ADHD/depression/panic attacks, so i definitely could relate to alot of what you are saying. If I could tell you just one thing, it would be to seek therapy. I know there's alot of stigmas out there about it, but it really is a wonderful thing, IF you find the therapist that works well for you and that your son seems to click with. Sometimes, it takes a little looking, but is well worth it in the end. My son's therapist started out by playing a game w/him, and asking about him and what all he enjoys the whole first session, so it wouldn't seem like such a "talking session about everything he needs to work on". He immediately liked her and she gained his trust from that. He thinks she's really cool. And he'll talk to her about anything. It has helped monumentally in his progress. She has showed him ways of dealing w/things, even at 5 she did. And she has helped me in how to work w/him better.

And w/the medicine...... I majored in psychology also, so I've been on both ends looking at ADHD. From the medical standpoint, and as the aggravated parent. Medicine for any kind of mental disorder (though I hate that term), is a guessing game. Since there is no test to go look inside the brain and determine immediately what medicine will work, you have to try different things and tweak and mix until you find the right mix. At times it may seem like you're a guinea pig, but unfortunately that's all there is right now. Just try to look at it as trial and error. When you do find the right mix, it does work hugely. Also, consider the possibility that your son was or could be misdiagnosed. If no medicines for ADHD work, you may want to get a second opinion.

Let me know if there's anything you need, or if you just wanna vent! My thoughts and prayers are w/you. Take care.

S.,
I know exactly what you are going through. My son was diagnosed with adhd at 5. He was put on a mild medication that lasted while he was in school. We also took him to an art therapist. It is something you should look into. She works her magic every week while doing arts and crafts and playing games and now my son gets mad if he doesn't go, or if we have a family session and we take up his time. We went from going through a nightmare to actually having a peaceful home. We tried going to a psychiatrist and so far we haven't found one to suit his needs. It is very upsetting the first couple times we went because I thought "Why can't I control my child?" But that is just it, you can't. He is now 7 and he will say "Mommy my brain is going crazy" That usually happens when his medicine is wore off and his mind is literally out of control. Don't be ashamed about the help that you need to get for him. Your family will be much better off.