Psychologist for ADHD Child

L.,
I don't have any specific suggestions for a psychologist, but I do have a suggestion for something to try as an alternative to or in addition to medication. Have you tried Omega 3 supplements at all? There are many studies linking attention problems and Omega 3 deficiencies. As a child therapist, I agree that medication should not be the first step. That said, I have seen kids whose parents have tried behavior modification and other approaches who ultimately benefitted from adding medication too. Good luck, your daughter is lucky to have you advocating for her!

J.

Hi L.,

Our doctor is in Kenosha, but I understanding what you are going through. I started my kids on medications when they were 7 and 6 years old. My husband and I felt the same way about giving our children controlled substances. We tried everything from changing their diets and giving them vitamin supplements. Nothing worked until we had to give in and give them medications, which was the best thing for them. The day I decided was when my oldest boy was so frustrated at school, he would bang is head on his desk, because he didn't understand why he could not concentrate in class. At the time he was only in second grade, which was heart breaking. Also, the decision came too when we realized our oldest was falling behind from his classmates. The results were that we had to held him back. I understand the feeling about giving in to medications, but it was the best thing for both children. My kids went from straight D's in second grade to straight A's for my oldest and straight B's for my youngest. They are now in 5th and 6th grade. Medications are not the demons...it's the ADHD. I'm not trying to convince you to do anything you don't want to do, but the smiles are the best gift when they are finally liking school and proud of their accomplishments...just a thought.

I do not havce a referral but my nephew has ADHD
They have tested his blood and urine and found he is lacking several minerals and not absorbing vitamins properly. He also was allergic to dairy. They are eliminating his diet instead of usiong strong medications.
The cost may be worth it to have the blood and urine checkked first.
Hope it works for your daughter- God Bless

CN u have her evaluated for free by the school. They have two teachers till out form and you fill I e out and compare. We did this and thought it was ADHD and my son came out 98%,97% anxiety!!! We did choose to medicate. First med worked ok but he gained 8 pounds in 4 weeks. Took him off and he did ok for a out a month but he kept sayin mom I know I shouldn't be scarred or worried but my brain keeps tricking me and I can't handle it anymore. It's too hard for me. So we found a new medication and he is in half of the lowest dose. He is so happy and doing great. His grades at school made tremendous leaps. It is a difference for us and yes they are exhausting. He still is no where perfect but we can finally breathe for a second! Good luck. We had my son Evaluated with a neuropsych dr Okoon but rush behavioral health has awesome ones and maybe they can lead to u one in your area. Our insurances covered it too! It took me 3 years to medicated and most days I'm glad I did.