5 Year Old Behavior Problems and Diet

I was at Ann's Whole Foods in Oak Cliff and there was a pamphlet there about curing ADHD with diet and exercise. Maybe you can look around for it. I'm no longer in Dallas so I'm not sure if they still have it. Also, ask your doctor to check his lead levels because lead poisoning causes behavior problems too. Make sure he's getting lots of exercise...something structured and disciplined like karate or yoga...good luck!

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What would it hurt to have him evaluated for ADHD now? You could say "no" or "later" to medication. You might find that he doesn't have ADHD at all, and then be able to concentrate on finding answers in another direction.

My older boy who is in college now had similar problems at school. He was kicked out of several preschools and one elementary school. He was a sweet and kind boy, but he was high energy, and simply didn't think before doing things. He knew right from wrong, but somehow couldn't stop himself from doing the wrong thing too frequently. He was diagnosed with ADHD at age three, and in his case was extremely hyperactive and impulsive, but with no learning problems whatsoever.

It took a few years to figure things out for him, but I finally found some things that helped to settle him down and help him be able to stop and think before doing things. Now he's at an elite university after graduating with many honors from a top-notch private school.

There are other ways to treat ADHD besides medication if that's what the cause is. What helped my son the most was the Feingold Diet. It is more than avoiding red dye, but it isn't as hard as it sounds. Mainly, it involves choosing brands of food and restaurant selections that don't contain petroleum derived additives. It may not work for every kid, but it has been life-changing for many children. If you're interested, check this link for information: www.feingold.org

We used behavior modification of different types with mixed success. It really didn't work until we cleared up his diet, then the behavior modification tactics had more of an impact.

If your son does have ADHD, can you get an early start on helping him before he has to un-learn some really bad social habits and before he starts to realize that he's alienating himself from other children. It's a whole lot easier to have control of his diet at a young age, if you go that route.

I don't know if we're allowed to name names on this site, but if that's allowed, I can tell you about a center in Arlington, Texas that has some good group behavior modification programs and a doctor who understands the role of diet for some kids.

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Umm, yeah . . . sounds familiar!!! I can soooo sympathize with what you are going through! (My son is ADHD; now 10 in the 5th grade.) I can tell you from experience that structure is key. Lists are great-- morning checklists; bedtime checklists; chore list; homework lists-- the "list" goes on! LOL. Also try to avoid any major changes in schedule or routine, if possible.

As you prepare him for kindergarten, you might want to think about putting him in a Montessori school . . . The kids are allowed to work at their own pace, and the relaxed setting allows for ultimate concentration. They are completely engaged in the lesson b/c of the hands-on materials. They often sit on the floor when they do their work, which eliminates the issue of sitting still.

Changes that we made in diet included no dyed red foods; whole grain in the place of white bread for school lunches; no sugary breakfast foods (oatmeal or shredded wheat instead); peanut butter was apparently good for him; we even sent caffeinated drinks in his lunch at one point b/c apparently children who are ADHD don't become hyper with caffeine, but instead are calmer and able to concentrate better.

All that you are dealing with could just be immaturity (especially the personal space problem), and will likely improve with age, but I would urge you to not rule out the possibility of medication in the future. They have many medications that metabolize within 5 hours, so by the time your kid goes to sleep at night, his last dosage of medicine is completely out of his system. (I honestly felt worse about giving my kid the caffeine or aspartame in diet sodas! But he may very well be a more extreme case.)

But as you continue to observe your child and research the issues, you will know what's best. Just don't question or blame yourself, b/c that can be a brutal game. You're obviously on top of things as a Mom, or you wouldn't be working so hard at finding what is best for him

:-) O.

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We go to Dr. Bain in Frisco and she ordered a test for us (for chronic ear infections)that would tell us their food sensitivities that are causing their immune system to be repressed. As I have read through the materials from Immuno- Laboratories, it has mentioned their testing being guaranteed to help with hyperactivity. Diet is right on track in your thinking...check out these two resources:

Dr. Bain Healthykidspediatrics.com
ImmunoLaboratories

Good luck,

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hi J.,
I have been working with children with learning and behavorial disabilities for ten years and more than half of the children I work with have some sort of food allergies. I have been working with a boy since he was three years old, he has alot of behavorial problems. Two months ago he got tested for food allergeis and the test said he had allergies to milk, wheat,and gluten. After changing his diet he became a new boy. I would look into changing his diet and see if that helps. The only insurance that will pay for food allergy testing is blue cross blue shield, out of pocket it is $750. Their is a natural Dr in Grapevine you can call and ask questions, Constantine Korsanis, I know he has help alot of families from labeling their children ADD/ADHD.###-###-####. Good luck, I know its not easy.