ADHD Help Please!!!!!

I can help you.
www.parentswithpurpose.com

www.parentswithpurpose.blog.com

1 mom found this helpful

Hi, I am an educator and what I recommend is based on the reading I have done on the subject. I'm certainly not an expert, but hopefully these things will help point you in the right direction to find the answers you need.

I have a couple of book recommendations for you. ONe is the ADD/ADHD Answer Book by Frank Lawlis, Ph.,D. and the other is The Mind of Boys by Michael Gurian. Also, if the doctor your son saw was not a neurologist and didn't diagnose using a bran scan, I would recommend having that done. ADD/ADHD should not be diagnosed by using a set of questionnaires and by observable behaviors only.

Medication can be a very useful tool for helping ADD/ADHD kiddos, as long as all the other bases are covered and the child is monitored for side effects closely. From what I have read, there are lots of options out there besides meds. Maybe you will be able to find something new that will work for your son and be less scary for you.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

They make no claims, but this nutrition I take has helped many childen with this. I have heard wonderful testimonies about elementary to high school students being helped so much. The body is allowed to heal itself with the vitamins and minerals it needs. You can look at the website. www.myvemma.com/annnoble There is an empty bottle money back guarantee. If I still taught, I would love to tell the parents about this instead of medication. It was not around then. I retired in 2002. I take it and have testimonies of my own, such as arthritis pain gone. It was a blessing and answer to prayer for me.

1 mom found this helpful

Many Dr's are quick to label ADD/ADHD and prescribe meds. There are many proven alternatives that can help improve focus and behavior in children. Diet can play a huge role. Do some research on the Feingold diet/Gluten free diet.

In case you haven't heard of adaptogens, they are a category of herbs that help the human body adapt to stress, support normal metabolic processes, and restore balance. They increase the body's resistance to physical, biological, emotional, and environmental stressors and promote normal physiologic function. A lot has been discussed recently about adaptogens, even Dr. Oz on Oprah.

I highly recommend an incredible book titled Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by Winston and Maimes. To watch a video on the history of adaptogens go to www.TunguskaMistNow.com to learn more.

Many parents have had wonderful results using the Tunguska Mist Adaptogen Sprays to help restore balance in their children and improve their focus and behavior. Teachers often comment that the student's grades go from C's/D's to A's/B's.

My husband and I have been taking adaptogens for a long time, and we're passionate about helping people reduce the damaging effects of stress and restore balance NATURALLY! Good luck and God Bless:)

M. M,

First of all let me commend you on being a good mom and conducting research before jumping into anything. Your are your child's biggest advocate and are doing the right thing by asking questions. My oldest daughter has ADHD...more the attention part...and when we first were going through the questions/research it was overwhelming. We do not medicate her. We tried once and it did not work. She was much more focused, yes, but she was also zombie-like. It is a personal, if not private, choice for a family and you have to choose what you feel is best for your child and the family as a whole. One day I came across a book by chance at Half Price Book Store. It was on an end-cap and just happened to catch my eye. The title is Unraveling the ADD/ADHD Fiasco by David B. Stein, PhD. I picked it up and read it and have found it useful. Now I have to warn you, it goes against most everything the physicians, clinicians, and certainly pharmaceutical companies will tell you. It offers an alternative view and provides parenting guidelines in how to best manage your ADD/ADHD child. Again, you have to read it with an open mind and then take away from it what you will. Another helpful source has been UT Southwestern and the Center for Advanced ADHD research. My oldest has been a part of a Pay Attention program that is absolutely free. There are also free parenting programs. It is time consuming and requires a commitment on your part, as well as that of your child, but I have found it useful. Here is the link to the website that will give you more information. http://www.shelton.org/education/dept/dept.php?sectionid=243 If you would like to talk further please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes and God Bless.

B. S.

M. M - I too have a 10 yr old son that was just diagnosed ADD. We took him to three counseling sessions with a psychologist and then his physician and teacher tested him as well. I love our pediatrician and he put my son on Concentra as well. He's started him on the lowest dose possible and then in 30 days we'll go back. I've noticed a little bit of difference and he's certainly not getting in trouble at school with talking, but I can't tell as of yet that it's helped with the focus issues we faced. The pediatrician suggested that we try not to over stimulate our son and to take out TV in the mornings and afternoons, to get him out of his norm and make him do his homework in a separate room where there are no distractions. Try to make things as easy for him as possible to focus. It is so hard because there are so many symptoms and issues with ADD. Hang in there - our dr. assures us it will get better. I hope it's soon.

L. D

Try DORE in Grapevine - alternative program to drugs and great people to work with. Wish I had known about them before letting the school talk me into putting our son on drugs...he was lathargic, had no appetite, and looked too skinny...tok him off the drugs and he has been fine ever since...he was just a boy that didn't "fit into the mold" in K-3rd...no problems now, praise God! Good luck!

We had this problem also and were suggested to change our diet. We took my daughter off dye. (it's in everything, food, candy, toothpaste, markets, etc.) one you start it is really easy. After 1-2 weeks off dye my daughter was a new person. Recently we tested this theory cause my husband wasnt convinced I let her pick out her favorite candy (m&m- full of dye) and within 2 hours she was acting very crazy again. Once she was able to get the dye out of system she was fine. I really suggest trying this before you go spend any money on products or prescriptions. Let me know if you have any questions.

I have a 24 year old son who was diagnosed at age 5 with ADHD. He was "different" from the time he was a toddler. He never could sit still. He would not sit in time out. A teacher had to sit and "hold" him in time out. He could not focus. We took him to a psychiatrist who specialized in children with ADHD - he died in 1999 or I'd refer you. He was diagnosed after a batter of tests. Mom and Dad had to fill out a questionaire about his behavior too.

We got him on medication and he did a complete turn around. I do not understand why so many people are anti-medication. If your child was a diabetic you wouldn't denie him insulin would you? Same thing. Don't let other "well meaning" parents guilt you about your child being on meds. As long as he's under a Dr.'s care he will be closely monitored for any problems.

We attended tons of parenting classes and read books on ADHD which I highly advise you do all of this. ADHD kids teach us parents patience. It NEVER goes away. The kids just learn coping skills as they get older. My 24 year old is now in Law School at Baylor. He went off the meds in high school because he learned coping skills but went back on them in college so that he could pay better attention in class and it helped him to focus to study.

One BIG thing you can do to help your child is provide a LOT of structure in his life. We found a small private school to be just the thing for him. Uniforms were great. Routine is great. In college he joined the corps of cadets at Texas A&M - more structure and that was great. Hang in there!

Not sure how much help I can be but I can tell you ADHD runs in my hubby's family. He has it, my nephew has it and there is a very good chance my baby will have it when he's older. What meds is he on? Focalin? I have read a ton of books and am hoping I can help you a little. It is VERY manageable... it just takes some time to get used to it all. I can even put you in touch with my sister-in-law, she has a 11 year old with it and i also work with someone and 2 of her 3 children have it. I'm sorry that you have to go through this alone... but you are NOT alone..just so you know. There are a ton of us out here dealing with it that can walk along side of you. God bless!!

Have you tried Biofeedback therapy? Along with the medication, this could teach your child to regulate his own brain waves rather than using drugs to do it. It works on the same principle as the helmets they are testing for the Air Force that pilot a plane using the pilot's brain waves. UNT has a brain lab and a biofeedback course of study. They should be able to recommend someone.

Ok, I have two girls, 17 (adopted) and 13 mine. The 17 yr old has ADHD and my 13 yr old had ADD! Totally different! So when we adopted I had no clue about any of this, and the drugs she was on when she came to us, were horrible, she couldn't remember anything because she was drugged all the time! We took her off of everything for about 3 months! Eating a well balanced diet, with no soda's for the caffenie and no extra sugar, moore less sugar free! She lost the weight she needed to, and became more balanced in temperment. So now on Stretera a non narcadic drug is doing well.
The 13 yr old, was diagnosed because she could not focus, and she is on the same drug, and same diet and doing great.
I think all the intake of sugar and caffine play a very important part. Has worked for us!

Good Luck!

My son is going to be 9 in a week and we have had him on Concerta for almost 2 years now. He only takes it on school days and has improved 200% on it. It gives him just the boost he needs to concentrate at school,and has not interfered with his personality at all. We tried several things before the medication, too. I have been called every name under the sun for choosing the medication route but I couldn't be happier with it. Like I said, he only takes it on school days. Nothing on the weekends or during the summer. I was very concerned with putting him on medication but after just a week of trying it and speaking to his teacher I realized it was absolutely the right decision of us! Best of luck to you!

Acupuncture is an excellent, effective, safe and painless treatment for ADHD. Another excellent alternative to the medications is biofeedback. If you would like more info on either, I am a licensed acupuncturist and I have several contacts trained and specialized in biofeedback for kids with ADD/ADHD.

A.

My church is putting on a lecture about this! It's THIS Thursday from 10-12p. They provide a great spread for brunch and coffee. You should come!! Here's a link to more info.... http://www.watermark.org/children/building-blocks/

HI,
First of all what kind of diet does he have? Is it full of sugar? ALso there are many alternative ways to help so you do not have to take the drugs. Homeopathy is very successful with ADD. There is a doc in Dallas if you are interested I can give you his info.
LC

You Need to go see Dr. Block in Hurst, she has many years of experience in this field and has written several books! She looks at the whole picture of the child and doesnt believe in just doping them up. Please call her office and set an appt. it will change your childs life!

The Block Center
1750 Norwood
Hurst, Texas 76054
###-###-#### -- Metro ###-###-####

Best Wishes!

There is a Nutritional Supplements that has helped many children and adults. I will be happy to share information and also connect you with parents who had great results. It is very safe with no side effects.

Let me know and I will give you details.

Hi There..I see my sisters struggle with the same behavior issues in my nephews..it is hard! My son (4.5) doesn't have ADHD but does have Down Syndrome and Sensory Processing Disorder (appears and acts like he has ADHD but different root cause). I strongly encourage you to look into all of the research done on ADHD's link to kids diets. I just got done reading the Autism and ADHD Cookbook. Amazing testimonals from parents who changed their kiddos diets to help their behaviors. There is also tons of websites discussing the effects of gluten and casein in kids with ADHD. We started our son on a Gluten Free/Casein Free diet about 2 weeks ago and are seeing pretty severe withdraw symptoms (irritability,headaches,yelling) right now. They say the more severe the withdraw the more the gluten/casein was probably affecting him. Hang in there...there our a lot of online support groups with GREAT ideas!

M. M

My son is 10yrs old and has been on meds since first grade. He has been on all the meds they pretty much make! It was not until my Ped. Doctor gave him Medidate that he has done great on them for almost 2yrs now! I have not heard good things about Concentra and never put my son on it because of that. I would do a lot of research, just as I did and change his diet along with Omege vitiams! If you do not change that as well it will do no good I sure you! Hope this helps a little!

I would look into accupuncture and more natural remedies before I tried prescription drugs. We have used accupuncture for allergies and concentration issues with our boys and it is amazing how it works. It does not hurt and if you find a great person you will turn to them for many ailments before you realize it. You can search for one close to your area and some insurances cover it as well. It is nice to have the natural remedy options and not worry about side effects from meds.

Best of luck
A. M.

There are lots of other things besides medication that can help with this condition, like changing your son's diet, avoiding certain ingredients, increasing fresh, raw fruits and veggies, etc. Check out the book, "No More Ritalin" by Mary Ann Block for some ideas.

Good luck!

M.
"Our pediatrician misses us. So does the pharmacist."
Visit my Mamasource profile to find out why!

Dr. Mary Ann Block has written some very excellent books on this subject. She also has her practice in Hurst, called The Block Center, where she goes to the root causes of behavior and learning differences. Just google "The Block Center" and it should be the first page that comes up.

Hello Mamma M,

has he been tested for food allergies? is he taking allergy medication? is he taking vitamins? the sugars/ingredients in some vitamins can affect his behavior. Have you eliminated high fructose corn syrup and diet sugars from his diet? did you try gluten free/dairy free? I know I'm asking a lot of questions, like you, I also like to try other things before going to RX meds. Has he been to a chiropractor? I wish you luck finding the info you need. ~C.~

It always urks me to hear stories like yours. ADHD is one of the most over-diagnosed problems by doctors and schools, it's ridiculous really. Children that don't want to sit still for 8 hours and be quiet are somehow branded as having a behavior "problem." Until you have exhausted all other natural methods of resolving the issue, I would NOT give your child a medication to change how he acts, that just sounds scary. Doctors mean well, but if you think about it... they'd be out of business if they didn't prescribe medications- so of course he's going to give you one. But until you fully research the subject, it doesn't hurt to WAIT on giving your child a chemically manufactured substance. I may sound biased, but really, ADHD is way over-diagnosed. Your child may need more time in his day to run around crazy like a kid and play! Or he may need a different learning style than what a teacher of 30 kids can offer him. Fifteen years from now, it's not going to matter that he was a hyper kid who didn't like to sit still- that's what kids do. He needs to learn at his own pace. Take Care and Thanks for asking such an important question- that's what good mom's do!

Hi M. M
Many, many children have been helped with Shaklee supplements. And in May they are introducing another children's product that might help.
Don't buy supplements from the store or from a company that cannot show you valid scientific proof, e.g. published peer reviewed research in a reputable journal such as JAMA or Clinical Journal of Nutrition. Some companies will say they have published research, buy you need to make sure it is not a journal that they own. Otherwise the product could do more harm than good, or just be ineffective. Any company can give you testimonies, but they must be backed up.
Contact me through my website and I will send you some helpful information. http://www.shaklee.net/healthforlife
My heart goes out to you. Good luck.

Hang in there M. M. My son is also 8 yrs old and has been using Concerta since October 2008. I was told he was ADHD since he was in kindergarden, but I tried other methods. I may have also been in denial, didn't want to accept that my son had ADHD. His pediatrician also asked that we wait a while, five years old was too young to diagnose, plus he is a boy and a summer baby. I like the medication compared to others because it is only used to help them focus. Concerta does not change their personalities or make them into little sombies. My son still fidgets and moves around but he has come from failing to A's and B's. Concerta is administered by weight so they will monitor his weight and blood work about every 6 months. It is a time released medication so it will only stay in their system for 12 hours. I choose not to give my son the medication on weekends, holidays and I don't think I will give it to him in the summer. He only needs the medicaiton during school to help him focus. I took my son to a pyschologist to have him diagnosed, they also found he is motor skilled dyslexic. Talk to the principal, assistant principal, counselor, get an ARG meeting and have everything documented. The schools will work with you to get your son the help he needs. My son's school has made adjustment in some test he takes, they are verball instead of written due to the dyslexia. Good luck and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Yes there is another option! Nutritional therapy! A friend of mine is a clinical nutritionist and she can help you. Call her at ###-###-#### or email ____@____.com website is www.advancedclinicalnutrition.com. She's here in Wichita Falls but can help no matter where you are. If you decide to go that way you will avoid drugs altogether forever!!

My family is going through a total detox. This included medications. I am ADD and have discovered Grape Complete. This can be purchased at the Vitamin Shoppe. It is cheaper then the meds I was given and much better for my body. It also has less side effects. I also take magnesium for a calming agent. There is a drink version atht tastes like rasp lemondade. This camlms my verves and will help caml your mind also. Hope this helps.

If it is ADHD, meds may be your best option. A couple of things you should do if you have not already done so. Have your son tested by the school's diagnostian (sp) to see if he has any indicators towards ADHD or any other learning problems. That will help validate any deficiencies he may have. You can also go to a Dr that specializes in administering meds and have his brain scanned. I did this with my son and my husband finally jumped on board the medication therapy once his test proved he had a deficiency. (Let me know if you need a referral)

My concern centers around self esteem and educational development. Not addressing his potential ADHD could affect these areas and note you are not alone. I am amazed the number of kids that are being treated with medication and I am learning, most parents are not administering drugs because it is a quick fix, but the best way to help their child. By no means do I love giving my child medication each day but I do care about his personal development and the medication helps him lead a normal life.

Best of luck to you.

My son was diagnosed with this around the same age. Back then he was put through several medications. The last one was concerta which worked the best. Don't worry, he will grow out of it most likely. My son after many years came to me and wanted off of it. It does seem to zomby some kids out no matter which meds you give them. I would also recommend you check to see if he qualifies for any special resources at school for this. Sometimes they will allow him to receive instruction in the class and afterwards send him to class that is quiet to do the actual work to reduce the distraction they go through. My son had it bad... he could entertain himself with a peice of lint during school if he found one. They can also move them to the front of the class so that there is less distraction. Meet with his team of teachers and they will help you plan for this. My son ended up also having dyslexia which qualified him for the 504 program at school. This allows for many classroom modifications. You might check to see if he would qualify. My son is now 17 and no longer needs the meds... he stopped them around 12-13. So they will come to you when they don't want the medication any longer. Also don't be afraid to try several brands but be sure and monitor the side effects. Take care...

L. Bates

I have a son that is now 11 and that has been on Concerta since he was 8. He is somewhat mild ADHD. He is goofy when he doesn't have the medicine and little bit of a bear when he does have it, but its doable. Anyway, you need to have your son diagnosed properly by a pediatric psychiatrist that confirms or denies ADHD and then makes recommendations to the pediatrician for make-up. It is very easy to mis-diagnose this. They do special testing to make sure that it is ADHD and not something else.

As for the Concerta you start out on a low dose and work up as your child grows. Also, if you use Concerta make sure they eat some carbs around 4 in the afternoon, because they are starting to have a decline on the medicine which can make them grumpy.

I would examine your sons daily activities and eating habits and make adjustments there before opting to solely start taking medicine. I have twin boys age 8, a 7 yr old, and a 6 yr old...all boys. Looking at them and all their energy would make you think they were ADHD. To "calm" down all their busy energy, I created a schedule. Absolutely no television or video games during the week (M-F). When they come home from school, they do their homework, and a quiet mental activity like puzzles, coloring, reading, crosswords, or something to that effect. I limit their intake of sugar...instead of poptarts for breakfast, we do nutrigrain bars or yogurt. No candy and fruit snacks are considered a reward for good behavior. I mean there are many things that you could do...but for me, these little changes helped curb some of that energy and was a solution to school problems. I also started a weekly reward system. I'm married, but my sister is a single mom of boys close in age to your boys...and she tried to make small adjustments here and there too. I've got ideas for days if you want me to share them with you. Just let me know. My sister and I have been bouncing ideas off each other that seem to really work and neither of us have started our children on any kind of medication. The way I see it is, medicine only masks a problem for so long...you start out with a low dose then you move to a different medicine on a medium dose and pretty soon you're creating a child dependent on medicine for a lifetime.

I am dealing with issues with my 9 yr. old.
For the longest time I put off the medication
stuff. For about a month she has been on
Adderall XR. At first teachers saw some difference and now they don't. I guess it
is time to see the doctor. I think she might
also have alittle bit of OCD. It is driving
me NUTS! My daughter can't swallow pills either so I have to be able to get a medication where I can open the pill up and
put in applesauce. Let me know whats working for you. Thanks.
L. Kash
Realtor Mom
Flower Mound

I have a son who is 21 and was dianosed with ADHD when he was that age. I was worried about all the different types of meds he was put on, Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, etc. It did not stunt his growth like I thought it might, and it was night and day difference in his thought process. ADHD is the brain waves not carrying on to complete the cycle to think clearly. Medicine corrects that.

I would just make sure they do testing, to make sure that he is definitely ADHD. Some doctors will just write a prescript without testing.