Mom Seeking Advise on Severe Learning Disability

My son was ADD and had a lot of problems by the time he got to high school. I didn't want him on personality altering drugs because he had such a sweet disposition and was a warm and very loving boy. I'm sorry now because being "different" made him reach out to the wrong people and he ended up out of sports and everything good. He turned "gang" and ended up with his life being taken. I'm not saying this WILL happen to you (GOD forbid) but check with a pharmacist or the dr. about what the 2 meds can do to eachother. Good luck honey

J.-I am going to step out on a limb here. You definitely sound desperate and we as parents should not have to feel this way. You have to completely change what you are doing now if you want your son to improve or he is going to be on the prescription roller coaster.

I have a large referral network of all natural practitioners and a group of "holistic mamas".

Ultimately, your have to alter what your son is eating (that is the biggest trigger)-it is not NORMAL for a child to have migraines and be on medication, altering the chemicals used in your home.

I can pretty much say that 90% of his current challenges are from the parasites, pollutants and toxins in his body and that his body is extremely acidic and this can be corrected actually quite easily.

If you would like more information please email me directly. I am here to help-I have so many great books, websites, and documents that I can share with you!!

T.
Detox Coach and Healer
____@____.com

J.,
I am a special education teacher and I can tell you from my experience working with many students that fit your son's profile, he is a bright yound man that can learn. His teachers and you just need to find strategies that work for him. Reading disabilities are tough and often times students need to be brought back to the beginning basics. If you are not already, keep open communication with his teachers and push him to succeed. I also recommend that he works with regular education peers whenever possible. Placing him in a more restrictive environment such as a theraputic school is a last resort.
As far as meds for ADD go, I would try to avoid those if possible. Upon saying that it means that he will need a very structured schedule in school and at home. He will do great with predictible routines and expectations. This is an exhausting process for a single mom. Good luck and let me know if there is any more specific special education information you need. It is important to be aware of your rights as a parent.

Hi J.,
I have an 11 year old daughter that is ADHD and a 15 year old daughter that is ADD they both take STRETARA 80mg. It helps the concentrate alot. There is also CONCERTA they used to take it but they were losing to much weight on it. Neither one has ever had migranes from either drug. Talk to you Dr. about these 2 drugs.

Hello J.,

I am somewhat in the same situation as you are. My 11 year is add, adhd, bi-polar, delayed, mild retarded and has a learning disability. I kept him off of meds for as long as I could until he became beyond control. I at times have to stand over him to make sure he takes his meds. I changed his diet. I got therapy for him. As he got older his behavior and learning skills got worse. He is currently being passed to the sixth grade and is reading at the third grade level but he can't retain/comprehend what he reads. He is performing at the second grade level in math. He has a lot of anger within and lashes out at anyone around him when he gets upset. I asks him why he is angry-he says he wants to do what he want to do. I tell him he has to follow the rules of the household and school. I have tried and done everything that doctors, therapists, teachers, socialworkers, members of church, family members and what I have learned from reading and research. Still he is defiant. At times he is my ultimate little gentleman. He can be sweet and very respectful and helpful to all. I often talk to him and ask what he is feeling inside, sometimes he opens up and sometimes he doesn't. I always tell him that I love him and ask him does he love me. He says that he does, and then like night and day--he changes into someone else. This hurts so bad. I am in dire help of trying to get him in a school that will help him learn education and how to deal with his anger in an appropriate fashion. No help is rececived from the current school and resources that I had tried thus far has been a big disappointment. I am a single working mother of two plus I care for my elder mother.
After saying all this I suggest you get him evaluated and talk more to doctors and therapist regarding different meds. If you can afford it, get him enrolled in a theraputic day school, if not see if the school he attends has a specialized school and see if he can be placed in a smaller classroom that offers more one on one. Best of Luck!!

Hi J.!
My husband just opened a learning center for kids with reading based learning disabilities. I'm not sure if it is exactly what you are looking for, but I highly recommend checking out their website www.learningabled.com They use a whole team to deal with LD including parent advocates which sounds like you could use. Good luck and let me know if you need any more information.

Hi J.
Maybe look into Slyvan Learning Centers? Also, you might try a Homeopathic/Naprapath doctor first before trying the meds. They're might be something in the way of acupuncture or massage that might help your son. I know the name of a doctor, his name is Mats Gunnars and he does applied Kinesiology. His number is ###-###-#### and he's located out in Evanston. If he can't help, he might know of someone who can.
I applaud your efforts to not go to meds right away. I know there are some people who definately need medication to concentrate, but maybe your son won't be one of them. I hope that helps. Just keep sleuthing, you'll find what you're looking for.
blessings,
J.

I can't help you from personal experience. But, I think your Pediatrician, teachers and Principal should be more involved here to guide you. You said ADD is a "possible" diagnosis. ADD is often mis-diagnosed. I would pay a "private" learning psychologist to get a second opinion. To find someone good, I might call the best private school in the area for a referral. There could be other things too (dyslexia, Aspergers) that affect bright individuals. Maybe there are things you can do with his diet to help him? I know a few people who are all organic/no gluten for their autistic kids and have real success. Finally, I would get as many professionals as possible looking at him to accurately advise you. I think it's good that you came to this website for advice. And I wish you luck sorting all this out.