ADHD? 7 Year Old Boy

My daughter was diagnosed ADHD and we did medicate her for 4 years. I don't recommend meds, either. At age 6-1/2 she was seen by an optometrist who specialized in Vision Therapy. She had a convergence problem that kept her from gaining meaning in what she saw. She was given therapy for several months and became a much happier, calmer child. I also restricted her diet eliminating the stuff that commonly causes heightened sensitivity, but it was the vision therapy that really made a huge difference.

Your first step is an evaluation. Call a developmental pediatrician or combine a board certified child psychiatrist with a Neuropschologist and get a full psycoeducational evaluation that you own that will contain his diagnosis. Do not assume that it is ADHD, you do not know what it is, you simply know that he has significant issues and that you need professional assistance. You may be surprised what this is, and you will need many hours of testing to find out. Don't settle for a ratings scale and a ten minute visit to the pediatrican, get a full diagnosis of his soft symptoms and psychoeduational testing to back it up. A Developmenta Pediatrician will give you the fullest possible evaluation with all the necessary referals to every professional he needs and they will give you a full treatment plan so that you have no question about what standard care is for his condition.

Private schools are not required to test your son. Public schools are, and would still be responsible for evaluating him and offering him FAPE (which you are free to refuse.) You can contact your local school district and tell them that you suspect your son has a disablity, and they will do an evaluation. You may want to do this in additon to a private evalaution, but you should own the evlauaion that contains his diagnosis, and you should never know less than any public agency about your son's condition, or his needs.

What ever he has, you need to get a medical diagnosis, and if you only oppose medications for neurobiological conditions that effect the brain, then you are really selling your son out on care that will not only make him functional but will give him a very well tested and effective tool to begin his long road of therapy. You could be dening him the ability to turn on that switch. He gave you the most clear, concisce and well stated description of his medical problem that I have ever heard from a young person with a nuerolobiolgical issue that interferes with brain function, and you should listen to his cry for help.

Try this. Instead of "brain illness" (ADHD- or what ever illness or condition this may be) insert "kidney illness". I oppose medication for urinary tract issues because I think these are effected by behavior, and it breaks my heart when he pees on himself, but what can I do to help him without seeking medical care? Would you ever, ever say that? Or, I oppose medication when he vomits stomach acid, he said that he knows that he should be able to keep it down, but he can't figure out how not to vomit it, but what can I do to make him not feel so bad without resorting to medication?

We don't reject standard medical care for any other organ system so readily as we do for the brain, because there is such a stigma attached. There are real issues that go wrong with every biological organ system, and brains are biolgical. It is as simple as that.

Much like urine that travles along hairpin turns through the kidney's, when we have thoughts, they travel along the brain cells as electical impulses, but because brain cells do not touch, we use chemicals called neurotransmitters to cary the electrical impusles over the synapes (space.) When the receptors for the neurotransmitters are damaged, or if the brains ablity to produce nuerotransmitters is reduced, that person looses track of thoughts and has ADHD, and this effects every aspect of thier lives. That is what your son means, he can't swich the switch because there is no mental process for him to physically control the production and uptake of the chemicals in his brain. Do you do this on command? Do you think about your kindney function and make it work right? Can you think hard enough to keep stomach acid in your gut where it belongs? Neither can he.

The medications avalaible for ADHD work and are safe, well tested, and don't make kids zombies or change thier personalities and are no cop out. Having ADHD (or any other neurodevelomental problem) means that the life road kids have to travel is much harder than most people realize, and involves hard, hard, hard work from you, his therapists, his educators and himself. He will need a great amount of understanding and will need every single tool availble to him; medication is only a tool. It makes the hard road easier, but is not all he will need.

I hope you will do some reputable reading about brain disorders before you make a sweeping choice about one biological system. Dr. Russel Barkely, and Dr. Mel Lavine are good solid sorces full of many medical explanations and with many strategies that will help you both understand and accept your son and his challenges and help you get him all the help that he needs.

M.

Why would you be opposed to medications? ADHD is a medical condition and although medical intervention is only a PART of the solution, it is still a part of it.

We consider treatment to be a 3-pronged plan of "attack": medical intervention, school intervention (even private schools have IEPs), and teaching responsibility and accountability at home.

I, of course, have nothing but respect for parents who decide not to use medication - your child, your choice :) But I guess after I started my son on Adderall and he grabbed my hands and said "I can THINK mom!" I knew I had made the right decision.

Good luck!

I agree with Armyofone about the natural "cures". I think it is a combination of both meds and therapy. Besides, it's one thing to detox your home, but what if the school hasn't been detoxed? The grocery store? Your kid's friend's house? It's unrealistic to think that detox is the "cure" for ADHD.

It's a medical issue. Only a medical doctor can tell you if it's ADHD. Make an appointment and get him evaluated. The next step is with your school. Private schools should be able to handle an IEP - you are paying them, so make sure that you are getting what you a paying for!

Good luck and keep us posted!

From what you just said it doesn't sound like he has ADHD, just problems listening and following directions.

I work with lots of kids, some with ADHD and some with listening and following directions problems. There is something very different about an ADHD kid. Just not listening and following directions at age 7 does not make him ADHD.

Sometimes when kids don't listen and follow directions it's a learning problem, NOT a mental issue. It's possible they learn differently, maybe they didn't understand what the teacher was saying. Some kids, when they don't understand, won't ask. They'll just stop paying attention, start talking and goofing around and break the rules. They don't have "control" over their actions because they are young. And sometimes they don't REALIZE that it's because they don't understand so they don't think to ask questions.

Think of yourself in a business meeting. Suddenly the director starts talking pie charts and numbers about a department you're not even part of. I would imagine 99% of adults would tune out, maybe start doodling on their paper, make a grocery list, etc. Well kids are no different. As soon as the coach started talking about something he didn't get he tuned out.

I know this not only because I teach, but because my daughter is the EXACT SAME WAY. And she does NOT have ADHD. She just learns differently and needs extra guidance. She doesn't have the ethic level to not run off. As soon as the teacher says something she doesn't get she's off breaking rules. As long as things are explained to her in a way she understands she's wonderful.

The ADHD children I have worked with will go off mid-task no matter what. They rarely stay with one thing long and they often have a "not there" look on their face.

I'm not a doctor, I cannot diagnose. But please check into learning issues rather than mental ones.

I too, disagree with medications because they are dangerous. There is no proof that a "chemical imbalance" is to blame for mental issues. Yes you will hear about a "chemical imbalance" but show me the research that proves it. There is none, believe me, I have looked. There isn't a way to test chemicals in the brain to see if someone has a "chemical imbalance" either.

Also check for food allergies and such. But your son sounds like the twin to my daughter (who has had listening and following directions issues all her life). She excels in our homeschool only because I explain things in the way she can understand. We work for HOURS on stuff, she has no concentration issues in school. But put her in a class where there are other kids and a teacher who might not explain things the way she can understand and no matter how much she wants to learn, she's off goofing around!

She is 9 now and getting better! But it's been a long road. Feel free to message me anytime. Good luck!

Think about it this way. If this child had cancer, would you be opposed to meds? If he had asthma, would you reject meds? I am living with a spouse who was never diagnosed as a child...struggled every step of the way to get through even private school while his siblings breezed through becoming engineers, attorneys, etc. As an adult, now 42, because of this disorder, he has been through job after job, and is at the bottom ring of his profession, we are as a couple at the bottom ring of the rest of the family economically. He now as an adult, rejects the idea that anything is "wrong' with him though the symptoms are so very very obvious to my now educated outlook.He knows "something" is wrong but thinks it is "everyone else". Now, make your decision. do you destine him to a lifetime of struggle and being on the bottom (because it will not get better) emotionally, economically, relationship-wise (this has caused immense rifts in our personal life)or do you act responsibly and treat him now while he is in the formative stage.
I am a healthcare provider who did not believe in "ADHD" or "speed" for kids. I now have swung a full 180 after seeing and hearing so many patients and families give their testimony to how the meds made a difference. I know there are some children who are simply hyperactive by nature, but I also know there are ADHD children who cannot advocate for themselves and need help.
There is evidenced based research that has discounted sugar as a cause of ADHD so don't think you have to feed them artificial sweetened foods and therefore set him up for another health problem.
Just have him evaluated by a professional, most are quite skilled in determining who is and who is just self-undisciplined. Then make your decision.

Star is exactly right. ADHD is a medical condition like diabetes. If your child had diabetes you'd give him the medication he needed. It has to do with the chemicals in the brain not going the right place at the right time.

You can start with a diagnosis. Talk to your Dr they can recommend someone to diagnosis him.
Then look at his diet. Cut out all sugar and dyes , especially red dyes.
Get him a Child Psychologist.
Those of us that do medicate don't choose to do it easily. With my daughter we have done the diet changes, therapy, every behavior modification system you can think of and as a last resort we chose to medicate.
My daughter is on a low dosage of Vyvance. We are going to talk to her Dr about changing it b/c of her loss of appetite. The proper medication for your child is the key if you choose to medicate, some times it's trial and error to find the right one.
My daughter is 8 yrs old ADHD and gifted. Getting good grades or bad grades is not and indicator of an ADHD child. We struggled constantly at school until this past year when we chose to medicate her, this year she has only had a couple of days where she got in trouble. As opposed to every day through kindergarten and first grade.

I'd like to recommend a book for you.
" Taking Charge of ADHD " by Russell A Barkley
and a book for your son if he gets diagnosed.
" learning to slow down and pay attention"
It's an ADHD book written for kids. It has tip and tricks for your son to use for everything from controlling anger to cleaning his room.

Please get in him to a child psychiatrist for a diagnosis. He very well could have ADHD. No parent WANTS to use medication, but I can tell you from experience, it's very, very beneficial for this condition. It's like glasses for the brain. Our son's behavior changed dramatically with medication in very good ways. He's the same boy, just able to focus and control his body. In fact, when the medication needed an adjustment and wasn't working well anymore, our son said he felt like he couldn't control his body. It was heartbreaking. With medication, he's able to be himself and have everyone recognize him for his positives, not his medical condition.

Public schools don't do any testing ... it takes a specialist like a psychiatrist to make a diagnosis, so your son hasn't missed anything. Public schools do have to accommodate kids with special needs such as ADHD and that's where their help comes into play.

Take a look at ADDitude magazine's website for more about the condition. Best of luck as you begin the process.

My daughter has ADHD. She is on medication. We started on a low dose and eased into it. Nobody WANTS to put their child on medications, but if it were a different medical condition you would, right? Or maybe you don't believe in medicine all together - that's your choice, but I can tell you from experience that for ADHD it does help. My daughter and I both suffer from it. The steps to take would be to first take him to the pediatrition. The doctor will refer you to either a child psyichiatrist or neurologist, depending on what they think will fit your child's needs best. My daughter goes to a neurologist, but that is because of her own medical history. They will do some testing, which is basically rounds of questionairres and determine if the child has ADHD, if so what type or if there are learning disabilities present. This is something very real, and don't let anyone make you think it isn't. Good luck to you.

You described my 11 year old son. He is a fun loving boy and loves to entertain (like living with a young Jim Carey at his crazy goofy moments). We don't medicate either. I'm not 100% against medication, but he doesn't NEED it since we homeschool. I believe in only taking medication when it is absolutely necessary. My son is a bright child and loves to learn. He can do his school in shorter spurts. My older son was extremely hyper when he was younger, only he got irritated and angry easily rather than being the constant comedian my other son is. When my older son hit 13, he mellowed SO much. He wasn't on medication either. He's such a calm person now (he's almost 17).

I know that people say it is like diabetes, but ADHD is a disorder and diabetes is a disease. They can take a blood test and "confirm" blood glucose levels. ADHD is diagnosed based on symptoms. They don't do brain scans on every child and confirm something they had seen on the scan. My older son was diagnosed with a variety of things when he was younger. They were all based on best guesses based on the behaviors I was describing to the doctor. Bottom line is that disorders are diagnosed based on a similar set of symptoms and behaviors. I'm not saying that it is not real, but that it is doctors' best guess based on symptoms. MANY things, as others have mentioned, can cause hyperactive behavior. You shouldn't feel bad for not wanting to medicate (and you shouldn't feel bad for trying medication to see if it helps). It is a personal preference that you need to feel comfortable with.

If your son's behavior is a constant struggle at school, then I would talk to his school about it. Private schools aren't required to set up an Individual Education Plan like public schools are, but that doesn't mean they won't. You have to weigh the costs of not medicating your child if his inability to focus is causing him problems. My son would be devastated if he were constantly in trouble for something he doesn't mean to do. His self esteem would plummet. I would rather see him on medication in a situation like that. You might also check to see if there are schools in your area that work with children with focus issues. We have one in Plano that is wonderful for kids like that and they do not push you to medicate. I wanted to send my older son there, but couldn't really afford the tuition at the time. Homeschooling just works better for us because I can tailor my children's education to their needs (I have 2 daughters who are honor students in college now). It isn't for everyone though. You are your child's mom and clearly have his best interest at heart or you wouldn't be inquiring about the problem you see in your son. Listen to other's experiences and then follow your heart. Our experiences are with our own children. You know your child and all the circumstances in your life better than anyone, so only you can make the best decision in the end.

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My neice was very similar to how you described your son. I would suggest you to look into natural ways to help, as well as medication. I'm not saying natural ways will solve the problem, but I do believe they help very much, when coupled with medication or therapy. They did a food log for a week, of everything my neice was eating and drinking. They were shocked at how much sugar was going into her system. (this includes things like pasta and foods very high in refined carbs.) They cut back on the sugar and refined ingredients in her food. They also reduced her intake of dyes and crazy additives. It helped tremendously in curbing the severity of her ADHD. Like I said, it's not going to completely fix the problem, but it helped her do even better on top of the medication.

Hi S.,

There are other things that can cause these symptoms. My 7 year old daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and when we detoxed our home (removed all the synthetic chemicals) the doctor removed her diagnosis. Let me know if you'd like to try this route and see if his behavior changes. I can walk you through what I did. It was simple and inexpensive.

God bless,

M.

A doctor can test him, not a school. I used to teach elementary and it does seem he displays some of the signs of ADD. Please don't rule out any course of treatment if it will help your son. I, too, agree that meds are way over perscribed, but they do help some children. Let me tell you this story. The lady that has cut my hair for years complained about her son just not being able to do well in school even though he really tried. He was tested for ADD and even though the doctors suggwested meds for him, his father wouldn't hear of it. So they did all they could to get him through elementary school and he was miserable the whole time. Finally, my hairdresser put her foot down and said to her husband that they had tried it his way and now they were going to give the meds a try for one school year-6th grade. Their son will be a junior in high school next year and is involved in everything and so happy. He made his first A on a report card in 6th grade and passed the TAKS test on his first try, too. Meds are appropriate for some children and can make their lives better and some do well without it. Not an advocate of medication, but firsthand knowledge of how it helped one child succeed. Good luck!

I would suggest contacting Dr. Matt Chalmers in Frisco and see what he would do for ADHD..he will have a natural approach....you can go to his website at www.chalmerswellness.com. This is an AWESOME doctor. I check with him for everything and if he can't help he will direct you elsewhere. I have another co-worker who is taking her son to him for ADHD.

Good luck.

Take a look at what he is eating. Sugar, preservatives and artificial colors are known to exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Here are a couple of books that you may want to check out:

The Autism & ADHD Diet by Barrie Silberberg

Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma & Allergies by Dr. Kenneth Bock

Also, a really good quality children's multi-vitamin and omega 3 supplement will also benefit him as well. Not all vitamin supplements are made the same; some of the ones that you find in your local grocery store have fillers in them, so I would suggest going to Whole Foods Market where they are more particular about the brands that they carry. And I highly recommend the Omega 3-6-9 Jr. by Nordic Naturals. The omega 3 that they use is from fish that don't have mercury (very important!).

Hope this helps.

He sounds very normal to me. Sugar is one of the causes for highs and irritability and concentration. I am also opposed to meds. for this reason. He just is a busy boy and will calm down some as he gets older. I have four grandsons and they all have to have things repeated, 2 cannot sit still and one talks all the time.lol
Be patient, look him in the eyes when you talk and ask him to repeat what you said. This may help. Good Luck

Talk to your pediatrician is all I can suggest. They can help you with the information you give make a correct diagnosis. My son was the same way and we started the smallest amount of Concerta and it was like night and day. He could relax and focus, concentrate in class and in group discussions, sit still, keep his hands to himself but with all that he is still full of energy, goofy and my sweet loving boy. Just so you know we tried lots of options before the Concerta but nothing really helped/worked. Good luck.

Bless his heart. He sounds like such a nice, smart boy. I agree with the other folks--get him evaluated and keep an open mind as to the treatment options. My nephew was so happy when he finally got on Ritalin years and years ago. He told all of us he could finally "listen" in class. The medication really can make a world of difference.

Having said that, I was diagnosed with OCD as an adult. I made it through grade school, college, and law school with high grades and never had discipline problems, but it was such a relief when I finally got help and was able to quit counting everything all the time! I started by taking super-high doses of an antidepressant (Paxil, maybe? It's been a while.) and I also got some behavioral therapy. Once I had been in the therapy for a while, I was able to wean off of the Paxil. I haven't had problems since, and that's been about 10 or 11 years now. So, just know that if you start your son on any medication, it doesn't have to be a lifelong thing for him. Maybe a short time on medication coupled with alternative treatments can give him the boost he needs.

Best of luck to you!

I would look into Auditory Processing Disorder. I would not medicate my son either. There are other options. There are listening therapies that can help . I can give you the information if you email me offline. I am sorry but I am in a big hurry. Also Homeopathy is WONDERFUL !
My email is ____@____.com
L.