My 6Yr Old Daughter to Be Tested for a Type of ADHD

Hi H.,

My children are under the age of 4 and I took them for testing for Speech, and Hearing, Behavioral screenings etc...They told me that my 3 year old son had behavioral issues and that I needed to take him to a specialist enroll him in the public school program that deals with behaviral issues etc...

These specialist labeled my 3 year old after spending three hours with him as being verbally advanced, he was speaking in full sentences at three. They gave him problem-solving puzzles to do that he did in under a minute so they had to go and get things a five year old would be tested for which he did without hesitation in a few moments. They diagnosed him with an above average IQ. They were some what astounded that my three year old could count to twenty in English, Spanish, and Sign Language. He could also name all the colors and the entire alphabet in all three languages as well.
Twenty minutes before we were leaving after a three hour day he had a melt down because he wanted something that I wouldn't give him for a snack that he saw in my portable cooler that I was saving for when we left the testing and went to the park. For 20 minutes he freaked out and wouldn't transition to accepting the answer was NO.

For this they diagnosed him as having a behavioral problem and wanted me to enroll himin the Special Program for three year olds. I asked if I placed him in the program would that label him his whole school career and they said yes.
I then declined and I called my Doctor. My Dr. gave me a new perspective that made absolute sense.
Everyone is so quick to label children instead of getting to the root of many issues. Her suggestion was for me to pull all processed foods out of my grocery list and to buy foods that haven't been chemically altered with hormones and steroids. I thought could it really be that simple?? Well it has been almost a year and I have bought only "greenwise" meats and milk from publix and what a difference. Everything I buy is steroid and hormone free. My grocery bill isn't that much more. I have also cut out most sugars from my kids diets which was limited before. The result unbelievable.
My suggestion to you is before you allow your child to be labeled and medicated try changing the nutrition and eating habits, then try talking to her about school and the proper behaviors of communicating in the classroom. You all just relocated to a new area she is adjusting to her new environment.

Best suggestions as a parent listen to your gut instincts. It sounds to me that you have a happy, healthy, vibrant little girl. As a Mom it is your job to provide her with stability, structure, love, and most of all you have to be armed with all the facts. Try nutrition first, get her involved with athletic's to burn some of the extra energy. Try vitamins and probiotics.

When we visit family and my kids are given foods/dairy that aren't steroid and hormone free they are hyper, lathargic, restless at bedtime, and most importantly aggressive. It is clear to me that what has happened is "steroid rage". Have you seriously noticed that child obesity is an epidemic, boys have breats, and little girls are starting puberty earlier? All of this is a result of growth hormones added to our agriculture, poultry to produce more foods.

Good luck

Go to your loval library or book store and look for a book about Indigo kids. It sounds like you may have one. If so, that's great!! There are lots of ways to deal with her without medication. The book gives you lots of info and resources. I don't know where you are Spiritually, but the basic premise is that more and more children are coming onto the planet with a highly defined sense of Spiritual connectedness, so they are assimilating the massive amounts of information available to them faster and easier then even we as adults can. They understand things better. Sometimes in one specific area and sometimes many, but the thing is that they are so aware of all the nuances in life that they move through things quickly. Teachers may say they get bored. But really they are super excited to be here and experience life, but it just comes so easily for them they are moving faster that we can sometimes handle. I am giving you my interpretation, so I highly suggest you read the book. It is really very helpful~

Hi H.!
I would try Homeopathy remedies, they work very good without all the side effects of the "traditional" drugs. The hard part is to find a good homeopathic doctor.
In my experience it works for us, but there is not an universal solution you will need to try... and follow your instincts! and try don't to let her think that she is "different" because everybody is different and unique. By positive!
Good luck!

Dear H., You are right to seek alternative care because drugs do not fix the problem "alleging that there is one".
go to www.foodnsport.com and ask DR. Graham what he thinks. Go to www.mercola.com and ask what Dr. Mercola thinks. Once you go down that drug path its very challenging to break. funny how we won't dare give our children illegal drugs but doctor approved drugs are supposed to be ok? Aren't they all drugs? Don't all drugs have side effects while herbs and natural tinctures only have the desired effect we are looking for? Why not go for the desired effect with no side effects like natural remedies provide? All the information is there just waiting for you to read if you just start looking and doing your own thinking. If you bring your daughter to the doctor she will likely end up on drugs. Thats not the last alternative to me that is no alternative at all. Your child is so special and feels so good she just bursts with enthusiasm and they want to call that a drugable condition? Have you considered home schooling?

It does not hurt to have her tested. To have a proper diagnosis she must have the same symptoms at home and at school environments. I would try behavioral management therapy before you try any medications. Sometimes a good therapist and parents that follow through with therapies is enough and sometimes the combination of therapy and drugs is necessary. Shop around for therapists just like you would shop for a new car. ADHD is very common now in childhood so you can find a great deal of info online.

Goodluck

H., please, please do TONS of reseach before you go and put your child on medications. Yes, I know that there are millions of children taking these medications, and that is precisely the point. Doctors are very quick to diagnose ADHD in children and to put them on pills which can alter their health and mood for years to come.
ADHD can be caused by many things which are treatable or eased by natural means. Your child could have some hidden food allergies, or perhaps you could be feeding her a diet which includes too many sugars or empty calories.
A good thing to do is to find a good naturopathic physician in your area and have him/her evaluate your child. A study of her biological terrain will go a long way in asessing what can be done to remedy her situation and calm her disposition.
It is also a good idea to keep the results of any testing a P. matter. You may be able to discover better ways to deal with your child than medicating, but the label will stick further down the road than you will want.

If truly ADHD, it is a condition which offers a variety of challenges for parents, but with lots of information and some effort, your little girl will make much progress. Remember that every child is different and some kids are just full of energy and intelligent inquiry. :-)

Again, let google do your walking and get as much information on your options as you can.

Another good option... home schooling! Not everyone fits into the same learning style. Your daughter may just do better outside of a rigidly structured classroom setting. Perhaps she is thirsty for things that will satisfy her curiosity and exitement for the things all around her. She may do wonderful learning at home in the particular style that fits her best, and what a tragedy it would be if a brilliant and gifted child were to be confined and chemically dumbed down just to make her fit in with her slower and less zesty classmates. Just something for you to think about.

I really wish you the very best.

A couple alternatives to the medication are Yoga (relaxation exercises), Bio- or Neuro-feedback, or a very strict behavior plan. Depending on how severe her symptoms are these may be useful. You also need to consider the type of ADHD; is she impulsive, inattentive, hyperactive or some combination? This also impacts her interactions with others and her learning. When, and if, you decide to look into the medications, be sure to investigate the different types of (e.g., long acting capsules, patch, etc.) and understand that it won't necessarily be an instant fix. You may have to adjust the dosage or try a few different meds before you hit on the right one for your daughter. Also, combine the medication with the other treatments, this is the most effective route.

Good Luck

http://www.feingold.org/
this has been around for a long time- it's not a 'new' solution, so it's worth checking out...

also seek out a developmental pediatrician for a second opinion...

also: fish oil is supposed to be great for this- it needs to be 'real' and not synthetic
Nordic Naturals omega 3,6,9
Most doctors recommend Nordic Naturals, a specific brand, becuase it seems that they are pure and distilled

Hi H.,
I too had a son with ADHD at the age of 6, he was also tested as 'Gifted' by 2nd grade. He too was always vibrant, fun and very energenic . . . but it became too much for the classroom atmosphere. My son is now 19.
Looking back, there were some disadvantages to the whole ADHD thing. The disadvantage: he was smart enough that when he learned what the medication was for, he would sometimes misbehave or over-react and then say, "it's cause I didn't take my pill", when actually he did take his medication. This was at the age of 7. He would also say "I can't help myself, I'm ADHD." - I saw that my son used ADHD as an excuss for poor behavior because he learned, no one could argue with it. And because the behaivor didn't improve, others wanted to raise the dosage level and I wasn't comfortable with that either.
My advise: Be VERY consistant on your rules and schedule. Always keep her mentally active; even if it's just something so simple as to, ask her to tell you when she sees the next blue car drive by when your in the car. Or when your busy doing something, and can only 'talk', play the old "I Spy Something..." game - and see if she can guess what it is you're looking at. I found that with ADHD, he loved to be mentally challanged - and busy. Your lil lady is 6 now- so she would probably like to help you around the house too. For you... it will take patience! I wouldn't let your daughter know too much about it - don't let it become a big deal, or make her feel "different". She wants your physical attention. I also suggest you stay away from sugars/sweets, chips and sodas.

I'm a 28 yr old Stay At Home Mom. I don't know much about ADHD but I am shocked to hear how young and how often the kids these days are being diagnosed with it. I think it's rediculous. How many centuries have parents survived without drugging up their kids to get them to behave? I am outraged and sympathetic.
I am homeschooling my 5 year old and sort of my 2 1/2 year old (also have a 5 1/2 month old). I don't get any calls home from any teachers but I'm sure I would. My daughter is confident and sure of herself. And she loves to talk and sing and dance! I won't let anyone tell me I need to put her on medication. I say go with your motherly instinct. Anything otherwise and you're sure to regret it. Don't let people or doctors tell you you don't have what it takes to discipline your own children. It just takes an effort on your part. I think it's worth it. When your children behave it means even more if you were the one who taught them their manners and whatnot. And they learn by example and what they see. Chances are your child calls out the answer because she sees otehrs do it all the time outside of school on TV or at partys where there are no rules. And that's not a bad thing it's just gonna take her some time before she understands and remembers to make the habbit that in large groups of people (like in her class), she needs to take turns and be respectful to the fact that others might have something to say. She's only six! We don't start realizing that the world doesn't revolve around us until we're like teenagers or something, right?
On the other hand, I do have a 13yr old nephew who was diagnosed and I guess he's on meds (I don't keep up that well). He's beautiful and I love him for who he is.
So God be with you in your decision. And may he bless you and your children no matter what you do. - Alli

I went through much of the things as everyone else with my two boys. Both were labeled ADHD by 6. The younger on was labeled Bipolar in 9th grade.

I had a terrible time getting the younger one to take his meds-he said they messed with his head.

Well, now both grown, the younger one had/has a conduct disorder. The older one has an anxiety disorder- which meant he spent more than a decade taking a medication that made his condition WORSE!!!

I would definitely have her tested, but tread cautiously. If they feel she is ADHD, try simple things like coffee or mountain dew to see if they help (most of the meds they use are stimulants, as is caffine).

I would only use the meds if she has real behavior problems or her schoolwork really suffers-but only when she goes to school. You may want to consider getting 2 or 3 opinions before deciding. Don't be afraid to ask for a different med if you see even the slightest problem.

For kids who are truely ADD/ADHD AND put on the correct meds, it seems like a miracle. For those misdiagnosed or placed on the wrong meds, it is a nightmare.

Just make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way. If at any point something does not seem right, it may be time to make some sort of change.

H.,

I feel your pain, I thought I was reading my own story when I read yours, I too have a 6 year old son who was diagnosed with ADHD in October, I had been told to get him tested for about a year, but I wanted to wait until he got to first grade. Fortunately his first grade teacher was also his Kindergarden teacher so she knew him very well and she waited until he was in first grade to really express to me that she thought he might be. He was doing the same thing with the outburst and all and he is so intelligent actually on a second grade level, but him not being able to sit still or lack of concentration prevents him from doing as well as they know he could. SO I took him to Dr. Kher in Daytona and he did infact diagnose him and gave him Concerta 18mg. Before giving it to him I did extensive research because I hear many things about kids being on medication for ADHD,my opinion on it at first he was calm, but looked very depressed and down and extremely sensative. Everyone had noticed it including the teacher and my family and no one was liking it. I expressed to the doctor that I don't like to see him that way it breaks my heart,so he said that it was at the begining so I continued giving it to him. During the holidays I stoped and when he went back to school I started him on half the medication and he is doing Great!!! he acts like his normal self but with more self control being able to concentrate better. The doctor doesn't know that I cut the pill but I have an appointment coming up and I will tell him and see what he says, but I am also going to talk to him about doing some natural stuff and behavior modification so that I can take him off of meds before second grade. Alot of people may not agree with the whole medication thing and I don't think they should be on it forever, but right now it helps. I have several doctors in my family and they say that concerta is actually a very low dose medication and for starters it good to do that. I hate medication especially when they are so little, but it has helped and he is doing great with his school work. I am looking into the whole natural herbs and behavior modification.
Good Luck

E.

Hello H.

I'm a mom of two vibrant boys . A 6 year old & 2 year old. My 6 year old is very smart but he is distracted easily . He gets in trouble for talking in class all the time. I'm taking him to a child therapist to have him evaluated . I would not do meds . Please do your research . ADHD it is constantly diagnosed to prescibe meds . If he has some type of ADD/ADHD I will help him via therapy , I don't want him to be labeled that he has a disorder , It can be his personality . They need guidance and as parent we reach out for help in order to help them . But I would urge you no meds unless her situation is severe . I would have her evaluated by a child phsycotherapist . Wish you luck , keep me posted .

~ A.

I went through the same issues you are describing with my son when he was in Kindergarten. The teacher gave me the same advice you are getting and I had him tested for ADD or ADHD. After taking him through a battery of tests, I was told that ADHD cannot be diagnosed until after the age of 7 but that he did have some of the early signs of ADHD. We struggled through Kindergarten and once he got to 1st grade things were much better.
He is now 11 years old and is a very good student. I will tell you that he does get easily distracted but he has learned to control his impulses. Part of it is his personality.
Give your daughter some time to adjust to formal education. It really isn't until Kindergarten that they have a structured learning environment.
I know how you feel. It's like if something is wrong with your child and you keep observing her to see the signs. I think that ADHD is being diagnosed way too often and I consider meds to be the very last option. Some of things that may work is making sure that she is seated at the front of the class and away from windows and doors. This will help her stay more focused. Also, if the teacher can say her name when she sees her distracted, it will also help her.

Good Luck!!

Hi H.!

I have two boys. Blaine is my 7 year old, diagnosed with ADHD at age 6. Devin is my 5 year old, diagnosed with Moderate Autism at age 2 1/2. I know all about active kids and lack of focus!!! Reading about your daughter was like reading about my son! I said the same things about him. The only difference is that he really struggled through school because he just couldn't focus long enough to learn anything. His little mind was going 100 mph all the time. We had him diagnosed and the psychologist we went to was wonderful! He really knew his stuff. We have met several psychologists in the area because of Devin's issues and Dr Dingfelder, in St Augustine, is the best we've seen! I have his number if you want it. I was scared of meds also and hesitated to use them. I tried diet and behavior charts and reward systems. By the time we tried Concerta, it was Feb of the school year. The meds helped immediately and his grades shot up! However, I had waited too long and he just didn't have enough time to bring his grades up enough to be promoted to the 2nd grade. So, he is in 1st grade again this year and making A,B honor roll!!!! I just can't believe it! What a difference! All the Concerta does for him is take away his impulsiveness so he can control himself. He is not a zombie. He is himself, but in control. I love him so much and I'm so proud of him for trying so hard! I forgot to give him his pill the other day and he had a terrible day. The teacher, who was his teacher last year, knew right away that he hadn't taken it. He ended up getting into trouble for talking out in class. He just couldn't control it, he just does whatever pops into his head. Very impulsive.

Once he gets older and matures, we'll be able to ease him off of the pills and teach him to control it himself. For now, however, the pills are necessary.

I H. my story has helped you. I do recommend that you research before you try meds. You want to be as comfortable as you can be with what you are giving to your child.

Good luck to you and if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. There are some judgemental people out there who will look down on you for giving your child medication, no matter what your circumstances. Do what YOU feel is best for your child. That's all you can do.

C. B

I've been investigating alternates to drugs. Diet is key! High protein low sugar. The therapist
I use doesn't believe in meds unless there is a severe problem. Therapy will help with behavior modifications. Research gifted children for they often have ADD/ADAH.

There are a number of alternative therapies for attention issues. Certainly many children have been helped using medication- but you mentioned that your daughter's voice gets loud and she interrupts. Be sure you check out any processing problems and seek out alternative therapies. Check the diet too.
Be positive-- the most creative people have ADHD!! Check out a local CHADD group for more information.

Hi H.
Well my son was diagnosed when he was around 7 with ADHD. I took him to a psychiatrist because his father past away in a tragic car accident & he was scared to be alone & did not like the dark. But anyways I noticed also that he was slacking off in school & he could not stay still. Also I would notice that he would always be moving his hand, I noticed that without him realizing it he just kept moving his hands. He would just have his arms on his side & while he was playing, or being excited his hands just kept moving. I took him, he was evaluated & diagnosed. Anyways they put him on a medication called Focalin which I only give it to him when he goes to school. I don't give it to him on weekends or vacations cause I don't want him to be addicted to it. But let me tell you it has helped him extremely. I remember my oldest son was also diagnosed with ADHD & he was given the medication Adderall & I would look at him & he would be like in another planet. He looked like if he was depressed. I really didn't like seeing him that way. But Damian started getting honors rolls in school the teachers noticed his change & even Damian noticed his change. He takes his pill every morning before he goes to school. His psychiatrist told me this medication was way better than Ritalin & Adderall. But before he was to start on the medication his pediatrician had him do blood work & an eeg. I had him off on the medication during the summer & than started him again after the first quarter of school because he was acting up again in school & was not concentrating. I also have him in baseball & he has just started his 4th season & he's a great pitcher, catcher & 3rd baseman. I have him in baseball so he can have an activity where he can be let go all of his energy. But do have your daughter checked out & have her diagnosed. Let me know how it went. Good luck & the best to you & your daughter.

Hi, H....

My son was diagnosed as ADHD in first grade. He is almost 20 years old now so I've certainly been there!

Like your daughter, my son was always extremely active, vibrant and willful, and had much difficulty paying attention and controlling his behavior. He was also very smart. When he was in kindergarten his teacher recommended he be tested for placement in the gifted program. Tests confirmed this and he was placed in the program beginning in 1st grade and everyone hoped it would help. Not long after he started first grade I received a meeting request from his teacher at which time she proceeded to explain that, while he was one of the brightest students in her class, he was still very disruptive and distracting to the other students.

Enter the numerous visits to doctors and specialists, exploration of various natural and homeopathic remedies, books, self-doubt and confusion, solicited and unsolicited advice from well-meaning relatives and friends, etc., etc., etc.!

We finally decided on medication as the right course of action for us. He took medication during the school year, during school hours. No meds when school was not in session. We tried many, many different medications throughout the years trying to find one with the perfect balance of effectiveness and little side effects. (Concerta was not around at the time we were taking meds.) Throughout our experience, our doctor worked with us when we wanted to try alternative methods. And believe me, we tried everything - diet changes, natural remedies like Melissa Supreme and others known to work so well on others. In the end, none of these options worked for us, though we pretty much kept trying to find alternatives throughout the time he needed meds.

The summer before he entered middle school, my son asked if he could try to start the school year without meds. It was a difficult year, but he managed to get through it mostly without any medication. By the time 7th grade came along, he had figured out what methods best worked for him to help keep him centered, focused and in control. Thus ended his medication taking days. He graduated from high school in 2006 at the top of his class. He was #12 in a class of over 500 and he was only one of two in his entire graduating class that qualified for the 100% tuition paid Florida Bright Futures Scholarship. He opted not to attend college in Florida, but because of his academic excellence, he received a full scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), one of the top engineering colleges in the country.

I share this story with you because when we started out, I feared the ADHD diagnosis was going to be such a difficult obstacle to overcome. It definitely was challenging and I most certainly would have preferred NOT to have given my son meds. However, in our particular case, not giving him the meds never worked out beneficial in his early educational years. He's still ADHD, but he's learned how to control himself and is more in tune with himself so he's able to handle it naturally. Who knows how things would have turned out had we not taken the path we did...I do know he was beginning to get labeled as a problem child and showing signs of not liking school. Once a child plants it in his/her mind that s/he doesn't like school, it can be very difficult to overcome. I didn't want that to happen to my son.

In the end, you are the only one who can decide what is best for your daughter. Definitely do your homework, educate yourself and read the research that is out there, both positive and negative. You'll find plenty of opinions and supporting research for both sides. You are the expert on your child...don't let anyone tell you differently. Many people have had success with diet and natural remedies and many have not. You may have to try a great number of things before you find what is right for your daughter. Believe in yourself and your ability to discern what needs to be done and don't let anybody tell you you're wrong. It is challenging, but at the end of the day, you will do fine, she will do fine and everything will turn out exactly as it is meant to be.

Good luck.

A.