Seek Advice for 7 Year Old Son

Have you tried the Feingold diet? I'm using it for my daughter who has similar behavioral issues and she seems to be improving, even without meds.

Hi J.,

My son has Asperger's Syndrome with Sensory Integration Dysfunction and some ADHD tendencies. The situation you discribed seems so familiar to me! Was wondering if you have him in OT. We will be starting in June with Cawn Krantz & Assoc. for my son's OT, and they use the DIR/Floortime method. This form of treatment is primarily used to treat autistic spectrum disorders (like Asperger's), but I believe they treat non-autistic sensory issues as well. I've heard such wonderful things about them that I can't wait to start! They are in Northbrook. As for the changes in diet others have mentioned, we have not attempted them yet, but I've heard great things about this approach from a neighbor whose son has ADHD. Good luck! Feel free to contact me if you need to talk!

I have limited experience with ADHD children, and my experience is all as a teacher, friend, etc, not as a parent, so I understand that you will take my suggestion with a large grain of salt. The problems I have seen - like what you describe with your son - seem to actually revolve around the medications. While promoted and prescribed by doctors, these medications were not tested on children prior to FDA approval for use in children, nor are ADHD children tested for brain chemical "imbalances" via CAT scans or MRIs or other technologies prior to prescription and use of these psychotrophic drugs. The drugs used to "treat" ADHD are supposed to calm the brain chemical imbalance, but there is no known brain chemical imbalance since tests to find such an imbalance were not done. Physical exams and psychological tests only test external actions, not internal causes or reactions. It sounds from your description of your son's anger that he is reacting very negatively to the drugs he is on, especially since you point out that he "is a monster" when he comes off the medication. Perhaps looking into his dosage, the side effects, etc of his medications will shed some light on your concerns?

Hi J.,I also have a son with ADHD.He is now almost 12.The first thing you need to do is take him OFF the meds!!!!My son was on about 4 different med over the course of about 6 yrs, he started them in the first grade.It took me years to realize that I was drugging my child to make it easier on the teachers!!My son while on the meds was making good grades at school but would lose his temper over just about everything.His growth was below normal ,looking at his pictures from when he was on the meds,makes me cry every time because he was so gaunt and sick from being on the meds for so long.The medication was actually making him more sick!It takes time to figure it out.Since he has been off the meds he is thriving.His grades have suffered somewhat because of it but I dont care!!His attitude has totally changed!He feels good!Yes he's hyper, and at times I want to rip my hair out(I also have 3 other children)but I realized this is the person that he is and I dont have to fix him.What I needed to do wad build him up!They realize theyre different and their self esteem suffers because of it.What I do is focus on teaching him healthy ways to deal with his anger and rage.It doesnt happen over night and it is a huge challenge.You take one day at a time and stay consistent!After time with you consistently redirecting his behavior and showing him healthy ways to communicate his feelings he will get it!Just be ready for the work it takes.We still struggle with this and its not easy but I'm so glad I stopped trying to fix him and took him off the meds.Also if you put pressure on the school and tell them you dont want to medicate him anymore,they will help you.There is so many resources out there for them to use.We are in Minooka shcools and they have been wonderful!J. I shutter to think what my son would have been like as a teenager.The suicide risk for teenagers on these medications is high!The public is not being educated on these things and I ,like you just wanted to give my kid a chance.Please consider what I've told you I believe you will be better off in the long run!Good luck to you and God bless!A. from Channahon

Hello

I did a bunch of research on ADHD, because my son was ready to jump out of his skin and would run around like crazy. It was a mess. I had a sensitivity test done on him and found out the foods he is sensitive to. Come to find out he is sensitive to alot of foods. I have had to switch to whole foods and his behavior has changed for the better. The big thing with him is milk. If he has milk he is a monster child. Come to find out they take children with ADHD and Autism off milk a lot. Maybe it is something you could look into.

J.,

Have you considered counseling with a child psychologist? My daughter sees a fantastic child psychologist for her anxiety triggered behavioral problems and selective mutism. He's fantastic and so great with the kids. He's given us may ideas and tactics for handling behavioral outbursts/tantrums, poor behavior choices, etc. A good deal of it is about counseling the parent on tactics to handle these situations and teaching the child better ways of managing their emotions.

Please send me a private message if you'd like the doctor's information. I know he's already done so much for us.

Good luck with whatever route you go.

Jen

My son is ADHD with Sensory, emotional and anxiety issues - he's been in talk therapy for a year (had OT for a year, too). If you are not already in talk therapy, go. It will help him and YOU. Also, I just began reading "Treating Explosive Kids: the Collaborative Problem Solving Approach" by Ron Greene, per my child's therapist's recommendation. You will feel more empowered, so get this book. He also wrote "Parenting the Explosive Child", which I understand is less clinical, so it might be easier to read.

You should set up a rewards system (ask your therapist for tips) for when he tries to control his anger in an appropriate way, e.g.: through "chill outs".

Two last notes: It is hard. You can't take a day off from focusing on how to make this work for your kid, so please take care of yourself. Also, our kids will grow up and it WILL be easier for them to cope when they are older. Hang onto this truth. Good luck.

Hi J.
My name is A. Dixon, and I also have a 7 year old who is Developmentally Delayed, as well as a 6 year old who has been diagnosed with ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD). I took them both to a Doctor of Natural Medicine when I opted not to put the younger on meds. I do understand why the need for medicine, so don't think my attitude is judgemental - it is not. What I found was that the Dr. of Nat. Med. was able to tell us why different medicines don't work as well in the system, and what types of nutrients (supplements) will help them (the meds) absorb into the system better. This Dr. also helped to know what foods triggered different behavioral issues. My son ended up being allergic to Gluten (flour products), Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn (and all corn products), Oats, and Dairy (except Eggs, and Butter). When we changed his diet, he became a very different child. It is hard work - but VERY MUCH WORTH the effort!. Hope this helps!

Speak to your Dr. about short term meds for later in the day. My daughter is on adderall 15 mg xr (extended release) that she takes in the morning and lasts about until she gets home from school. Then I have adderall 5mg that she takes after school if I need to give it to her. One of her classmates is on foca something for during the day and she gets more meds at the end of the school day so her behavior is consistent for the evening when she gets home and is with her family. You should not have to have it so difficult and such a battle in the evenings, it is not good for you or your child. He more than likely does not want to be a "monster" and this will even him out for the whole day, not just 8 hours. Please speak with your Dr. and see what he or she recommends. Good luck.

Review his diet.... I have three boys, one whose tempers went beyond the "normal" age so I took him to a holistic allergist -- I had read so much that diet effects moods in adults and children thought I would try it. Turns out he has a high sensitivity to corn, corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup -- the "meanies". Took it out of his diet 90% and my other two sons for the last two years and although his personality is what it is, his moods are much more mellowed. I firmly believe in diet and the impact it has on us. Try it -- it is not a cure all but it has helped us. Good luck!

Hi J.. I can so relate to you. I also have a 7 yr old son with sensory integration, learning disability as well as tourettes. he seems angry a lot. often I feel like crying the way he talks to me. My son gets OT from the pediatric place and they are so good. I also have him in tae kwon do and just started seeing a psychologist again. Dr. Bolnick is awesome. we had no luck at personal growth assoc and only had one session so far with Dr. Bolnick and we are now blowing bubbles. we need to recognize the first sign of frustration and have michael blow as big of bubbles as we can. I have him practice daily and go out and do that as well with him. it really helps with calming you down.

Just a quick word of advice: Check with his teacher to see what routines they have in place for him at school and be as consistent as possible. Secondly, try to get him into activities that are physical to help channel and use up his nervous energy.

Hi J.,
Recently, I read that a large percentage of children diagnosed with ADHD really have sleep disorders. It kind of makes sense that if you can't get the proper REM sleep, you'll be explosive and easily distracted. The article I read talked about an Ear, Nose, Throat Surgeon who noticed that a lot of the kids that he removed tonsils/adnoids that were labelled with ADHD got significantly better when they didn't snore so bad and could get a good night of sleep.

I wish I had more info on the Dr. and the article. Just food for thought - If he has sleep problems, maybe have a sleep study done.

My 25 year old neice had a similar chidhood. She is still a "free spirit", but she is the most loving, creative person that I know. She manages a retail store while pursuing art degrees. So, don't ever think that the future is bleak. She also discovered that she is hypoglycemic. When she watches her sugar and carbs, she can control her moods.

He needs ot be on a yeast free diet and on allergy free probiotics like the one from Klaire labs. It is for adults but it is a small amount he cannot taste and it is best to get the powered kind. Also Watch his foods I knwo this is hard but research the yeast free diet and it will help him pretty simple no sugar and simple carbs, only berries for fruit and complex carbs are ok after two weeks like the south beach a bit, tons of protein. I am also 100% certain his behavior is from food allergies as well. you need to link what food is causing the behaviors. Have yoru read the book ...Is this your Child by Doris Raap? THis will help and you cold always get him to an allergist, the bet way to find an offending food that causes behavior prob,lems is patch test, not many allergit do this. there is one in Highland park associated allergist that do. You could of course skin prick test yuck and Rast test blood test but they do not always work on the gut behavior issues only true anaphalatic reactions which I do not think your son has.
ALso do not let his blood sugars drop too low have him at at least every 2 and 1/2 hours. I know it is hard but you can even by a watch that beeps reminding him to eat or you to get him to eat and always eat a protien that is safe at that time. ie cheese stick but if he is allergic to dairy/milk then choose peanut butter and apples etc. let me knwo if you need more help I promise this diet and finding the offending foods and the probiotic will make the world of a difference!
good luck
J.

Have you ever enrolled him into an anger management program along with therapy and meds? Just a suggestion

Hi J.,
I recommend Tuesday's Child. My son has similar sensory issues and is prone to coming unglued when over stimulated. I was having a difficult time taking him anywhere because of the tantrums. I had no idea how to handle him. Tuesday's Child has been an amazing help to us. My relationship with my son is 100 times better. They gave me the support and the tools to know how to best handle him. Call them, they rock!
4028 West Irving Park Road
Chicago, Illinois 60641
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Blessings,
J.

He clearly needs counseling. Medications aren't the only answer for this range of problems. These kids need to know how to control themselves when the meds wear off. Also, just because some people did not have a good experience with the meds doesn't mean that the meds are bad, some things just don't work for everyone, but some of these folks think that just because it didn't work for them they are now qualified to give medical advice to any and all.

My 9 y.o stepson is also ADHD and has sensory issues. What you described sounds like him when he first came to live with us when he was four. It has been a VERY long road, but he has improved dramatically. His temper tantrums are rare now as he has slowly grown out of them, but do still occur every now and then. His psychologist had him allergy tested very first thing, but as it turns out, he was not allergic or senstive to any foods. So, that is not always the culprit. Currently we are trying neurofeedback to help with his focus and attention. We see a psychologist in Schaumburg, Alexander Eschbach. The neurofeedback basically trains the brain to focus. It is not an overnight fix, but takes some time. You can get more info by visiting www.eegspectrum.com.

I may not have any good advice, but let me sympathize with you.
My daughter, who is now 15, used to thrown "temper tantrums" all the time. I can't tell you how many things she broke over the years. She started having them when she was about 3 and they continued until we finally had her diagnosed in the last year or so as being bipolar. She is on medication now and is doing great. She handles frustration so much better. I don't know if that is what is going on with your son, but it might be a good idea to find out. I know you don't want to hear this, but your life and his will be so much better if you can find out what is causing this. Don't waste as much time as I did finding an answer.

A little about me I am a 56-year old mother of two girls, ages 15 and 19.

Learning disablity,SPD & ADHD here too! I read alot of your responses and I think that there are a lot of really wonderful knowledgable Moms here. I started my almost 7 year old on medication and within 2 weeks he started beginning to understand what the teachers were saying in school. I was amazed.

With that said, before medication, we have done OT (and still do OT) and I started a food journal to see what was going on. There is some information published by Dr. Feingold about ADHD and diet. Some of the information is 20 years old, but my allergist agrees with what he said. Artifical colors and preservatives and milk really set my son off. The allergy testing for him is not complete currently, but so far we found out that he has a 2+ reaction to peanuts and we didn't know! I would really recommend allergy testing or at least seeing a nutritionist.

He still has his bad days, but with the dietary adjustments he is much closer to being the person he wants to be! Good luck!

C.

Most ADHD medications are stimulants, and can terribly aggravate a Sensory Integration Dysfuction. You might want to consider asking your doctor about trying different meds to address the aggression issues, or to balance out his day with perhaps a time released med for ADHD, etc.

You also might want to consider having him evaluated for Autism Spectrum Disorders, if you haven't already. It is not uncommon to have a child first diagnosed as ADHD, only to later be rediagnosed as being on the Spectrum.

My son was incorrectly diagnosed as ADHD, and given the typical drugs. But his behavior kept getting worse and worse, and he was always on the verge of a meltdown. Once he was finally diagnosed with high functioning autism, and not ADHD, and took him off the inappropriate meds, his meltdowns (tantrums) have been significantly reduced. We went from numerous meltdowns in a day, to rarely.

Good luck!

Hi J., I don't have an answer for you, I wish I did. I am struggling with this same issue with my 8 yr old son. He was diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, and possibly a few other things. Recently things have taken a major turn for the worse. He is in medicine but is having bigger problems. They told me he "might" be showing "beginning" signs of Bipolar. Well this week he's really showing it even more. The anger thing has been an issue all his life. It's just getting way worse. I hope you figure something out, and if you ever want to talk you know where to find me. :)

You need to find a specialist in this area who can come up with a plan for your son. Just giving medication is not enough. Call Children's Memorial doctor referral and they will help you find a specialist. My son was treated by our pediatrician for years and when we finally found a specialist at Chrildren's we could not believe how many answers and help we found!