Adhd

[jvelez]

Can anyone tell me of how you handle your child with ADHD? My son was just diagnose in November of 2013 with ADHD. I took him to his first vacation to Walt Disney in Aug 2012. It was some what up and down mood. He just started taking meds in Jan 2014. Now we booked a trip again to Disney for July 30 to Aug 8. I am so nervous going. This time like he was diagnose we def taking his meds with us. Has anyone had similar stories to relate? How did you manage to get through the day if your child got overwhelmed? We also going to different theme parks and doing things in the resort so it's not like we are constantly on the go. Thank you. I really appreciate it.

 

[WantToGoNow]

My ds13 loves WDW so I don't have too much problem but we NEVER go without meds. They are absolutely necessary. Otherwise he gets irritable, argumentative and has meltdowns which include yelling and punching. I also allow him to keep his iPod and phone with him to keep occupied while we wait (shows, rides, restaurants). He starts seeing a new counselor next week to start working on some of his anger issues. I've never gotten a DAS for him before but am considering since these violent outbursts have gotten worse/more frequent as he's gotten older and now that he's gotten taller than me, it's getting a little more difficult to control him. I would hate for him to "go off" surrounded by a lot of people and harm someone.

 

[EvangelineG]

A structured touring plan helps my guys the most. That way we can avoid the worst of the lines, they know exactly what to expect next, and it keeps them on the move, concentrating on what's next and not too distracted by all the things that bug them.

We do the go hard for a few hours, and then complete rest somewhere quiet style of touring (usually back at our rented offsite villa). Mine get the most frantic when we try to meander and just go with the flow. Nope. We need that structure on vacation, just like at home.

 

[ptlohmysoul]

Can anyone tell me of how you handle your child with ADHD? My son was just diagnose in November of 2013 with ADHD. I took him to his first vacation to Walt Disney in Aug 2012. It was some what up and down mood. He just started taking meds in Jan 2014. Now we booked a trip again to Disney for July 30 to Aug 8. I am so nervous going. This time like he was diagnose we def taking his meds with us. Has anyone had similar stories to relate? How did you manage to get through the day if your child got overwhelmed? We also going to different theme parks and doing things in the resort so it's not like we are constantly on the go. Thank you. I really appreciate it.

My ds13 loves WDW so I don't have too much problem but we NEVER go without meds. They are absolutely necessary. Otherwise he gets irritable, argumentative and has meltdowns which include yelling and punching. I also allow him to keep his iPod and phone with him to keep occupied while we wait (shows, rides, restaurants). He starts seeing a new counselor next week to start working on some of his anger issues. I've never gotten a DAS for him before but am considering since these violent outbursts have gotten worse/more frequent as he's gotten older and now that he's gotten taller than me, it's getting a little more difficult to control him. I would hate for him to "go off" surrounded by a lot of people and harm someone.

Please look into feeding your child child real foods, not processed foods (i.e. no added food colorings, no white cane sugar). You can get your child off drugs with a concerted effort. It's hard, but it will be worth it in the long run. The GAPS diet is a diet that cures ADHD, but just eating real foods will go a long way. (Of course, do this after WDW as vacation is not the time to start a new lifestyle.)

 

[dbramer]

My DS (10) has ADHD-combined (hyperactive/inattentive). I have not heard of ADHD being cured. It is a neurological defect that is a lifelong issue. I do not want to enter into a debate about meds vs. no meds. Diets can mitigate the impacts of ADHD, but will never cure it.

On topic, my son takes his meds (Straterra) whether he is in school or not. We try to keep to a schedule in WDW the same as when we are at home. He has his 3DS to keep him occupied on long waits and it has never been a problem. As long as he feels that he is not being rushed or he feels like he has control of a situation, he is fine. It is when he is pushed to go faster than he feels he needs to that he really has a problem.

Just keep to the schedule and get time away from the sensory overload of WDW for a couple hours a day and you should be fine.

 

[aaarcher86]

Please look into feeding your child child real foods, not processed foods (i.e. no added food colorings, no white cane sugar). You can get your child off drugs with a concerted effort. It's hard, but it will be worth it in the long run. The GAPS diet is a diet that cures ADHD, but just eating real foods will go a long way. (Of course, do this after WDW as vacation is not the time to start a new lifestyle.)

This post is unhelpful to the OP, and rude. Parents have the right to choose how to medically help their children. Not everyone is against medicinal treatment. There's no proven cure for ADHD.

OP, having ways to keep your child busy are the best idea (DS, iPod, etc). If he starts to get overwhelmed stop for lunch or go for a swim at the resort. IMO, Disney is so interactive it helps keep the kids engaged versus having to stand around quietly when they just want to go go go!

 

[jvelez]

Thank all for the info. My ODS has a 3DS and we are buying him an IPad since he earn it like he passed his grade. He has been asking for it since Christmas but I told him if he passes he could get it. I'm also going to bring a toy that he loves. When I first went to Disney I didn't know about the pass but I am considering it now since even as much as we wait and all he sometimes complaint. Last vacation I had wait online while I told my DF to take our son for a walk or store to browse around.

 

[jvelez]

Please look into feeding your child child real foods, not processed foods (i.e. no added food colorings, no white cane sugar). You can get your child off drugs with a concerted effort. It's hard, but it will be worth it in the long run. The GAPS diet is a diet that cures ADHD, but just eating real foods will go a long way. (Of course, do this after WDW as vacation is not the time to start a new lifestyle.)

I honestly don't know what you're talking about. Anyway I don't give him processed food. I make my own food and always have even as he gotten as a picky eater. I didn't have my son in meds til this year. 6.5 years so if you don't have a child with ADHD giving hard times in school and getting phones calls left and right you can't go and make any suggestions. Besides I did research since he got diagnose I have looked so much into it and there's is no scientific factor that changing diet will permanently take away the ADHD. With the meds we have seen a scientifically change where he isn't jumping all over the places and talking back. It helps him concentrate and make him think before reacting.

 

[lanejudy]

Treatment decisions should be left to those who know the child best -- his parents and his physician. Let's not get into discussion as to best treatment.

OP has requested input regarding how to help her son get the most out of their WDW vacation. There have been some good suggestions. Keep 'em coming...

OP...my family's best strategy is to keep as close to a "regular" daily schedule as possible -- get up at usual time, eat meals at usual time, if appropriate take naps at usual time, stick to usual bedtime most nights. Now, that's not entirely possible on vacation, and yes we do miss some things though we do stay up somewhat late one or two nights, but we manage to stick to regular schedule fairly well. Well-rested kids and parents are happier.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[jvelez]

Treatment decisions should be left to those who know the child best -- his parents and his physician. Let's not get into discussion as to best treatment.

OP has requested input regarding how to help her son get the most out of their WDW vacation. There have been some good suggestions. Keep 'em coming...

OP...my family's best strategy is to keep as close to a "regular" daily schedule as possible -- get up at usual time, eat meals at usual time, if appropriate take naps at usual time, stick to usual bedtime most nights. Now, that's not entirely possible on vacation, and yes we do miss some things though we do stay up somewhat late one or two nights, but we manage to stick to regular schedule fairly well. Well-rested kids and parents are happier.

Enjoy your vacation!

Thank you so much. Well my kids wake up at 8am. lol. Thank you for the suggestions. Last vacation we really didn't eat much breakfast well my DF and I only drink coffee in the mornings and take our son to eat but now I want to make sure I have a plan so we could make the most out of it. The resort we are in has fishing jet ski pool, and a lake so it will help him also not to get to overwhelmed from one place to another and in a hurry.

Thank you all for the suggestions. I really appreciate it. Back then we didn't know he had a problem at least with this diagnois now I am fimilar and know what to expect.

 

[WantToGoNow]

Deleted

 

[mistysue]

In addition to trying to keep things like home, we have found the following things stop me from hating my life when I take DD places. Her add and other issues create this scenario where she panics and can not be reasoned with until she is ready to listen.

Carry snacks. As it approaches 60-90 minutes past the last meal or snack, I simply feed her something. I don't ask if she wants it, there is no option, it is placed in her hand or made obvious that she should consume it now.

Tell her the plans. Tell her the backup of the plans. Then remind her the plan might change if outside forces change the plan. I made her note cards for our days last year and it was the first year where we didn't have at least one day with a melt down from a misunderstanding that left us standing outside the park until she calmed down enough to understand that the place she was protesting was where she was demanding we take her. Our better past moments included a standoff at the security check at MK which left us sitting for an hour while she demanded I take her to the park... until she realized suddenly this was the way to the park. She instantly went from protesting and refusing to leave her spot on the pavement to smiling and dancing her way into the park.

I talk her through ideas of what we might do while making ADRs and now fp+ and she helps pick what we're doing. Then I do not let her focus on ONE event, but make sure there is a list of what we are excited for. If it culminates with a single event this is asking for trouble.

I basically tell her to suck it up if she complains about lines. She needs to learn to deal with it. There are people who truly can not deal with it so she needs to learn some compassion and either wait her turn or find something else she wants to do. I have no doubt she could easily get a DAS card and is probably more in need of it than tons of people who get one. Would it make our days easier and more fun? Absolutely. But I see it as an item for people who can't do the park without it and it does not feel appropriate for my DD because we expect her to assimilate into society without special assistance later. You have to make that call for your own child though.
Ignore the silly comments about food. DD's adhd can be seen on a brain scan.

 

[jvelez]

In addition to trying to keep things like home, we have found the following things stop me from hating my life when I take DD places. Her add and other issues create this scenario where she panics and can not be reasoned with until she is ready to listen.

Carry snacks. As it approaches 60-90 minutes past the last meal or snack, I simply feed her something. I don't ask if she wants it, there is no option, it is placed in her hand or made obvious that she should consume it now.

Tell her the plans. Tell her the backup of the plans. Then remind her the plan might change if outside forces change the plan. I made her note cards for our days last year and it was the first year where we didn't have at least one day with a melt down from a misunderstanding that left us standing outside the park until she calmed down enough to understand that the place she was protesting was where she was demanding we take her. Our better past moments included a standoff at the security check at MK which left us sitting for an hour while she demanded I take her to the park... until she realized suddenly this was the way to the park. She instantly went from protesting and refusing to leave her spot on the pavement to smiling and dancing her way into the park.

I talk her through ideas of what we might do while making ADRs and now fp+ and she helps pick what we're doing. Then I do not let her focus on ONE event, but make sure there is a list of what we are excited for. If it culminates with a single event this is asking for trouble.

I basically tell her to suck it up if she complains about lines. She needs to learn to deal with it. There are people who truly can not deal with it so she needs to learn some compassion and either wait her turn or find something else she wants to do. I have no doubt she could easily get a DAS card and is probably more in need of it than tons of people who get one. Would it make our days easier and more fun? Absolutely. But I see it as an item for people who can't do the park without it and it does not feel appropriate for my DD because we expect her to assimilate into society without special assistance later. You have to make that call for your own child though.
Ignore the silly comments about food. DD's adhd can be seen on a brain scan.

Thank you for the info. No I am no getting the pass cause honestly I want my son to know he can't be catter to. I never did that and even in school. I just wanted to know some ips to make it easier for the trip. He sometimes get agitated when he doesn't get his way and he def question every move we make and has a lot of demands but even with that I have to reassure him he;s not the boss. We let him pick his activities so like this is his trip since he got his wish for passing grade. We will let him choose what he wants to do.

 

[StrwLady]

Ooops hit send too early

 

[StrwLady]

My ds13 loves WDW so I don't have too much problem but we NEVER go without meds. They are absolutely necessary. Otherwise he gets irritable, argumentative and has meltdowns which include yelling and punching. I also allow him to keep his iPod and phone with him to keep occupied while we wait (shows, rides, restaurants). He starts seeing a new counselor next week to start working on some of his anger issues. I've never gotten a DAS for him before but am considering since these violent outbursts have gotten worse/more frequent as he's gotten older and now that he's gotten taller than me, it's getting a little more difficult to control him. I would hate for him to "go off" surrounded by a lot of people and harm someone.

13 = puberty = fun with tuning meds. This was probably one of the hardest time we had with my sons meds. But finally we found the right dose.

I don't know what your son is taking but my first question is is he on Adderal or vyvanse. My son became very violent on both of these. I have known others have the same problem. My second question have you heard about Intuniv? It helps with the anger component I'd ADD/ADHD. It also helps focus some. After a week with that and Strattera we saw improvements left right. Good luck of if your boy was hyperactive don't worry if he turns in to part slug. I have been assured this will to pass

 

[WantToGoNow]

13 = puberty = fun with tuning meds. This was probably one of the hardest time we had with my sons meds. But finally we found the right dose.

I don't know what your son is taking but my first question is is he on Adderal or vyvanse. My son became very violent on both of these. I have known others have the same problem. My second question have you heard about Intuniv? It helps with the anger component I'd ADD/ADHD. It also helps focus some. After a week with that and Strattera we saw improvements left right. Good luck of if your boy was hyperactive don't worry if he turns in to part slug. I have been assured this will to pass

He is on Vyvanse 50 mg in the am with a 10 mg chaser of Adderal in the afternoon. I'm sure puberty is part of the recent change. Hopefully working with the counselor will help him to control himself better.

He is a very picky eater and would rather starve than eat something he thinks he doesn't like. He's 5'3" and up to 80 lbs finally so he's very thin.

I'm not totally convinced that ADHD and ODD are the only things going on with him.

 

[StrwLady]

Besides I did research since he got diagnose I have looked so much into it and there's is no scientific factor that changing diet will permanently take away the ADHD. With the meds we have seen a scientifically change where he isn't jumping all over the places and talking back. It helps him concentrate and make him think before reacting.

AMEM! For children who truly have ADD/ADHD meds are needed. We are not talking about those boarderline on misdiagnosed.

 

[StrwLady]

Can anyone tell me of how you handle your child with ADHD? My son was just diagnose in November of 2013 with ADHD. I took him to his first vacation to Walt Disney in Aug 2012. It was some what up and down mood. He just started taking meds in Jan 2014. Now we booked a trip again to Disney for July 30 to Aug 8. I am so nervous going. This time like he was diagnose we def taking his meds with us. Has anyone had similar stories to relate? How did you manage to get through the day if your child got overwhelmed? We also going to different theme parks and doing things in the resort so it's not like we are constantly on the go. Thank you. I really appreciate it.

I think you kind oh need to take it slow at first to see how he reacts now that he is on meds. Know what triggers his anxieties or if he has some OCD tendencies keep an eye out for that.

When my son was younger he has sensory issues. Bright lights or loud sounds. In shows I would put a little cotton in his ears to muffled sounds. And if I knew a bright light was coming up I would warn him so he could cover his eyes.

Only other thing was wen my kid got tired he wound up. It was nice doing late night's at the Parks but by time we got back to the room he was bouncing wall to wall. If he has a special pillow or blanket bring that and if he has a special stuffed animal bring that too. Those items always helped him be more conducive to sleep. Also my husband or I would lay next yo him til he fell asleep.

Hope that helps

 

[Kellykins1218]

13 = puberty = fun with tuning meds. This was probably one of the hardest time we had with my sons meds. But finally we found the right dose.

I don't know what your son is taking but my first question is is he on Adderal or vyvanse. My son became very violent on both of these. I have known others have the same problem. My second question have you heard about Intuniv? It helps with the anger component I'd ADD/ADHD. It also helps focus some. After a week with that and Strattera we saw improvements left right. Good luck of if your boy was hyperactive don't worry if he turns in to part slug. I have been assured this will to pass

My son did amazing on Vyvanse. I've never known anyone that became violent on it & I deal with ADHD kids all the time

 

[StrwLady]

Thank you for the info. No I am no getting the pass cause honestly I want my son to know he can't be catter to. I never did that and even in school. I just wanted to know some ips to make it easier for the trip. He sometimes get agitated when he doesn't get his way and he def question every move we make and has a lot of demands but even with that I have to reassure him he;s not the boss. We let him pick his activities so like this is his trip since he got his wish for passing grade. We will let him choose what he wants to do.

It is so nice that you say this. We have always told him his ADHD is never an excuse. That every day he has to work on his self control. He also needs to learn how to function with every one else not the other way around. Sounds like you are doing a great job mommy!