Advice Please!! My child may have ADD.

[ammeador2]

Can you share what the special diet is?

I know that there is a gluten free diet, but I do believe that food allergies have to be ruled out first. A friend of mine was told that her son has ADD by the school..she took him to the dr and his tonsils and adnoids very inflamed causing sleep apnea. The dr said it's hard to be a good student and pay attention when you don't feel well and you aren't sleeping well. So, he is sending her son to an allergist as well as a behavior specialist before he jumped the gun and started meds immediately.

Both of my brothers were diagnosised with ADD many, many, many years ago (this makes me feel old) they were both treated with meds, but my parents only gave them the meds during the school year, on school days. weekends, school breaks they didn't give them the meds. I think this was before the diets! but this did help my brothers.

also, I found a diet on the internet. don't know how reliable it is since it is on the internet, but I wonder if it's close to anything that your dr will tell you. let me know please? I am curious!

"First, what NOT to eat for TWO WEEKS:

1) NO DAIRY PRODUCTS, especially cow's milk. This is the single most important restriction. Instead try Almond milk, Rice milk, or Better Than Milk. Drink water instead of milk. In fact, drink lots of water. The brain is about 80% water, and increasing your water intake to 7 to 10 glasses per day might be helpful all by itself. Sodas, Gatorade, teas, icees, etc., do not count as water. Water counts as water.
2) NO YELLOW FOODS. Especially Corn or Squash. Bananas are white. Don't eat the peel.
3) NO JUNK FOODS. If it comes in a cellophane wrapper, don't eat it.
4) NO FRUIT JUICES. Too much sugar content. One small glass of apple juice has the sugar content of eight apples. Later on you can have juice, but dilute it with water 50/50.
5) CUT SUGAR INTAKE BY 90%. If you can, cut it down to zero. Sugar is in just about everything, but give it a try. Do your best without going crazy.
6) CUT CHOCOLATE BY 90%. No more than a single piece, once a week.
7) NO NUTRASWEET. None. Period.
8) NO PROCESSED MEATS and NO MSG. Only get meats with labels that say, “Turkey and Water,” etc. If the meat has chemicals listed that you can't pronounce, don't buy it.
9) CUT FRIED FOODS BY 90%.
10) AVOID FOOD COLORINGS WHENEVER POSSIBLE. See if your child is sensitive to any particular colors, such as Reds, Yellows, etc. For now, though, avoid all if possible. SUMMARY: Just eat foods that God made for a while. Eat like people did in the 1940's. Go to a used book store and get a Betty Crocker's Cook Book for recipe ideas. There really are about 10,000 meals that you CAN eat. Just not much in the way of “fast foods” or “convenience” foods.

AFTER TWO WEEKS begin adding these foods back into your diet, one food every other day. Eat A LOT of that food every day for four days. If you have a problem with one of the foods, you will see some kind of a “reaction” within four days. The reaction can vary from big red splotches on the body to ears turning bright red to explosive temper outbursts. If there's a problem, you'll know. If there's no problem, enjoy the food." Doug Cowan, Psy.D., MFCC

 

[maddiesmom0116]

Hi-
When my nephew was 3 my brother got a divorce and he and my nephew came to live with me. I was 21 and single at the time. My SIL had him already on meds at the time for this. The day he moved in with me was the last day of the meds due to the side effects.. I went to the library and did some research on diet and changed his doctor. With a little patience and the right diet he blossomed, setting behavior expectations was a must also. He lived with me for 3 years and later on again for 3 years and he is a wonderful B+ average student, athelete, and all around popular almost 17 year old young man now. I could not be prouder of him. My best advice is to stay clear of the medication, it made my nephew almost a zombie and he was too mellow to have any fun in life. It was the best decison I ever made to flush those pills down the toliet.

Good luck and just keep in mind it won't always be easy, but the end result will be what is best for your family.

 

[walkerag]

Ok some can flame away but my DD7, 2nd grade, has ADHD inattentive type and we are those parents that are closed minded about meds...
We noticed something wasn't right in preschool when the teachers were complaining that she just wasn't staying focused but it was kindergarten when we were sure there was a problem. She understood how to do the work and excelled when she had one on one instruction from the teacher's aides but if she had to listen to the teacher and try to do it on her own she would just "zone out" during class.
It's not that they're not bright or can't comprehend but every little thing going on from a kid playing with thier pencil to someone walking around outside or just daydreaming is distracting to them. Her 1st grade teacher said that one day she asked DD to go across the room and get a pencil and it took her 30 minutes to do it She said that everything along the way distracted her. She stopped to play in the sink, talk to a friend, inspect something on a desk etc. etc. before she finally brought her a pencil.
We have been very fortunate to have such wonderful teachers and that she's at a public school that has a teacher's aide in every class. Her current teacher has modified her curriculum so that she has less work to do at more frequent intrevals throughout the day, baby steps if you will. We are currently working with the school to get her one on one help from a teacher's aide in the class for 30 minutes to an hour every day to help her stay focused and complete her work. Of course her diagnosis had to be verified by her pediatrician first.
It is challanging but we feel like if we take the initiative to work with her and help her as much as we can she will do well without medication, she is a happy, confident, loving child and her teacher's adore her as do we We owe it to her to do all we can to help her without medication if at all possible. Good luck

 

[SmallWorld71]

First, I definitely recommend a specialist.
2nd, diet is a great place to start but doesn't work for every child. I think it is important to be open to what will help your particular child. I guess I'm going against the grain, but I hate it when I see people being so against medications when they are life savers for some children.
DStep-son 13 started taking meds last year. His only side effect is a slight loss of appetite, but at 5'8" and 140lbs. this is not a major concern. LOL He also has a learning disability and has STRUGGLED in school since the very begining, especially in reading and reading comprehension. In 6th grade, he began to fail subjects and school was becoming more and more of a struggle. His mother finally made the decision to see a specialist and the difference is incredible. He is much happier, his grades are up, he is one of the top players on his hockey team; it has been absolutely wonderful for him. Meds have allowed him to show the rest of the world, what a smart and wonderful kid he is. Something that we always knew but wasn't necessarily apparent to others.
I completely agree that there is over diagnosis in this area, and I certainly wouldn't rush out and give a child meds without careful research but too often I see children struggle unneccesarily because their parents refuse to give it a chance.

 

[3boymthr]

Hi,

Can I give it to you from several sides of the picture. I have three boys. All of them have encountered various learning challenges. It started with DS#1; he has ADHD. But, on the advice of our pediatrician, we took a very, very scientific approach to diagnosis. He was put thru a battery of tests at school, including a test which was completed by me (probably the same test you took). They tried to tell me he had ADHD, but on the advice of my pediatrician we took him to a Neurologist at MGH. She was a specialist in ADHD. She sent us to a neuropsychologist who did even more testing. After all this testing it was determined that he did have ADHD and that he also has a learning disability. He had several behaviors that are markers of ADHD. Aside from inattentiveness the are actually a laundry list of behaviors that mark a child as having ADHD, not least of which is impulsivity. He was diagnosed with mild to moderate ADHD which aggravates this learning disability and the learning disability aggravates the ADHD. We did put him back on medication and it works wonders. One of the side effects of the medication can be mood swings. This fall the mood swings were really bad so we took him off the medication, but his grades are faltering so we have put him back on it. Of course he is a teenager and the mood swings didn't get much better when off the medication so hormones might be as much to blame for the mood swings.

DS#2 is the other side of the scale. He has always had trouble learning and retaining. Took him FOREVER to learn his addition tables, in fact he's still working on them and really doesn't remember them without prompting. All his teachers noted was continued inattentiveness, staring off into space, etc. in class. The learning issues I noted were brushed off. But we have not had the issues with impluse control, etc. displayed by his older brother. We had him tested for the "attentiveness issues" because his teachers asked us to. And while he was noted as being inattentive the school did also find some problems with retention and learning. But both his teacher this year and last have attempted to push the ADHD card, as have the school special education director and specialists. We also had him tested by the same neuropsychologist as his older brother. She determined that he had VERY mild ADD but attention deficit is primarily caused by the learning disability. Essentially, as soon as he stops understanding, he turns off and doesn't listen anymore. We are working with him to get him to ask questions, but really, mostly if he gets lost he just tunes them out and stares off into space or twiddles, etc. So they keep pushing the ADHD and I keep pushing them to man up and work with him.

I guess what I'm saying is just because the school says it's ADD or ADHD don't believe them, especially if he's having trouble with a particular subject. The attentiveness may be caused by a learning disability. Have him tested by an impartial third party. Most insurance plans will cover this testing.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Hi,

Can I give it to you from several sides of the picture. I have three boys. All of them have encountered various learning challenges. It started with DS#1; he has ADHD. But, on the advice of our pediatrician, we took a very, very scientific approach to diagnosis. He was put thru a battery of tests at school, including a test which was completed by me (probably the same test you took). They tried to tell me he had ADHD, but on the advice of my pediatrician we took him to a Neurologist at MGH. She was a specialist in ADHD. She sent us to a neuropsychologist who did even more testing. After all this testing it was determined that he did have ADHD and that he also has a learning disability. He had several behaviors that are markers of ADHD. Aside from inattentiveness the are actually a laundry list of behaviors that mark a child as having ADHD, not least of which is impulsivity. He was diagnosed with mild to moderate ADHD which aggravates this learning disability and the learning disability aggravates the ADHD. We did put him back on medication and it works wonders. One of the side effects of the medication can be mood swings. This fall the mood swings were really bad so we took him off the medication, but his grades are faltering so we have put him back on it. Of course he is a teenager and the mood swings didn't get much better when off the medication so hormones might be as much to blame for the mood swings.

DS#2 is the other side of the scale. He has always had trouble learning and retaining. Took him FOREVER to learn his addition tables, in fact he's still working on them and really doesn't remember them without prompting. All his teachers noted was continued inattentiveness, staring off into space, etc. in class. The learning issues I noted were brushed off. But we have not had the issues with impluse control, etc. displayed by his older brother. We had him tested for the "attentiveness issues" because his teachers asked us to. And while he was noted as being inattentive the school did also find some problems with retention and learning. But both his teacher this year and last have attempted to push the ADHD card, as have the school special education director and specialists. We also had him tested by the same neuropsychologist as his older brother. She determined that he had VERY mild ADD but attention deficit is primarily caused by the learning disability. Essentially, as soon as he stops understanding, he turns off and doesn't listen anymore. We are working with him to get him to ask questions, but really, mostly if he gets lost he just tunes them out and stares off into space or twiddles, etc. So they keep pushing the ADHD and I keep pushing them to man up and work with him.

I guess what I'm saying is just because the school says it's ADD or ADHD don't believe them, especially if he's having trouble with a particular subject. The attentiveness may be caused by a learning disability. Have him tested by an impartial third party. Most insurance plans will cover this testing.

This sounds somewhat similar to my niece and nephew. DNiece14 has ADHD and meds have worked wonders for her.
Well, when DNephew9, was having trouble in K, the school pushed for him to be on meds as well, convinced he had ADHD as well. I pushed my brother and sister-in-law to see a specialist. DNephew was diagnosed with SID and occupational therapy as well as working with a behaviorist have worked wonders for him. Meds would have been completely useless.
It is definitely important to seek the correct diagnosis.

 

[michael's mom]

I think when kids are outside the "box" at all the schools want to label them with some kind of disorder. Some schools get more money for kids with learning or behavior issues. Don't jump the gun, you child may just need a little extra attention in reading..

I think ADD & ADHD are way over "diagnosed" by the school districts. NOT all kids are going to be on the same page.. I'd be very reluctant to allow the school to label your son without a LOT more evidence than a questioner.

JMOFWIW

Just for a point of clarification, schools do not diagnose ADHD. They do not have any diagnostic permissions to do this. What schools do however, is to provide that initial questionaire that a doctor would give you. I've had parents question doctors without my saying anything and have been handed the same form that the school gives out. Often times, parents will need something from the school before doctors move forward. This questionaire is just to indicate that parents/teachers are seeing similar behavior from a child that may or may not be impeding on the learning. Parents can take this as a valuable tool to help their child get the help that he needs. Many posters have said that while the school form indicated that ADHD may be an issue it was not, however a learning disability was detected. You cannot get those found quicker going through all of the red-tape that school districts have in place regarding Spec. Ed Testing.

That being said, I agree with most posters that you should not jump right to medication. There are many other steps to take beforehand, including seeing doctors who specialize in this. Try the diet as well. I have heard of many medical conditions being treated this way. Your child's teacher should have many ways to help your child in the classroom in the meantime.

But, don't feel as though medication is the most horrible thing you can do. As another poster said, there may be a chemical imbalance that cannot be fixed with diet and alternative teaching methods, just like diabetes.

My DH was diagnosed with ADHD (severe hyperactivity) in the 3rd grade and took medication. He is certain that the only reason that he was able to make it through school the way he did was with the help. He decided to no longer use it in college because at the time, people were buying ritalin for the high and he didn't want anyone to know he had it....he never finished school! Now, had there been more research when he was younger, he may have learned more alternative ways to deal with his inattentiveness, but we'll never know. He still will take his medication when he knows he's approaching a difficult time at work that requires him to be ON all the time.

I will end with a short story that I encountered years ago with a parent who medicated all 3 of her boys...youngest 3 at the time.

"My sons are more likely to be...(all negative and will not share because not imp.) "

My colleague who had done extensive research on ADHD in schools: "Ma'am. Your children are also more likely to become Fortune 500 members. Brilliant, creative minds if given the chance!" This is not something to fear. Just educate yourself and be your son's advocate at all times. Seek out professional advice when the books don't answer your questions, and work with his teachers to share strategies that work in and out of the classroom to help him learn to the best of his ability.

 

[flipflopmom]

As a teacher and an adult with "undiagnosed" ADHD, I knew from almost birth that my daughter was "high needs" and we went with that. She drove us all crazy, but was managing until 3rd grade. Went from all E's (primary equivalent to A's) to struggling for G's (B's). As long as she was happy, we were okay. Then her friendships started to struggle, terribly, and she was crying everynight. Started dietary changes, were already doing behavior mod's and all the "right" stuff as far as schedules, advance notification of changes, etc. Last summer, her little sister vomited in the car, and miss impulsive opened the door and almost jumped out WHILE I WAS DRIVING!!! Granted, we were on our street and moving slowly, but still. She's cut her eyelashes, other crazy stuff because she lacks ability to STOP AND THINK. For her safety we put her on meds and she is back to all A's, no friendship problems, etc.


All that being said, we don't give on weekends so she can eat and sleep better.

 

[btcrane]

2 things:

1. Every child is different. Medication works for some kids, but is not the appropriate solution for all children. The generalizations made in some of the posts here that medication is "bad" may be misleading. Medication IS bad for some, I'm sure it was for their children or the children they knew, but not for all children.

2. The school system should not be making a diagnosis of ADHD (or ADD, as you put it). Should they recommend your son be diagnosed by a professional? Sure, but they are not in a position to "label" your child.


With a background in psychology, when I realized my teenage son was exhibiting symptoms of ADHD (without hyperactivity), I tried to treat his symptoms from a behavioral standpoint. To me, medication was simply not an option. However, as I watched his grades continue to drop from straight A's to C's and D's, I knew something else needed to be done. My son is a great kid, has a heart of gold and lives to please me (even at the age of 14!), but with definite issues we are still trying to resolve. He is now seeing a psychiatrist and a therapist, and we are beginning (fingers crossed) to finally see some results. Yes, he is now on medication, and the medication seems to help. It has not changed his personality, thank goodness, one of my biggest fears. It is not a "magic bullet" however. This has been a very difficult time in our family's life, but we are workng through it.

I just wanted to let you know that there are many sides to this issue, many possible solutions, and only you can determine what is best for your son. Medication is not always the answer, but neither is it the most dreaded thing of all. And your son may not even be ADHD (or ADD). Get a diagnosis from a reputable professional, not the school. (Heck, the librarian at my youngest kid's school told him that he was destined to be an identity thief and go to jail because he was tormenting a little girl he had a crush on. Long story.) My heart, and prayers, go out to you.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

Thank you again for all of the responses. It's very interesting to read what others have been through and what has and has not worked for you.

My DH and I both agreed to have further testing done for him. He thinks that this would be wise, because he may not be ADD, but instead have a learning disability. I'm also not totally against giving him meds, if it will help him, but I had rather go with changing the diet first and see how that works. When I called the Dr's office yesterday and asked the nurse about the diet, she said that she thought it was a high protein, low starch diet, but she is checking for me. I am just ready to get in to see him and see what he says.

I know in the past he has said that Fish Oil is great for kids to help them focus. I bought some pills, but they are huge & my son wont take them. I need to find some for children.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

? for all those who have mentioned loved ones who take meds on a "part time" basis...is this really a good thing medically? Do Drs. recommend or "ok" taking the meds only when needed? I had a student who's aunt would steal his meds to take herself or sell and always wondered how this constant chemical change whas good for his little body. If the child is taking meds due to a chemical imbalance then I would think that it would be better for the child to be "in balance" all the time (and I don't mean for better coping for parents and teachers) rather than just M-F or when a big project is coming at work.

 

[PolyAddict]

? for all those who have mentioned loved ones who take meds on a "part time" basis...is this really a good thing medically? Do Drs. recommend or "ok" taking the meds only when needed? I had a student who's aunt would steal his meds to take herself or sell and always wondered how this constant chemical change whas good for his little body. If the child is taking meds due to a chemical imbalance then I would think that it would be better for the child to be "in balance" all the time (and I don't mean for better coping for parents and teachers) rather than just M-F or when a big project is coming at work.

Depending on what med's they are. I was told that focalin is ok to take only when needed to focus. Some meds take a while to build up and you can't take them on/off.

 

[beavismom]

Focalin is what we take as well and the doctor is fine with us not having him take it for weekends, holidays and summer. The patch was the same way, but it is a good question and everyone should make sure they are talking to the doctor about exactly how the meds are used.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

Depending on what med's they are. I was told that focalin is ok to take only when needed to focus. Some meds take a while to build up and you can't take them on/off.

Focalin is what we take as well and the doctor is fine with us not having him take it for weekends, holidays and summer. The patch was the same way, but it is a good question and everyone should make sure they are talking to the doctor about exactly how the meds are used.

OK, understandable, but then that leads to a few more questions...
Why, as parents, would you not then keep the children on the meds for the weekend to give them focus on S & S?
Are the side effects that bad (Focalin) that it is better for them to be off on the weekend?
If the side effects are that bad would you consider changing meds...I know all that their "risks."
By not being on meds "full-time" is the child not considered on meds when it comes to insurance purposes?

Sorry for all the ?s. My background is in more severe disabilities, where ADD is the least of the child's problems. Really, I am not trying to start a debate or anything, just using this as a learning oppotunity. Thank.

 

[Heatherhy01]

Hello Everyone,
I am going through all of this right now with my 5 yr. old DD. She is doing VERY poorly in Kindergarten. Most likely, she will be held back this year. I would rather have her held back instead of pushing her forward and getting her more confused. While all the other kids are learning to read and addition/subtraction, mine is still trying to learn her letters and the sounds of her letters. She also does not recognize all of her numbers and can only count to 20. They think that she has some auditory processing problem? They are testing her for learning disablitlies now. Yesterday was the IQ test and on Thursady, the school psychologist is going to work some more with her. Personally, I think she is very hyper and cannot concentrate. Her teacher does not see it and maybe it is just me???? We are trying to figure out if there is a problem, or if she was just too young. I beleive that she may be the youngest in her class. This is very hard for me, my oldest DD is an A&B student and LOVES school! My youngest LOVES school too and does not know that she is doing so poorly. I do not want to break her spirit!!! I seem to handle things better than my husband whom just keeps saying "she's fine, she's fine"! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks,

 

[eeyoremum]

Hi,

Firstly, I did not read all the posts.

Secondly, I tend to have a different spin on most this so it may differ from what others have said.

I have a husband and two sons all with undiagnosed ADD/ADHD. My husband is not diagnosed because of our age. My sons because I refuse to have them labeled and I am not going to medicate them so what is the point.

I have learned over the years how to help my sons help themselves work through attention problems. I have told the school on a number of occassions how to deal with my kids but "they know better" so don't listen...not my problem. My sons are not disruptive. They daydream so tend to miss instructions or don't complete work on time in class.

Now that my oldest is in highschool and has some control over the courses he takes he is doing much better. My youngest is another story but he is getting there.

Both are learning to control their ADD which to me is more important than giving them a pill and letting them think that will solve the problem.

 

[btcrane]

Hello Everyone,
I am going through all of this right now with my 5 yr. old DD. She is doing VERY poorly in Kindergarten. Most likely, she will be held back this year. I would rather have her held back instead of pushing her forward and getting her more confused. While all the other kids are learning to read and addition/subtraction, mine is still trying to learn her letters and the sounds of her letters. She also does not recognize all of her numbers and can only count to 20. They think that she has some auditory processing problem? They are testing her for learning disablitlies now. Yesterday was the IQ test and on Thursady, the school psychologist is going to work some more with her. Personally, I think she is very hyper and cannot concentrate. Her teacher does not see it and maybe it is just me???? We are trying to figure out if there is a problem, or if she was just too young. I beleive that she may be the youngest in her class. This is very hard for me, my oldest DD is an A&B student and LOVES school! My youngest LOVES school too and does not know that she is doing so poorly. I do not want to break her spirit!!! I seem to handle things better than my husband whom just keeps saying "she's fine, she's fine"! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks,

Funny, it's my middle child with problems, too! Always thought that middle child syndrome was a myth, now wondering...Anyway, YOU know your child better than anyone. If you think she's hyper, she probably is. It may be developmental if she's the youngest in the class. Hang in there...I don't have a lot of advice, as I'm dealing with the same issues, but I will say your daughter is very lucky to have you in her corner. One of my middle guy's issues is that he feels like he doesn't measure up to his older sister and his younger brother. It's important that they be reminded over and over, and over again, that each child is special in his/her own way, and she has strengths and talents unique to her. Listen to your instincts--an attentive mom's are usually right!

 

[btcrane]

Hi,

Firstly, I did not read all the posts.

Secondly, I tend to have a different spin on most this so it may differ from what others have said.

I have a husband and two sons all with undiagnosed ADD/ADHD. My husband is not diagnosed because of our age. My sons because I refuse to have them labeled and I am not going to medicate them so what is the point.

I have learned over the years how to help my sons help themselves work through attention problems. I have told the school on a number of occassions how to deal with my kids but "they know better" so don't listen...not my problem. My sons are not disruptive. They daydream so tend to miss instructions or don't complete work on time in class.

Now that my oldest is in highschool and has some control over the courses he takes he is doing much better. My youngest is another story but he is getting there.

Both are learning to control their ADD which to me is more important than giving them a pill and letting them think that will solve the problem.

Great news for you and your family!!! I tried the same tactic--I'm fairly certain that I am also undiagnosed ADHD so my son comes by it honestly, and my philosophy was that I learned to cope without intervention, he can, too. Unfortunately, that didn't work for my son and we watched not only his grades drop from A's to D's and F's, but we watched his self esteem take a beating as well because he felt like a failure. We sought the services of a psychologist, trying to avoid medication, but that didn't help. Finally, in desperation, we went to a psychiatrist and found out he is SEVERELY ADHD. He needs medication--in fact, we are still experimenting, trying to find out what's best for him. Believe me, "taking a pill" is not solving our problems.

The bottom line is that we all must do what's best for our children--what works for one person may not work for another, and there's no easy answer to this problem. I wish I'd been able to help my son with behavioral interventions only, as you've described. I worry about what will happen as an adult--will he have to take meds for the rest of his life? He also wanted to join the military some day (his dad is military). I wonder if the medications he's on will make this impossible in the future, and that makes me very sad. But he would never have a chance at a productive future if we'd continue to muddle through the way we were.

Congratulations on your oldest son's progress, and I wish you all the best with your youngest. Hopefully he will follow in his brother's footsteps! And I had to smile at your description of their daydreaming--that's just what my son does! He is not disruptive at all, and is an amazing, sweet boy whom we are just wanting to help learn to live life to its fullest potential.

 

[kboyertcu]

I am both a parent of a child with ADHD and an Nurse practitioner with some experience in the area. Basically, It is important to have input from the parents on the child and take into considerations on this. If you dont feel meds are a good choice for your child try the other stuff first. There are many side effects to the stimulant meds but there are also a wide variety of different stimulants from which to choose, as well as Straterra. While one child may have problems with a specific medicine the next child may not. And sometimes you have to play with the dosages to get the desired effect without side effects. I have heard fabulous things from the use of the diet as well. Its a decision you need to make with all things considered.

My son tried stratterra for a while and did quite well on it until he hit a growth spurt now hes on vyvanse and does quite well with that. It doesnt have quite the same on and off effect as the other stimulants. I also treated one family where the mother struggled very hard with the decision to try her son on meds after trying other suggestions and failing. She even cried in my office one day. Later she called and decided to try him on the meds. next office visit she was crying again, only this time she was crying because her son was doing so well in school now and she was sad that she hadnt done it sooner.
'I guess after posting that my main point is discuss ALL of your thoughts with your doc! Good luck!
Ps some tips inattentive ADHD are notorious for probs with spelling and organization. Create a regimine for your child with which to study and organize. At first its alot of work but youll be thankful you did it.

Kate

 

[tam626]

My older son is now 22 & was diagnosed with adhd in second grade & put on meds. He did better in school for a while but a pp said, the side effects were terrible. He has recently begged me not to put his 3 yr old brother on meds when he;s older. He says he was high when he was on the meds. He should know, he went on to abuse drugs as a teen. I am not saying all kids are high on adhd meds so no flaming please, I am just telling you what he told me.

I would try everything else before i would consider meds.