Does My Child Have ADHD

Read up on ADHD at this site before you do any testing:

http://www.thomhartmann.com/index.php?option=com_content&...

Thom Hartmann has written 7 books on ADHD and how to avoid medication or IF to avoid medication. You will find his books a gigantic relief in a world of mixed messages around ADHD including: the origin of the condition, how to manage it as a parent and how to manage it as the person who has it.

Well, I'm no doc, but it sounds like he may. I also have a 7 yr old with ADHD in 2nd grade. I didn't want to put my son on meds because of his behavior, but the whole thing of him not listening and following rules and getting behind in schoolwork was also my main concern. Last year we had him tested and tried the Adderall XR for awhile, but found that Vyvanse was basically the same thing, but has an extended release time, so we decided to try that. It works well for him I believe, and his teachers seem to agree.
Hope this helps...GOOD LUCK!!

M. - you may want to consult a pediatric chiropractor. Sounds kinds of strange but many children who have AD&D have an issue with their neck. Adjustments are making huge a difference for these kids. Plus, they're way safer than the meds. You may want to read on-line the definition of AD&D and how a diagnosis is made. Very interesting.

If you need a referral to a good chiropractor, let me know.

Best of luck,

D.

M.,
It sounds like your son is just really exuberant. How really, can we expect 7 year old boys to calmly sit still and take in the world? Think back in time. Boys have always been rough, rowdy and more excited about running around yelling than sitting still learning. I have a 7 year old son who is the same way. These days we just expect more of our children than they used to. So, they have to learn to work in school, but they still need to be allowed to be 7 year old boys. You would get a lot out of the (short & to the point) book "The gift of ADHD". Whether your son has it OR NOT, it gives great tips, tools & games for teaching our kids how to handle themselves in school and other situations. As a parent, we need to coach them in how to behave, not punish them when they don't. Check it out - its a great book.

I have a teenage son with ADHD with other problems as well. I also have an ADHD husband. I have found if I talk very softly they pay more attention to what I am saying. It is something one of my sons many many therapists over the years have taught me. It does work because they can't hear you they focus on you and really pay attention. My son is on medication and has been since he was 2 1/2. It is a tough decision to make. I do know though that the medication did help him pay attention in school. I will give you a word to the wise don't let them put him on ridalin I hope I spelled that right. If he takes it once there are careers he can never have fireman policeman some jobs in the military. Good luck to your son and you.

My now 12 year old son had similar problems. After much research, we discovered he had issues with food dye, especially RED #40. He also has issues with MSG - and probably most food additives. Monitoring what he eats has made a huge difference in his behavior. He knows what he can and can't have and has learned to read labels before he eats something - if he can. He's not perfect and occasionally eats some red candy and we can all tell immediately! Also, when you go out to eat you don't have the luxury of reading labels and occasionally he will start to act up. He chats nonstop and turns into the energizer bunny. We avoid all fast food like the plague. It all has additives and affects him. It might be worth a try. It is an easy fix. Do some research. I hope this helps.

Many kiddos under the age of 10 have difficulties with attention, it is part of brain development. However, there are times that the attention and the talkativeness become excessive and become a learning concern.
Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. There are many wonderful books and websites out there to help with non-medication treatment of ADHD.
One of the things that I have found to work, I have an 8 year old that at times shows potential of ADD is structure. Structure his day, and he will become intuned to the schedule and will be able to focus his attention on the task at hand.
Also, when discussing how important it is to listen, always remind him in a fun way before an activity where he is more apt to become talkative and distractible. Also, reward him with a treat or extra fun time, by receiving that reward, he may be more able to see that when you listen, you are doing and good thing, and good things are rewarded. Also, if you want to structure, there is a great website called the flylady. She has a great Student Control Journal that is downloadable and is fun for kids, I just implemented that myself.
However, if you see learning problems, talk you his classroom teacher and possibly ask for an evaluation for special education. That will also help with a diagnosis with the doctor.
Good Luck!

I agree with those who suggested you might want to look into sensory issues. Our son has some of the same behaviors you describe and he was just recently diagnosed with sensory issues. He sees an occupational therapist 2x/week, but it doesn't involve any medications. We are working on his diet and have significantly decreased his electronics time. It all seems to be helping. Good luck. Oh, my son plays football too. When he doesn't listen or talks out of turn the coaches make him run laps. That might be better than having your son sit out. For kids who are energetic or have trouble focusing making them sit can make it worse. Maybe the coach could come up with some other consequence?

Our child has ADHD Inattentive which is hard to diagnose but with proper testing we are sure of it. We were both trying to AVOID use Meds with such a young child (7) but we are very glad we did change our minds! She went from being in the bottom 1/3 of her class to the middle to upper third in about 6 months. The Teacher did realize the problem, but it was obvious to us, so whe did as much testing as we could! Often schools if justified will setup at low cost testing for children needing it. We got our child on an IEP (writing, reading if needed, social skills). Even though the IQ was above average help is still needed for those with ADHD. It does sound like testing should be done! Before the meds we gave we could almost not get homework done without a battle now it is almost "too" easy and it gets done! What a better home for everyone of us. A Child Psychiatrist should be discussing this with you and referring for the testing if the school does not do it or have the budget.
Also read books like Driven to Distraction, and the Obstinate Chld is trying to ask for help in this way I think! We keep her the lowest dose that has a good result and her body is growing as it should. And YES kids how have ADHD can be very good at athletics and need to let out their excess energy. That can also help before he starts his homework too.

I have a ten year old son who was diagnosed with ADHD three years ago. He has been on a low dosage of medication throughout that time and I can't tell you how much of a positive difference it has made in our lives, as well as his. We were not parents that every wanted to medicate our child, but you have to think of ADHD as a disease, which is what it is..just like diabetes or depression. I know there is a stigma with our society over medicating, but if your sons' school is proactive, it does not hurt to get a thorough evaluation. Good luck!

Please do a little more research before drugging your child.
http://www.saferchild.org/adhddebate.htm

ADHD is classified as a mental disorder.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm

Also...he won't be able to work in the military if he takes ADHD meds.
http://www.dbpeds.org/section/fall98/adhd_military.html

Another article:
http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/00100/adhd_...

I would have him tested for the gifted program at school. He sounds bored with his daily activities. Signs of ADHD are similar signs of being gifted and very bored. Gifted children are usually fanatics about one subject (sports?).

If he gets put in the gifted program, he will be more challenged and more apt to follow through.

Characteristics of Gifted Students Who Are Bored:
-Poor attention and daydreaming when bored
-Low tolerance for persistence on tasks that seem irrelevant
-Begin many projects, see few to completion
-Development of judgment lags behind intellectual growth
-Intensity may lead to power struggles with authorities
-High activity level; may need less sleep
-Difficulty restraining desire to talk; may be disruptive
-Question rules, customs, and traditions
-Lose work, forget homework, are disorganized
-May appear careless
-Highly sensitive to criticism
-Do not exhibit problem behaviors in all situations
-More consistent levels of performance at a fairly consistent pace
(Cline, 1999; Webb & Latimer, 1993)

If anything I'd at least get him tested. At 7 yrs old he should have better listening and focusing skills. Then you can decide where to go from there. And, by the way, I think it's great that you're making an effort to "work hand in hand" with his teacher (and I bet she does to!).

Before medicating, you might take a look at nutritional. Has he been tested for Celiac? Look into gluten-free and food allergies. These can have a big impact on behaviors, attention, etc. Also, there is a great vitamin out there called Mighty Mins which has a study associated to it regarding ADD/ADHD. Email me at ____@____.com if you're interested in more information on this.

K.

Hello M.,
It would be great if you could start the process of an evaluation as it does take a very long time for a diagnosis as they have to evaluation him over several months time to be certain. My DD has ADHD and is medicated for her medical condition. I would caution you about flat out saying you would never medicate for a behavior. The behavior is a symptom of a complex medical condition of the brain, it requires medications and other modifications along the way. I have heard doctors say that it is the same as if you would withhold insulin from a diabetic. Don't set your mind for or against anything until you have found out what the true situation is and what is really needed. Good luck!

Having him tested doesn't necessarily mean you HAVE to use meds. My 7-year old son was recently diagnosed with ADD (he's not hyperactive), and we were given many options along the way. We weren't forced to do anything we weren't prepared to do. We chose meds, and do not regret it for one instant. I won't say that any one approach is better; all I'm offering is my own experience.

Testing involves a lot of observation both by you and by the school. There are many forms to fill out. Your primary care doctor should do several other tests, such as the Celiac test mentioned already, to rule out purely physical causes. All this could take six months to a year. If done properly, it will be quite thorough.

My son was very difficult to manage and was wearing our family out. He would go-go-go all day until he would literally drop from exhaustion. He talked incessantly. He was beginning to bully other kids. He was behind on everything in school, despite having extra help and intervention. I agonized over having him tested, but when I mentioned the possibility to his teachers last year, the lights went on behind their eyes. They changed the teaching techniques they used with him and we saw a slight improvement. Just before school this year, our doctor put him on a low dose of Concerta, and the change was immediate. He isn't doped, his personality hasn't changed, except that he isn't as angry and frustrated. He's rapidly catching up in school, and actually looks forward to it. I make sure his teachers know so they can take it into account in teaching him. I expect him to be disciplined the same as any other kid (and he knows it).

I would suggest checking out the book "Right-Brained Kids in a Left-Brained World" by Jeffrey Freed and Laurie Parsons. It might give you insight into how his brain might be working. ADHD kids aren't dumb by any means. Most are gifted, in fact. But many are visual learners and most teachers use an auditory style.

The thing that has helped a lot with my son is that I've never told him that he's "broken" or that there's something wrong with him. I've tried to be positive, but honest. His brain works differently than others kids', and his meds help him quiet the chaos in his head and lets him learn.

I hate the ADHD label, because too often it is linked with medicating. Check out "Raising the Sensory Smart Child." It is about how kids (and all of us) process our sensory input, and how sometimes certain types of sensory input becomes overwhelming, and that is noticeable in their behavior. It is a user-friendly book--not too technical. Lists.

I would also like to say, if you have your son in sports, that's probably what he needs. My son was not diagnosed with Sensory Integration Issues until he was 5 years old, but we noticed his lack of focus his whole life. It was just never an "issue" until he started school.

good luck.

My son was diagnosed with AHD in kindergarten. the main thing I can tell you is to keep a notebook of his behaviors and symptoms that are distracting. I would make an appointment with his physician too. It's a heartbreaking thing to think your child has to be medicated to do everyday things but if its what he needs, it's for the best. I had a hard time dealing with this and the stigma that goes along with ADHD(I think it was worse because I am a nurse also) I feel I am doing the best for my child and it's just like having diabetes or cancer- they can't help it. my son has been on medication for a year now and does behavior therapy and has worked wonders for him. YOU have to decide what is best for your son and don't let anyone tell you different. Good Luck

I WOULD have him tested so you can help monitor...Two of my Three kids have ADHD and I choose not to medicate..You can test them with out having to medicate...

I understand - and agree wholeheartedly - with your reluctance to medicate your child. Too many parents use the ADHD excuse to drug their children into submission because it's easier to control and manage a drugged child. It's like giving them benadryl before a flight to make them complacent. Unnecessary.

This is not only bad for the children who are needlessly drugged, but also for the children who really do *need* medication, because today we tend to think all parents who put their children on meds are just taking the easy way out, but that's not necessarily true.

Some children actually do have a problem and do need the medication. The key is testing and then testing again, and making sure that there really *is* a chemical problem that medication can address. If that's true, then your son would benefit from medication because he really does need it. If not, then it could be a phase, or he could be gifted and bored, or there could be some other need that isn't being addressed.

Where does he do his homework? Maybe he needs a different setting? Have you tried tying football to homework? Most schools eventually don't allow children with poor grades to play football, maybe you can explain that good football players get good grades and do their homework, or they can't play football. Give him a good reason to want to do his homework. And you may have to follow through with taking him out of football if he isn't doing well in school. 7 is not too early to learn that lesson, IMO, and football - while certainly fun and great exercise - is hardly a life skill he needs, but what he's learning in school is.

If you try everything else and it doesn't help, I would go ahead and go through testing - find out if he's one of the children who does have a physical problem and would benefit from medication.

read up on diet for children with add adhd omega 3 6 9 very good, low sugar intake, samon, tuna ext ive been dealing with adhd with my stepdaughter. major turn around in school with diet . she is also on a med thou. she is a great bundel of jumpin beans other wise. sorry so short rockin my 2 yr old

I have had similar issues with my 7 year old and wanted to share my experience. The school was telling me he had ADHD because he struggled to sit still. I could tell he was trying very hard but struggled. He also has a sensory processing disorder which can present as ADHD. I decided to have him tested since I was sure it was not ADHD but other issues and I wanted the school to stop pushing it since I really don't believe in the meds. Well I was absolutely sickened by the testing. I spoke with a nurse for about 45 mins filled out some paper work and then my son and I saw the doctor for maybe 10 mins. My son was scared and never even said a word. He sat in a chair and turned a sand hourglass over and watched it the whole time. I asked what the doctor thought and he said "I absolutely see ADHD" and he handed me a prescription for ritalin. I think my jaw hit the floor. My son never even moved. I did end up getting a second opinion at a childrens hospital where they actually evaluated him and it came back he is not ADHD but has the sensory processing disorder which I already knew and they also saw some signs of anxiety. I think ADHD is over used and we need to look at the whole child.
Since going through all of this I have done a lot of research on nutrition and I am a firm believer that with all of the processed foods and additives in our foods we are causing more and more problems with our kids. It is almost impossible to get proper nutrition in our kids with what we have available. I started my son on a supplement that I had researched and saw huge changes. He can sit still better and focus better. I can definately tell when he hasn't had it. If your interested in hearing more about it let me know and I can pass on info. Otherwise just be careful and ask a lot of questions if you decide to get an evaluation. I would definatley make sure that you get info on how an diagnoses is determined.
It is such a hard time for our little boys and the schools anymore are not designed for an active little boy. I think that some of our kids just don't fit in to what is expected of them. Other issues I have asked the school to try are, having my son do little jobs, erasing the chalk board, carrying books to the library. It helps with the sensory issues and allows him to move around a little bit more in an appropriate way.
Please let me know if you would like to talk further or if there is anything I can do for you. I really feel for what you are dealing with!
Hugs,
~M.
____@____.com

He may or may not have ADHD, but get him evaluated. The school can be a part of this (I say that as a teacher). It sounds like you and the teacher(s) have tried the usual interventions and strategies for the "typical" child. His pediatrician definitely needs to do an evaluation. In my opinion, it is best to know a diagnosis one way or another (ADHD or something else). Then you know what your options are based on more information and not guess work. Best to get it now rather than later, especially if ADHD because it can lead to other issues as he gets older. Also there are ways to help a child with ADHD that do not involve medication if that is your first choice. Some kids need more intervention though and medication can be a huge difference. Good luck.

We did very thorough testing with our now 6 year old son (1st grade) and frankly, I've always known he was ADHD...much more HD! LOL I'm not a medicating mom at all and frankly, could've cared less about a diagnosis, but with diagnosis comes help from the school: Goals, an IEP and UNDERSTANDING. :)

My son did some neurofeedback with a child psychologist, we had done behavior modification when he was 3...so it's been a long road.

What has helped us change his behavior...a Gluten and Casein free (GFCF) diet. He's a totally changed kid. We also do supplement with Fish oils and a Methyl B12 vitamin. I'm going to be doing 1 more protocol with him soon to see if we can completely get rid of the really impulsive behavior. For my son, it's definitely a "do before you think" mentality. He got in trouble this year for telling a child to steal (no tolerance for that talk)...and b/c of his IEP, he didn't end up in the principal's office, he ended up in the resource room for time to talk about what happened and what was appropriate behavior. He tests out 2 grades ahead in reading/math...so academically he's totally fine...socially a misfit! :)

Now, the GFCF Diet isn't for the feint of heart. You have to be diligent and it's HARD. But, the end result for me was my child being able to focus, his eyes are bright and full of life, not deviance! and he's wonderful to be around. Worth the effort on my end and not drugs. :)

(I didn't read other responses...so I hope I'm not repeating anything here!)

Good luck

S.

Hi M.
There are some natural things you can try first. I'm in the middle of my Dad's surgery/health issues, but if you want to email me I'll send you some info that way.
Doesn't hurt to get tested- there are many syndromes that can manifest like ADD, ADHD, aspergers etc.
If you and your hubby are both that busy and it's a recent change in behavior, it might simply be a home issue too.
About me- 47 yo med. prof, wellness coach, mom to 7yo twin girls

B. j
____@____.com

A very important question: How does you rson feel about his behavior? Is he aware of it and how it disrupts his life? Does he become upset because he cannot control it? My son was the most miserable child in Kindergarten and first grade. His self esteem was so low. he thought he was "stupid" and "different" from the other kids because he couldn't do what they could no matter how hard he tried. I don't care what "label" someone or doctor gives a child... the point is they need help. Diet, excercise, good behavioral structures etc are all great, but in the end we tried medication. After about a month my son hugged me and said he was so happy because he finally could read a whole book and finish it. He changed so much...for the good! So many other aspects of his life changed too. Sometimes medication is so helpful but it is neverthe only answer, just like a diabetic may need insulin but they still need to watch their diet and such as well. You know your child best.... find a doctor you trust. If you do try a medication know that it may or may not work as we are all different and as he grows his needs will change too. And yes...I was one of those people who thought ADHD (or whatever you call it!) was hokey.... but I was a mom too with a very unhappy child who has blossomed and is succesful now in 7th grade...in an accelerated English class.... yeah... he still can't believe it yet! But he is so very proud! It took a lot of work and a lot of tears from my son, his family and some very dedicated public school teachers.

it does appear he has some symptoms. A friend and I both have sons and we are mangaing their ADHD sypmtoms thru diet. ALOT of ADHD kids are allergic to milk/dairy. Also, the Artificial Colors and Artificial Flavors found in most foods have had a HUGE effect on our sons,especially the color Red #40. I suggest you try this before you medicate him and have to deal with the side effects.
S.

Here is a book you may want to check out. Diet is a big issue.

Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders by Kenneth Bock and Cameron Stauth

I have some pretty "out there" ideas about ADHD which will hopefully not be considered so strange in the future. Basically, I've read that it's a disease that appeared not too long ago and doctors like to make the diagnosis because disease brings in money, etc. I don't want to go any further than that because it's simply my opinion and I could be wrong. :)

Anyway, I remember in my early childhood education classes in college, we learned about how kids have different learning styles. Some kids actually learn things better while walking around! It's hard to do in a classroom, but at least when I went to college, future teachers were being forced to think about these potential classroom "problems" in a very creative way. Maybe talk to his teacher about this.

Also, I've been doing some reading on "unschooling" and that whole thought process since I plan on homeschooling my kiddos at least for the first few years. If you have the time to do a little research into that school of thought, you'll find people saying things like "it's too hard for boys to sit through 7 hours of school in a desk." They recommend that a home-school curriculum for boys include lots of activity. They claim it's better to get only 3 hours of real studying in than to force them to sit through 7 hrs. and have them hate learning.

I'm sure doing something as radical as switching to home schooling isn't even in your plans, but maybe this will help you think of some fresh ideas or creative solutions that fit into your situation. I think you should stick to your guns as far as not putting your child on meds. I'll be hoping that you guys can get through this without them. Best of luck!

How did he do after his coach made him sit out?

Is he being held accountable for his actions and behaviors?

My daughter is 7 and has been acting the exact same way lately, has a mind of her own and mouth that never stops. I can tell her to do something and she will walk around in circles and say "what was I suppose to do" It's like having a scatterbrain. I think it's partially me not putting my foot down hard enough, overwhelming my daughter with things, and a bratty phase they must go through at this age. I know my daughter doesn't have ADHD. She was fine last year it's just progressively creeped up along with attitude and sassiness.

I wouldn't jump on the whole ADHD theory, you can have him tested but also try and see if there are other ways you can go about his behaviors and lack of listening. Maybe change his diet, more sleep, more consequences, slow down in life, explain exactly what is expected of him before football or school.

Hi M.! It sounds like ADHD to me. I'd definitely have him tested, but before putting him on meds, why don't you look around on line for dietary changes that might be helpful. I agree with you that putting a young child on powerful meds is scary. I'd try everything else first.

Good luck! L.

Reflex integration can support children with attention deficits, as well as behavior problems and learning challenges.

C. Burns

I am in the camp of people recommending that you start with a hard look at his diet. We ahve a 5 year old son with sensory processing disorder and we have made huge strides by switching to whole grains, little to no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial dyes (especially red dye #40 and yellow dye #5 and #6). We also supplement his diet with omega 3,6,9 (fish oil or flaxseed oil). There is also a lot of info about food sensitivities and gut issues that have been shown to relate to behavior.
And lastly we make sure that he doesn't have his whole day structured. Kids need unstructured play time out in nature every season of the year. Read "Last Child in the Woods: Nature Deficit Disorder" for some studies and input on this issue. Sports are good but not if he isn't getting unstructured time outside as well.

Once you taken a hard tough look at the above issues and are still having difficulties, then start looking at the ADHD symptoms to see if they truly fit. Does he have anything that he can focus on for 15 minutes or longer? For many boys this age, focus is almost completely dependent on interest. My son can play a game he likes for 45 minutes or longer but not be able to focus on an unpleasant task for more than 5-10 minutes. A truly ADHD kid has trouble focusing even when something really, really interests them.

Hi M. - My 8 yr old son was diagnosed at age 6 with ADHD. We see a FABULOUS doctor in Shakopee, Dr. Tim Johanson. He spends hours with us at appointments talking through ways to "help" the listening skills, impulsivity, etc. He's wonderful. He's with Metropolitan Pediatrics. They have an office in Edina too and he's there on the weekends, I think. My son DOES take a non-stimulant medication, but Dr. J. is very cautious and monitors him all the time. He even talks with my son's teachers and social worked to make keep up to speed on what they are seeing.
Good luck.
J.

Hi M.~

I encourage you to check into more "natural" supplements that would help to calm his brain down and help him to focus. I have worked with others who refused to put their children on ritalin or any type of medication and instead went with more of a natural approach!

If I can share more with you please feel free to respond:)

Have a great day!!!
A.