Reply from: KidAngel Date: Apr 15, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Reply from: 1singletif Date: Apr 17, 2008 at 3:24 pm
yeah, I get all the research stuff on kids being overdiagnosed with ad/hd. But my son does not simply have an issue with hyperactivity, he can get pretty out of control. and we are not talking about some small little incoherent snot nosed kid that runs around alot. My son tries to reason and probably can reason better than most adults. his learning disorder is undeniable is so were the effects that his medicine never caused him to be slow or lathargic.(which is a common thread for misdiagnosed children) It simply kept him in check for school and his other activities. And as for tv. We dont have time for it. I dont have a favorite show nor can I tell you the timeslot for a television show. My kids watch more tv at school than at home. Something that Ive actuall taken an isssue with my sons teacher. Running around, thats sounds great but how do you run down someone that never gets tired. I know...you must be thinking, wow this kid must sleep really well. Yes. he does then he's back up at the crack of dawn to do it all over again.
Reply from: wayne yankus Date: Apr 18, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Mom:
It sure is frustrating when things like this work for a while and stop. First, I would talk to the pediatrician or psychiatrist who prescribed the medication. Second, be sure your son is getting enough sleep, hydration, and that bowel habits are ok. That makes a difference to the medication's effectiveness and overall well being.
Finally, have a team meeting. Ask the doctor, teacher, school nurse and yourself to re group and see what will help.
Remember that with ADD 37% of kids and an additional diagnosis such as learning disabilities or oppositional defiant behavior as well. These require a different strategy for success.
Children with ADD have shown symptoms by at least age seven and very rarely are "hyper". Most have inattention and poor organization skills. Medication for this condition is subject to "fine tuning" and needs periodic adjustments which should be happening from the prescriber.
You are on the right track to help your son.
Wayne Yankus, MD, FAAP
expert panelist: pediatrics
Reply from: 1singletif Date: Apr 18, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I want to thank you Dr. Rankus for your insight. I know that there are some severe organizational issues that my family faces as a whole. I've been trying to fine tune our daily routine so that it consists of the same things. This seems most effective for Elijah. Because it is usually after a disruption in our daily doldrum that we seem to have the most problems. I took him out all weekend recently, and then the folowing monday he had one of his roughest days at school thus far. What recommendations do you have if any for sucessfully incorporating outside activities into our schedule. Someone else suggested a behavior plan, besides his daily routine..... he's not easy to bribe with stickers. He recently requested his own computer, so i dont really know what more i can be doing, that's why im looking for insight.
Reply from: wayne yankus Date: Apr 19, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Behavior plans work. I would also suggest that weekend activity be planned, short, focused and not chaotic. Above all be sure he can "cool down" and sleep well before Monday. Also, take a break yourself. Effective parenting requires you clear your head once and a while. If there is a relative nearby who can spell you, ask for help. You will find that you become more effective for your son in these situations. Be careful of the computer. Be real clear as to what it is for.
Reply from: Carlab Date: Apr 18, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Argh! Sounds like things have been hard recently! I'm sorry to hear that! My youngest son has also had some problems with hyperactivity (seems like he is bouncing off the walls some afternoons!), so we met with a child psychologist to better understand his behavior. Turns out he doesn't have ADHD, but she did recommend that we set up a behavior plan. Have you tried one of those before? Basically, we have a chart with a couple of behaviors that is posted to the fridge, giving him stickers for each day that he is able to follow-through. Anyway, this has been very helpful! Have to be consistent, though, which can be hard. Anyway, just a thought. Good luck and hang in there!
Reply from: Family3d Date: Apr 21, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I am new to this as well. I have a seven year old child who was diagnosed last year. He is currently on Concerta. Recently it has come to my attention that it is no longer working, as well. He's not getting his school work done. The teacher has had to call me 3 times in 1 wk because of this. At home he just seems like he's in his own world. I'll ask him to do something and five- ten minutes later he still hasn't done it and when i ask him what he's supposed to do somethimes he will tell me, sometimes he has no idea. They are thinking about holding him back this year. Of course i do not want them to but if he has to then so be it. I took him to the doctor's and he was very helpfull. He didn't change his meds like i thought he would instead, he gave me a paper to give to the teacher on how to help a child with add succeed in school. ( Surprisingly she has no idea on how to help a child with add, Do you find this to or is it just my school) He also wants to give him a higher dosage but he has to gain weight first. I am having a terrible time trying to get him to gain. ( Any suggestions !) Unfortunatley for him both his parents are very thin to begin with. Then he takes forever to eat his food. So eating lunch at school is impossible for him to consume more than just a snack or two. I am trying a new thing. Giving him carnation instant breakfast in the morning and ensure at snack time in school. Hope it works! To reply to what was being talked about. I think what she is saying points to a real problem. WIth add, adhd-noone knows where to turn. They go to the docs. the school, the psychologist and all three have very limited answers! We need a place tio go. I know that every child is different and reacts differently but there really has to be a common thread on how to help them, And the people parents go to for help should be able to! Anyone else feel this way!
Reply from: wayne yankus Date: Apr 21, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Always form a team. Your doctor, teacher, therapist if there is one, and any specialist involved in your child's program. It works better when everyone is on the same page.
Also CHAD is a parental support group of long standing for parents of children with ADD or ADHD. Look it up in the phone book and go to a meeting.
Wayne A. Yankus, MD, FAAP
expert panelist: pediatrics
Reply from: 1singletif Date: May 5, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Hello Forum,
I did feel like there was no where to go, and I felt very alone with all of my son's behavioral issues. But, it seems, that the more I admit to myself that, my child requires special attention. The easier it has become to seek the services that is needed for his issues. Just as he needs to be bathed, clothed, and fed, he also needs to take his medicine consistently as perscribed, he needs to go to all his appointments, and he needs to have a lot of structure. Like i was concerned about outings. Well, after speaking with my sons own doctor, he concurred with Dr. Rankus. It may be a hassle, but my son cant stay at the zoo all day. He can only handle those activities for a couple of hours. Smaller intervals of activity than back on track with his daily plan. If a parent was told their child had cancer, they would desparately do everything to find all the help available. Well, my child now has a diagnosis. Its not as lethal to his body as cancer, but I am still devoted to helping him with all deligence.
Reply from: kyle'mom2008 Date: Apr 21, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Hi you will get though it . It is hard. Just try to keep your child as focussed on something positve. Sports are good and they burn off some energy. And scouting is a good program too. My son is now 22 and still has adhd. Its no picnic or walk in the park. Especially when they get older. But I think the newer medicine is better then the old Ritalin . My son hated taking it. Most of the time he refused to take it once he got into high school. He did get into trouble. And he is still learning. But for the must part I think my husband and I did a pretty good job. We also have a son with autism. They are ten years apart in age. Good luck and don't give up--hang in there!!!
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