Posted on 08/27/2004 11:41:39 AM PDT by Joe Republc
I would definitely get a second opinion on both the ADHD diagnosis as well as the drug the doctor wants to put him on.
Some of the far out therapies don't work. Be careful with most of the all natural therapies. Most of them are ripoffs.
Aderall has been very effective for many kids but it doesn't work for everyone. You will know if Aderall works within 4 days.
Get a highly recommended doctor to diagnose your child.
I was one of the first Ritalin victims, before they started handing it out like candy. I was put on it at age 5 and I took myself off at age 15. When I quit, my grades did NOT drop, my disciplinary record did NOT get worse....however, one thing did change: after years of being a weakling, pushed around, suddenly I became athletic and in short order I became strong -- strong enough to finally end the bullying. I'm totally convinced that the Ritalin hamperd my athletic development prior to that. Oh, yes, I also lagged way behind in social development, and although some of that may be genetic (the "nerd" syndrome"), part of it may very well be due to the Ritalin.
Heaven knows what the long term effects are. I'm 41 now, so perhaps I'll find out soon. Overstimulating and burning out the dopaminergenic system can't be good. Long term effects of Ritalin may resemble those of its chemical relative, methamphetamine. I fear early Parkinson's.
My son will NOT be put on Ritalin, even if I have to take him out of the country to prevent it.
Amen..thanks for that..only people with ADD/ADHD children should reply to this post...
Change his diet - NO SUGAR - NO CORNSYRUP - NO HIGH FRUCTOSE SWEETNERS - VERY LITTLE BREAD AND GRAINS
MEAT and EGGS for BREAKFAST -NO SUGAR NO SOFTDRINKS
Thanks much for the feedback so far!
My boy's behavior:
- Fidgets a lot.
- Worst subjects are reading comprehension, writing, answering questions based on the reading. It's not a matter of vocabulary. He's just impatient. If reads aloud, he does better.
- He's going into 4th grade. He's one of the best at arithmentic.
- Has an amazing short-term memory.
- Translated into traditional grades, he gets 'A's on math, 'B's and 'C's on other stuff. But the going will be rougher in 4th grade.
- He's plays outside well. Usually plays a sport.
- Despite what I just said, he also loves video games. Someone asked if he can play more than an hour. Yes, but we won't let it go on too much.
- Very charismatic, loves a crowd. Will be a salesman or politician. (I'm NOT this way, but he's adopted.)
- Stubborn.
- Not a trouble-maker at school. We thought he would be, because he's so strong-willed. But he's generally pretty good.
- Highly disorganized.
- He's fat and eats too much junk food. I have fought a losing battle with my wife for 10 years on this. My wife is strict with respect to school, but indulgent with respect to food, and amount of TV.
Anything else you like to know?
-- Joe
P.S. To the believers out there, a little prayer for discernment for my wife and me would be appreciated.
I know this is true from my own son's experience and watching the ADHD kids who live next door. The best thing for them is good physical activity but also a chance to do well, if medication can help, then it should be considered.
Video games actually stimulate the brain in wrong ways and often increases aggressive behavior, kids become more restless when they play too much, too long, it is better if they find other more constructive activity.
BWHAAAAAAAA!
There's something to this theory. In the middle 1980's, and Denver psychologist and columnist, Joan Beck IIRC, wrote a series of articles on martial arts and kids with ADD (now called ADHD).
A very high percentage of formerly medicated kids were able to get off the drugs after only a few months of participation in martial arts classes. It didn't seem to matter which particular style. What mattered was that there was a good combination of class structure, physical plus mental exercises, and and a progression of goals + achievements + rewards.
How about people who WERE ADD/ADHD children?
NO, No , NO, NO, He needs something--diet--activity, something--NOT DRUGS! Get him taking this junk now and he will be taking something else when hes older. Go ahead if you want a Junkee for a son. I know--I have been there and its a walk in HELL.
Back in my day, we had Perigoric.
This ADHD is a new "illness" that was created by the drug industry. I would meet with a nutritionist, and maybe a doctor who would test for food allergies. Cut out refined and highly processed foods. Have you child on a regular schedule with a standard bed time, etc. Also sports and outdoor activities on a regular basis.
Best wishes to you and your wife and son as you explore ways to help him....but maybe he is just being a boy....somehow this in frowned on in our society.
The following is information that I found on the web...
ADHD is diagnosed by health professionals who form their opinion by observing a child's behavior. There are no brain scans, blood tests, or anything else definite that is used during diagnosis. The problem with this is there are many other problems that have the same symptoms of ADHD. Many parents, because of not knowing, settle for ADHD as a diagnosis before looking at everything.
For example, any problem dealing with the fuels of the body: water, food, blood and air can cause behavior problems. Water, food, blood and air to the body are just like gas and oil to a car. If you put bad gas or have old or the wrong oil in your car, it will act up just like a child acts up when eating foods they are allergic to, drinking or breathing contaminated water or air or having blood disorders.
Excerpted from "50 Conditions that Mimic ADHD"
Link to 50 Conditions that Mimic ADHD
Ritalin and Death created by Parents whose 14 year-old son died as a result of Ritalin
Try it for a week and see if you get any unsolicited feedback like "this was his best day ever at school" from the teachers. If no unsolicited comments, go for unsolicited feedback.
It's not an easy decision to make, and not one you take lightly. If you decide to stop giving it, it works its way out of the system pretty quickly.
If you do decide to go on the medicine, wait a couple of months after you start. At this point the school will know the child is on Ritalin. Don't give it one day on purpose (make sure its not a test day). See if anyone calls home to see if you forgot to give the medicine.
My $.02. Our DX is autism, so the improvement in attention was pretty dramatic. Your mileage may vary. Also, we've found our child does best on 25% of the allowable dosage for his body weight. Over that the side affects outweigh any additional benefit derived.
FWIW, the family & Doctors drug us kicking & screaming into the medication for our son. I don't like doing this stuff, but it does make a dramatic difference for us.
It does not take the place of old fashoined hard work though. We still have tutors and do a lot of one on work with our child.
Good luck.
There's a wealth of info on the internet. I'm personally against it because I believe it's government approved drug pushing.
Do NOT take the doctor's orders!
I had this same experience with my daughter who is growing up just like me. Kind of forgetful, not real interested in school, and the doctor my wife and I took her to (I was humoring her) said she had a "touch of ADD and ADHD."
Once your child is labeled as having these disorders the ramifications are substantial.
You are doing the right thing by asking FReepers about this. I did the same thing about 2 years ago and after we had seen the doctor, bought the pills and were ready to do it (the wife and kid) I excersized Head of Household Authority and said it AIN'T HAPPENING.
Best decision I ever made and my daughter has matured (like a regular kid, go figure) and is doing much better. I'll try to find the thread that I posted way back when.
Good luck Joe R.
Joe, most of the people on this board have no idea what they are talking about. Your child's situation is different than everyone out there.
Make sure you go to a well recommended doctor and seek God's wisdom during this time. God will give it to you. There are a lot of doctors that will not automatically prescribe drugs.
You need to talk to parents who have taken the natural route for success as well as parents who have there kids on Aderall or Ritalin.
They had to do a study? I thought the results would be obvious...
In the 60's teens hid thier drugs from their parents. Today, those same "teens" share the habit with their children. Is anyone here surprised?
NOOOOO!
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