my son's mother was a heroin addict when she was pregnant. he has been diagnosed adhd,odd and developmentally delayed. he's been on medication since he was 4. He's now 16. I'm wondering if he was misdiagnosed.
121243
(I just wrote you a book and then erased it) \n         Functionally is mild to moderate retardation. Are you wondering because you want to know what to expect or is there a better way of meeting his needs? How many developmental evaluations has he had? When was the most recent? \n        Developmenyal Delay is a blanket term for young children. That diagnosis  changes to mild , moderate, or severe Mental Retardation at a certain age. Functional means that he can function (severe children need tremendous help every day). Function to what degree, do you wonder?? I can tell you what I know.
476495
Multiple meds are often prescribed for for ADHD and ODD.  If your son has ADHD you can drop the ADD, that's redundant.  ADHD is attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and ADD is attention deficit without the hyperactivity element so he can't have both.\n\nThere are no interactions.  Did you think his prescriber would write for both without checking first?\n\nRitalin (methlyphenidate):\nCommon adverse reactions - nervousness, insomnia, headache, palpitations, tachycardia, exfoliative dermatitis.\nLess common adverse effects - tics, dizziness, pharyngitis, weight loss, cough, rash\nLife-threatening adverse effects - seizure, arrhythmias, thrombocytopenia & pupura, leukopenia, erythema multiforme\n\nDepakote (valproex sodium):\nCommon adverse effects - insomnia, nervousness, somnolence, tremor, headache, dizziness, diplopia, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, alopecia, flu symptoms.\nLess common adverse effects - emotional upset, depression, pharyngitis, constipation, increased appetite, bruising, weight gain or loss, bronchitis, pruritis.\nLife-threatening adverse effects - pancreatitis, hemorrhage, bone marrow suppression, hepatotoxicity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hypersensitivity reactions, erythema multiforme.\n\nDon't let the less common and life-threatening reactions frighten you.  These are, well, less common and rare, respectively speaking.\n\nIf ever you have concerns about the medications that you or a family member have been prescribed, take it up with the prescribing physician.
266463
ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ....Dyslexia is a visual disorder. I personally believe ADHD is a disorder that was caused many years ago when the "spare the rod, spoil the child" method of raising children was becoming the favorite of grownups. Back in the day, you got a whack on the bupkiss for not minding but people became afraid of new laws on how to discipline your child. These laws were written to prevent child abuse to keep those parents from beating and brutilizing their children. Of coarse as you can see today the people who abuse their children are still abundant! If you went back to the old method you would see ADD and ADHD disappear from the face of the earth! Think of the money people would save not having to buy that rediculous ritalin that doctors prescribe to dope thew kids into attention! When I first met my girlfriend she had a son diagnosed with ADHD. He wouldnt focus, constantly broke things like windows, furniture etc., after the mother could take no more she asked for my help. The next time he tried to assault the babysitter and used that foul language I simply bared his bottom and gave him one sharp slap on the bare bottom. He didnt forget it for awhile! To cure his detructive attitude after he decided he wanted to break the bay window one day I simply picked his favorite summertime toy out which was a large squirt gun and sat him on the porch and trampled the squirt gun to shreads! This cured his destructive methods almost overnight! After a year the child was as normal and as intelligent as a parent could possibly desire! As for dyslexia it is actually considered a gift, it could be described as multi dimensional visual processes...this can be corrected easily.
80570
try spending more time with her... if you do your research children often diagnosised with ADHD often are just wanting and needing attention.  parents (not you) but a lot of parents find it easier not to discipline in a constructive manner by reinforcing, correct behavior, and concistancy. so you often find that so parents can get out the easy way they allow there children to play video games, watch an anormious amount of TV, eat things with red and blue dyes, and are not consistant with reinforcing behaviors that are expected, all of these say to kids play by yourself, watch tv by yourseld, and eat what you want to. leaving children lonely and wanting attention, try to play games with your child, rent a movie for just you and him/her and have a fun popcorn movie night, go for a walk, watch what you child is eating, (look up red, yellow and blue dyes in foods on the net and the effects from them) pay attention to what your child can't verbally express to you and stop trying to feed them pills. we need our children to be productive not so loopy that they can't function. these medicines are addicting and dangerous. did you know a lot of the ADHD meds cause children to halucinate? we have to work with our children and I am sure you are a wonderful parent and concerned other wise you wouldn't be asking this question, but maybe you could start asking your child more questions as well
132405
Some signs of meth abuse are not sleeping, mode swings (sometimes violent), paranoia, and increased energy.  I am a recovering addict and although meth was not my drug of choice, I have know many people on it and I have seen many lives destroyed by it.  It is by far the worst drug I have ever seen in that the person is never the same after use as before, and the longer they are on it, the more serious the long term effects can be.  If you really think he has a problem with it and he is under 18, I suggest talking to your parents to try and get him some help.  If over 18, he still needs help, but your parents and no one else will have the right to force him to get help.  In this case, I suggest prayer and a long talk with him.  I have never seen a drug that works so profoundly on the nervous system.  I will pray for you and your brother and wish you both luck.
212273
I have a son with ADD/ADHD.  Sometimes it is tough but you always love your child.  Honestly, I see my son for the wonderful kid that he is because he might have ADD/ADHD, it doesn't have him.  He is on the honour roll at school and he is active in his youth group.  Everybody loves him!  As for lax parenting, not a problem, I have a background in Psychology...Personality Profiling so I know how to get him out of his episodes.  I recommend to you to volunteer at a children's shelter or a mental hospital and make your own observations.  You might be suprized what you learn.  It's a real disorder and 96% of our population lives with a mental health disorder.  What mental health disorder are you living with or are you 4% of the population as a product of lax parenting yourself?
413108
Check with your local mental health department or department of human services to see if there is a local rehab he can go to.  He needs help.  I work in a pharmacy and I see so many people come through that are addicted.  You see it first hand and I know it is not pretty.  Get him help.  He might be mad at first but he will say thank you in the end.  Good luck!
172121
My son has ADHD and so does my husband.  My son was on Ritalin and we didn't have any luck, He is 18 now and hasn't been on meds sice age 13. he has a lot of anger and frustration issues but he self medicates with Skateboarding. He says it helps him to escape and slow his brain down. And get rid of his aggression. My husband is on Strattera and Except for having a daily throw up session he says it helps him to concentrate and focus on his job.
20870
My son was diagnosed with D. in the third grade. Does your school have a class designed to tutor you? My son had to have assignments and tests read to him, and he was allowed to answer verbally. He taped the classes. Some assignments were altered. Not made easier, but if it required alot of writing, he was able to use a computer. We even homeschooled for 5 years.  We found a curriculum that was alot of hands on experiences.  It is hard. Hang in there, you're an inspiration to someone watching you.
647926
If that is true then I have to blame myself for my daughter dying of a cocaine overdose and I do look back and see how I could have been a better parent.I think it is some genetics and some environmental.We do feel quilt when our children have problems but I guess none of us are perfect.
372457
Unfortunately this is going on a lot.  My daughter was on Adderall for her ADD for years.  It's a highly addictive drug that is now being sold at school for about $10.00 a pill.  My daughter wound up miss using her Adderall, changed to speed and then would smoke pot to come down.  When I saw that her prescription was running out early I checked her into a hospital for drug addiction and she is clean now.  Adderall taken by a person who doesn't need it is like taking diet pills or speed.  It can get you into a viscous circle of highs and lows and lead to a serious drug problem.  I do not recommend it and tell you daughter to stay away from it.
404790
i have adhd and it would have made my life alot easier if i would have been diagnosed sooner i barely passed 1st through 5 grade so i was constantly in trouble with my parents as soon as i got on the meds i started passing \nim not saying its a miracle cure but it does help \ndont make your kid have to be in special ed if she doesnt have to be its hard to get out of it
239345
Yes, I have had numerous family members addicted to these drugs.  They are prescription pain killers that are highly addictive.  My cousin was addicted to them for about 2 years, and they almost destroyed her life.  She finally addmited to having a problem and admitted herself into a rehab.  She was there for 6 weeks.  They put her through detox and weaned her off the drugs.  She had the same withdrawl symptoms of a heroin addict.  The doctors first prescribed them to her when she had problems with her back and she was in a lot of pain.  They seemed to help but only for a little while and she then needed more and more of the painkillers to work.  In the end she was taking about 15-20 a day.  I say that you and your family try to do an intervention on your brother.  It could mean his life.  Best wishes to you and I pray that your brother finds a solution to his problem.
257636
My son had/has ADHD...he is now 19. I would give him a cup of strong coffee or 1/2 an espresso, which counteracts the hyperactivity. He told me that the 'rushing' feeling inside of him was gone, so he didn't feel so restless and could focus on tasks.\n\nAlso, having a list of activities/tasks/responsiblities for the child can help structure their day. As soon as I used to see that idle glare in his eye I would suggest something from the list. As he got older he would look at the list himself instead of me having to suggest choices. \n\nAnother thing is since my son was very physical, when we were out in public if he was too restless I would make him do 5 back-flips, which would use-up that energy. You could use push-ups, jumping jacks, whatever the child can do or is age/situation appropriate.\n\nI always carried a Rubic's Cube or some type of puzzle game once my son was older too, when we were in situations where sitting/waiting were involved i.e. dr's office/dentist, etc.\n\nGood Luck!
281015
He's insane. My husband and I guess that it will come out that he is an opiate addict or crackhead at some point. He has all of the traits of a serious drug addict. However, let's focus on the little boy thing. That alone earns Whackey Jackie a certifiably insane card, that is, if you consider pedophilia a mental illness which I do.
412939
More children are being diagnosed because research has begun to show that mental illnesses often do develop earlier than previously though and as with most things, early intervention is very important. For example, for a very long time it was believed that children did not suffer from depression, but that is not the fact of it. The thing is, symptoms in children often look different than symptoms in adults. \nSometimes the answer is medication. Sometimes it makes a world of difference in a persons life. I do think that there seems to be a trend towards ADHD diagnosis and meds being given out a bit too quickly with kids. This concerns me for a couple of reasons. First of all these are serious medications and should not be used as a first resort. \n   And by overusing the diagnosis and medications, it is paradoxically creating an environment/ attitude of less acceptance of these kind of problems instead of more acceptance. It's making it harder for people to understand the reality and severity of them. \nHowever, for those who really need it, the benefits of medication are tremendous. I'm 30 now and have had psych issues for as far back as I can remember. They were not quick to put me on meds and I wish frequently that they had tried it much, much sooner. I didn't try any until I had already been in therapy 11 years, with no success whatsoever. My childhood and entire life thereafter could have potentially been very, very different if I had been properly treated early on. \nThere is an incredible amount of suffering for a person with mental illness, child or adult. \nWhen a child truly has one or more psychiatric issues, we are not talking about children who are just spoiled or have parents lacking parenting skills or who are just acting out as children do. For any parent of a child with these problems, it is extremely clear that something is amiss. The severity and intensity make it impossible not to see. It is incredibly important that such parents educate themselves and understand what it is they are dealing with (with disorders and medications.)
230362
my son has adhd. you just need to listen to him. He gets soooo upset when you don't let him fully explain himself, even if your in a hurry...listen and validate his thoughts. Also just take time to sit and read with him, or talk about how he feels, what he's into and so on. I't soo tough. my son's 8 and has alot of trouble with friends in school. he's a good kid, they just need lots of love.