my little brother has been recently diagnosed with adhd, what treatments or help are there for this?
132214
If cutting caffiene (e.g. sodas, teas) IMPROVES behavior, the child DOES NOT have ADHD. Someone with ADHD will visibly calm down when given caffiene.\n\nAbout 5% of kids who are hyperactive are really having a food allergy.\n\nhttp://www.nutramed.com/Foodallergy/fachildren.htm\nhttp://www.nutramed.com/children/hyperactivity.htm\nhttp://www.healingwell.com/library/allergies/kaemmerer6.asp\n\nSensory Integration issues also contribute to hyperactive behavior:\nhttp://www.sensoryint.com/\n\nADHD is a MEDICAL condition...in spite of all the debate. And, I can tell you from personal experience that without the right doctor, his treatment can be messed up very quickly.  Your parent(s) need to ask around...find parents of kids with ADHD, and ask them about whether they are happy with their child's current medical treatment for it. Remember that they will run into people who have been burned so badly by inept doctors that they won't medicate their child, no matter what (instead, their kids are in constant trouble at school, not academically achieving like they could be, and may not have many friends). We went through five different pediatricians until we finally found someone who was really able to help our son.\n\nIf the doctor feels that your brother may benefit from medication, your parents may have to go through trials of different medicines and dosages before they find something that works for him. Always keep in mind that medication is a tool...if something is making him sick from side effects, or he's groggy all the time, or it's just not working, they need to go back to the doctor and insist that dosages and/or medication types be changed. If you're lucky, the first medication prescribed will work wonders. \n\nOr your parents and the doctor together may decide not to start trying medication until he's older...the doctor will have management and parenting tips for them.\n\nIf the doctor diagnoses ADHD, they need to take a written letter (not a prescription) from the doctor to your school district's special education office (YES, even at age 3 or 4, you can get specialized services free through your school system). This will get them started on getting him specialized help, including a school social worker who can help them find good community resources, therapies, and specialized preschool programs that have teachers who are highly trained in helping your brother start to build good school skills early.\n\nHere are some additional links to help:\n\nhttp://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/adhd.htm\nhttp://www.genetics.ucla.edu/labs/nelson/adhd.htm\nhttp://www.chadd.org/\nhttp://www.adhd.com/family/index.jsp
165439
try sneaking the fruits and vegetables into food he likes...pizza, spaghetti, jello, even icecream, give him foods that have a lot of vitamins in them, such as cereal and whole grain breads, since you are so concerned about his diet.\nhe also needs professional help.  it sounds like he is already receiving this, but, if not, he needs to talk to a therapist, even if his problems are nutritional.  after four years, it has probably developed into a more serious problem, and simply feeding him fruit won't fix everything.  now, i'm not endorsing the use of drugs, especially in someone so young, but they may be helpful if other treatments, such as counseling, diet & exercise changes, and behavioral therapy don't seem to work.  has he been diagnosed by a professional, or do you just think that he has depression and anxiety? he may have a learning disability, OCD, and/or social development problems, as well as the depression/anxiety. before treatment begins, he needs a definite diagnosis.  also, if he was diagnosed years ago, his problems may have changed or he may have developed new issues (this is fairly common).  find a psychiatrist that he and his father feel comfortable with, and follow their suggestions.  talk with a nutritionist and the boy's doctor about his diet, maybe they could explain to him how important eating healthy is, and what will happen if he doesn't, then tell him (and you) how to change eating habits.  set a good example for him, and offer healthy snacks after school.  it sounds like he does have a psychological problem, as well as a nutritional one, and he needs treatment for both.  make sure the therapist (find one that specializes in children) knows of your concerns about his diet, this is important information, and may dictate the proper treatment.\noh, and the physical problems, such as stomach aches, may actually be caused by depression. i know it sounds odd, but it's true.  the prolonged stress and sadness can cause stomach problems, headaches, clumsiness, etc.\ngood luck to all of you!
166835
First, I'd talk to his pediatrician and/or see a neurologist (I'm sure he's had one in the past with this sort of problem).  Second, ask the doctor (or look into it yourself) about enrolling him in sometype of therapy-- I'm not sure what type would be appropriate- in addition to typical therapy (emotional type- to help him find better coping strategies)also maybe you could enroll him in something like physical therapy or occupational therapy-- where at least they could maybe fit him with some type of helmet or device or install something on the walls to protect him.  Not sure if you live in an area where this is available or how affordable an option it is (I'm from a small town where these things just don't exist) but I would strongly recommend seeing the doctors and considering some sort of therapy.  I truly wish you and your child the best of luck.
656370
I would have him evaluated by a pediatric specialty team at your nearest children's hospital or rehab center. My daughter was dx'd with ADD/ADHD/PDD-NOS and then High-functioning Autism by her ped and later by state funded physical and occupational therapists through early intervention. She was medicated at the school's insistence for ADHD. When that made things worse instead of better, we had her evaluated at our local pediatric rehabilitation center and learned that she was actually a perfect match for the symptoms/actions of Aspergers Syndrome and early onset bi-polar disorder. The reason the meds made things worse was that with bi-polar, you can't give just the anti-depressant, you have to do a mood stabilizer as well, or the manic symptoms will intensify and often times go out of control. Hope you find the help you need to help your child
362395
I sympathize with you!  I have a brother with ADHD and have seen what my parents have gone thru with him.  Have you ever tried to sit down and talk to her about what she is doing?  Let her know the outcomes of her actions.  If sitting down with her is unsuccessful, try a councelor or psychologist to see if that avenue helps.  If still no luck, contact your doctor or CPS to see if there are any options you can do or have to help your daughter.  See if there are any other meds that your daughter can take.  I know for ADHD there is a med called Stratera that I have heard helps(from my brother).  You need to set up a structured adjenda each day for her to follow.  Talk to your schools principal to let him know that they need to be very patient and disaplined with her.  Have some kind of schedule there at school for her.  Maybe shorter class times, half days of school for awhile, one on one classes, whatever will benefit and help your daughter.  There are more resources out there than you think.  Check out on the internet about ADHD, ODD to see if on those websites there are any options and ideas for you to try or if they reccommend any meds or things for her.  Good luck to you and your daughter.
181055
this is probably something you dont want to hear but maybe you need to get him tested.  sounds like he may need medicine help to keep him focused so that he can concentrate better in school. good luck...
56480
First of all, I think it is a great thing that he is currently being evaluated. Sounds like Aspergers is a possibility...in my opinion...but could be several other disorders.\nTo address his needs now...try to give him something to do with his hands (holding something, etc). Explaing 'personal space' by describing a 'bubble' that is around people. He may not enter someone elses bubble without their permission...but explain what he can do...shake hands, wave, hi-five. Try to remain positive and give lots of good feedback when he soes something desired...rather than lots of negative when he does something wrong. But, in order to do that you need to explain the 'rules' of what is appropriate more than once. You can even try coming up with a behavior modification system, (for example, stickers for each 10 minute period with positive behavior). I wish I could help more, but with a limited knowledge of the situation, this is the best I can do.\nOnce he is evaluated you will have the benefit of a team to work directly with him and possibly you to help him integrate into the classroom.\nGood Luck
602814
It's not just you - I happen to agree also. When my son was in first grade the school started in on me to have him diagnosed as ADHD & "suggested" medication - turned out the child had a severe vision problem that normal screening didn't catch & he could not see! I stuck to my guns & told them no drugs, & no, he didn't have a behavior disorder - & I was right! \nEverybody wants a "quick fix" as you said - from everything to making kids behave to losing weight. Take these pills & you'll feel/look/act all better!! It's like Jack & the Magic Beans!! lol And it doesn't always work.\nKids receive little to no discipline at home, the teachers are so busy trying to keep their classrooms disciplined that they can't teach so they learn very little & with TV being the best babysitter on the planet, children don't develop attention spans anymore. They can't sit still & pay attention because no one taught them how to do that. Parents have got to start teaching their children self-discipline at home!!\nOkay, I'll get down off my soapbox now - but yes, ADHD is too widely used as a diagnosis to cover a whole host of ills these days. \nAll I can say is do what you can with your own children & hope other parents will begin to do the same with theirs.
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.
519988
Sugar and Caffine?  It stops ADHD tendancies,  give the child a mt dew in the am and see how he reacts.
18896
Try being a teacher with ADHD... (Yes, Hyperactive.)  I was diagnosed about 10 years ago.  I am coping well.  I still have days that I forget things, have problems paying attention, and overall spacey; but I learned what things could help me concentrate better.  For instance, for me-> I keep a key or a small amount of change in my pocket at all times.  When I am having problems concentrating, I tend to play with the object.  I am not sure how, but it seems to help me focus better.  I promise... it will get better!
196353
get a 2nd opinion on the ADHD, it seams to be a lot of bull to me. doent matter how hyperactive or how little attentive someone may be, they concentrate on something. what ever that is can be used as a building block, i havent seen any of that stuff work. the meds just slow down brain function which is ultimatly bad for the entire body.
498038
I have bipolar myself so I have some idea of what your going through. what you should do is contact a government agency. I go to a place called MHMR it stands for Mental Health Mental Retardation. They can help you in any way that you need it. They can give you advice on what steps to take with your son. They can set up appointments for your son when he gets out. Just to meet with him and talk with him maybe regulate his meds and see about having him see a therapist on a regular basis. I really hope this helps you out. I really feel for you and the situation your in. Good luck to both you and your son.
447041
Good Luck! I have a 15 yo with the same problem. He is ADHD with severe impulsivity and it has been a continuous battle to do any kind of school work. He would come up with all kinds of excuses about not doing his school work. I also didn't know what to do. So I started NOT letting him do anything. No TV, no video games (on TV or portable), no friends over, no going anywhere, nothing. He finally got the message. He told me he was going to give me "The Mean Mom" award because I wouldn't let him do anything or go anywhere. The thing was he knew most of the work, just had a hard time putting it on paper. He is in high school now and being homeschooled (which really works out much better). But the 'doing nothing' still stands if he doesn't do the work. He still has a problem with taking it out of his head and putting it on paper (he can tell you anything you want to know about his subjects, orally). But he has to put it on paper. But now he will sit down and do the work. I told him I was not having this foolishness anymore, I know he can do the work and if he wants any free time he'd better get it done.
572379
Each child is different and will have different needs, but I would recommend trying several things. \n\nFirst, you might consider looking into why he is engaging in the behaviors you mentioned. Make clear and objective descriptions of the behaviors that are concerning you. Then, make some notes whenever the behavior occurs. You could make a chart with three columns: (A) What happens before the behavior, (B) What the behavior was, and (C) What happened after or as a result of the behavior. \n\nYou may find that it gets him attention from adults, or that it gets him a time-out (maybe he is overwhelmed in the situation and wants to be removed). If you see a pattern from the information you collect, you could teach him other ways to get attention or whatever he is gaining from doing these behaviors. These could include, tapping someone on the shoulder, asking for attention, handing someone a card that says, "attention please" or "all done" (to get permission to leave an area), etc. Also, make sure that you are giving him praise or a reinforcer (something he likes) when he is engaging in positive behavior. \n\nTo find out more about this technique, I would suggest speaking to your school district's autism specialist, if they have one, or special education teachers (if your son is in school). It is called "functional analysis." This is an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) technique. You may want to seek the advice of an ABA professional that can get to know your son and his needs. However, I would give one word of caution about this. Make sure that your ABA person also has a background in special education and child development, because many don't. This is very important.\n\nBest of luck and I hope this helps you!
674650
If it isn't just with you, he may have ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder.  People with ADD have so any thoughts and ideas running through their heads all the time, it can make it hard for them to slow down in their brains to take in inforation as it happens.  If he gets energetic bursts, yet rarely finishes things, he may want to be tested.  \nIf it IS just with you, well, good luck!
89956
Hum this does sound like a problem. Does he take meds? Try checking with your Regular doctor perhaps on some treatment options. There are also other school programs that might help him. Good luck!