adhd

[BigDogsWang]

OK, the story so far. My 8 year old boy was diagnosed with full blown ADHD last year (July), as his behaviour was becoming increasingly difficult to handle. His attention span was zero, he was acting very silly (wouldn't take anything seriously), but worst of all was his impulsive tendency to hurt his classmates. The final straw came when his teacher gave us a list of his wrong doings from one typical school day, which included punching, kicking, spitting and swearing at other children. (At this point I would like to make it clear that he has never suffered any abuse from any of his relatives). Once diagnosed, it was suggested he was given Equasym tablets twice daily. The change in his behaviour was remarkable, which is just as well, as the tension it caused between my wife and I was unbearable, and she dreaded having to pick him up from school everyday only to be told of a new 'incident'.

Over one year on, and his behaviour has started to deteriorate. He was put on Equasym XL, which is supposed to be a one dose solution for the whole day. But it started to become apparent that his behaviour was worsening in the second part of the day, so he has been put back on the four hour tablets, taking one and a half at 8.00am, one and a half at 12.00pm, and one at 4pm. This seems to have done the trick, but the biggest problem is a.) making sure he takes them, and b.) having to rely on his teacher giving him his second dose.

cont......

[BigDogsWang]

The thought of having to pill him up daily fills me with so much guilt, but having seen the way he is with other children without drugs, there is no other solution. He now (understandably) has hardly any friends, and never gets invited to parties. Also, the parents of other children hardly ever speak to us because of the hurt he has inflicted on their children. Very few are sympathetic to his problem, and merely see it as �bad� parenting on our behalf.

I love my son to pieces and spend quality time with him when I can. Even his teachers says that he is a lovely, bright, confident lad, who when behaving well, is a popular boy.

My question is, are there any parents out there with a similar problem, and what steps they are taking / have taken to live with it.

[jake-the-peg]

First get your guilt under control. - Would you feel guilty giving him insulin injections if he were diabetic?

My son was diagnosed ADHD at about 9 but with symptoms that weren't as bad - only the concentration problems he didn't exhibit the anti-social behaviour.

He's now (aged 13) stopped taking them on his own and is coping pretty well.

There is another drug Strattera which is a non stimulant that lasts longer and doesn't cause all the ups and downs.

However with some cases it does cause depression - my son was one of those so we stopped it pretty fast - but that doesn't mean it might not be suitable for your son.

Talk to your GP about whether it might be suitable and don't beat yourself up about all these "experts" who'll tell you it's bad nutrition or bad parenting etc.

[Finance Guy]

I think my son may have ADHD, he exibits the same traits at school and has a zero attention span 95% of the time! This has been a steady decline over the last year, with a few flashpoints that included him being removed from his class for violence. I am going to take him to a doctor this week

Both the question and the one answer so far have really intrigued me to find out more and quick! I hope that you solve this problem and that your son grows up a well balanced young man.

I can only agree with Jake about containing your guilt, there is NOTHING to feel guilty about! You clearly love him and just want the best for him.

Good luck

[miacat]

I'm no expert (in fact I hvae no experience at all with this kind of thing!) but I just wanted to say that with as loving and supportive a family as he obviously has I'm sure your son will be just fine - I think there are usually support groups for parents going through the same thing - check your local health authority notice board or go online and the very best of luck to you all.

[sophieb]

Hi there! As i said on friday i have a boy of nearly nine who has a combined condition called DCD(Developmental Co-ordination Disorder) consisting of dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and Asperger's!! Up until a month ago he was on 2x10mg of Ritalin a day and has recently changed to the Equasym XL(20mg a day). He also has a completely additive free diet which is almost entirely organic. this is slightly more expensive but well worth it!!I was worried at first about giving him any medication but the difference it has made has been amazing. He has had a few problems with making and keeping friends. We had one or two of the boys he gets on with round for tea and spoke about the difficulties that he has. Also some of the parents who, as you say, assumed i was a bad parent were a bit more understanding after i had explained his condition. we have a reward system at school and at home where he earns treats like extra football time(which he loves!) and trips to ie the cinema, swimming etc. At school the day is broken up into sections-morning bell til playtime, playtime to lunchtime,lunchtime til home time. For each of these time slots he can earn football stickers on a chart and if he collects enough he can play football during the 'free playtime' on a friday. It is also effective to really reward good or positive behaviour no matter how small an effort he makes. Take him swimming,bike riding, bowling etc to focus his energy on something positive. It can be exhausting but try to remember he's not doing it on purpose. To help with the friend making ask one or two boys round(for a short time) and do something that will engage his attention or take them all out for a game of football or rounders. Ask at his school about strategies they can suggest to help him during class time.I'm happy to answer any other questions you have if i can. I know how frusrating it is to want to help your child but not know how best to do it. Sophie

[sunflower68]

Hi there I just wanted to agree with miacat really. What a lovely, caring dad your boy has. I wish I could offer some advice but I really can't tell you anything you don't already know. I do know it is something kids can very much grow out of (or 'into', and control it better) and this requires a stable and supportive home life which he clearly has.
This may help you , I hope it does.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/forums/viewtopic.php ?p=61928&sid=77508d36da1b771db39605743c774a09

[l15a27]

hi big dogs there must be a forum for parents with children like this, my nephew is on the autistic spectrum and i know my sister gets lots of help from parents on there
maybe they have more there on ebay or on autism awareness site i will talk to my sister tomorrow and see if she knows of any
oh yes and dont feel guilty, those parents will one day wake up and smell the coffee, coz what goes around comes around

[l15a27]

hi found this this morning you will have to sign in and become a member but good luck
http://groups.ebay.co.uk/forum.jspa?forumID=10 0006625

[Viz]

I found this article in a magazine. It is more about ADD, but perhaps it may have some bearing.

It says a boys mother found a drug free solution called the "Dore" program. This program treats people using special exercises that stimulate the cerebellum; this helps to build the correct pathways in the brain so info can be properly processed. It explains that if the cerebellum is under-developed, it can lead to problem's like ADD.

Dore Achievement Centres have been set up around the world - the New Zealand website is www.dore.co.nz .

[BigDogsWang]

Thanks for your kind words and input guys. We have been to see the specialist this morning, and she has suggested we try Concerta XL for 2 months. They are another slow release 12 hours pill. If they work they will be a god send, as one pill will do the whole day. Watch this space.

[sunflower68]

Good luck Bigdogswang, I am sure all will turn out fine. x

[BigDogsWang]

Thanks for your input Zeb. Diet is one thing we keep a close eye on. He's not allowed sweets or fizzy pop, but that doesn't stop doting Grandparents giving him the occasional treat. Drives me flaming mad. They know the score with him so why do they do it?

Interesting what you say about Bananas. He does eat a lot.

[l15a27]

if you go in asda they do a kids range in meals what are free from e numbers try them for a few weeks and see if you see a difference, i dont know if other stores do these but its worth a go,

[mw]

What a lovely parent you are.
My son is 11 and has been diagnosed with ADHD since he was 5 and on medication since 6. He is on equasym xl at the moment and on 70mg a day which is high but what he needs.
There is a support group call www.adders.org where you can meet other parents like yourself where you can et some help, information and some reasurrance.