child diagnosed with attention dificit disorder

memphispanda, RN · Oct 22, 2003

We tried changing diets, eliminating multiple things, we did the gluten-free casein-free diet, allergy testing, therapy...tried several different supplements in combination with diet changes, and none of them made a bit of difference. The only change we made that made any difference in his behavior was ensuring sufficient sleep at night--which has always been a lot more than what the doctors consider typical for his age. He is now 13 and sleeps at least 10 hours every night. He also is on a cocktail of medications (he has other problems besides just ADHD).

Try other routes. Especially since the pediatrician is the one who wrote the script--I would recommend a pediatric psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician, pediatric neurologist...anyone but just a plain ole pediatrician who doesn't conduct his own testing. However, if nothing else works, then don't waste years trying to find some answer other than medication.

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2003

Yes I did. My son was diagnosed at 5. He was very hyper. The doc was giving us the option of trying to change diet and such and it worked. You could tell if he spent the night at grandma's or something as he would be tightly wound. There are countless books on the subject. Allergy testing is good. I think that meds are frequently used as a band aid. Yes my son was alot of work without the meds, but hey he is my son and worth it. now as an adult he can chose his own health care.

I would try anything, everything before meds first. I can give you tips is you would like HOWEVER, this is not medical advice LOL, talk with your Dr.

renerian

jenac · Oct 22, 2003

When my son was in Kindergarden, his teacher called me in for a confernce-asking if I had ever considered medication for him. Once I picked my jaw off the floor, I gave her an earful. Turns out-her concerns were merited. I spent so much time learning more about it, and trying to find alternative ways of dealing with his issues. He's has two seperate phsycologist evals, allergy testing that showed nothing more than common, mild allergies to dust, pollen, etc. We did the food modifications and even spent six months under the care of a Nutrituionalist., trying everything from MVI to special combos of herbs. In the end-the medication was the only thing that made a difference. He is now 12, and has taken Ritalin, Adderal and now Concerta (been on that one for three years now)

As much as I fought it-and as hard as I wanted to deny it, I couldn't hide the fact that he did have a problem, and the meds really helped that. His grades instantly improved, his behavoirs are virtually gone while on the meds. It was amazing- in the begining-you could look at handwriting samples for two different times of the day (with the pills and without) and it was almost like a different child had done the work. He was happier too.

Look into as many other options as you can. What works for some, may not work for others. Do as much research as you can-it's still a difficult thing to diagnosis. After you've found out all there is to know- if it just doesn't sound right, talk to the Dr. again. Last but not least- do whatever you have to do for your son. If the pills are the last option, do it. And don't feel bad about it.

Anytime you feel you need more info., or a shoulder to cry on- feel free to pm me. Support is so important. Good luck to you both.