| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/25/2006 6:47:17 PM | A brain scan ? For what ? That will show you physical damage if there is any and IM pretty sure if she had dropped her kid on his head as an infant, she'd remember !
There is a test, a simple question/answer test that any Doctor, family doctor, child pyschologist, whomever.
From this test, it is very easy to determine if a child is ADD or ADHD. I forget the name of it. I was named after the Doctor that came up with the q and a.
There is no blood test, brain scan or physical test that can determine if a child is affected.
I went to 4................4 different Doctors before I would accept the diagnoses. I did NOT want to put my first born son on drugs. I still hate giving them to him everyday but without them he can't function, UNLESS he's alone. When he's away from stimulus ie siblings, classmates etc........he's manageable, his temper is, his thought process is.
In a perfect world he wouldn't need drugs but we all know our children have to be a productive member of society and deal with life and all the commotion it entails.
I'm a Single Mom working part time and paying $232. a month for my son's drugs. My drug plan won't cover the meds he's on and you know what ? I don't care about the cost. My ex won't help me pay for them. I only make $1600. a month. I would do whatever I had to do to buy those specific drugs for him. To make HIS Life alot easier. NOT MINE !!
He is almost 11 now and understands what ADHD is. He reads about it on the net all the time. Is he getting better with age ? A bit...... but it's still got a good hold on him and the prognosis is he will have to take drugs right into his adulthood.
You people that spout more discipline, diet......... you're idiots
Some cases that's it but stop labeling all parents that have their kids on drugs as being less them perfect parents. I have done everything in my power to help my son. So many Doctors..... diet changes, sleep pattern changes, time alone, therapy. I even let my ex have custody of him for one year. He was even worse at my ex's and he was an only child there with tons of discipline. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/25/2006 8:13:14 PM | | u are screwed and so is your kid apparently let him have add i wouldnt pay attention if i had the choice. or put him on drugs the pharma companies appreciate the income | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/25/2006 8:37:18 PM | Look on the Internet under CH.A.D.D.com stands for Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders. You will find a lot of information there along with behavioral questionaires that you and other family members, teachers, etc can fill out then take those to your doctors.
However, do not be quick to accept the label ADD for any child. I use to be the Alamo Area Coordinator for CHADD and this group has a lot of valuable information for not only parents but adults, teachers and doctors. Even though I was part of this group, my son was still misdiagnosed....he has asperger's syndrome.
Once you receive a diagnosis if there is one, check with a child behaviorlist or therapist to make sure that your child is not only acting out. Then if it proves he does suffer with ADD then you have several options...search...there are several good ones such as diet.
It is hard for those who do not suffer with a child that has ADD or ADHD. My oldest son is now 18. He bounced from the womb. He could not sit still for five seconds. He was so hyper I woul literally have to lay on top of him with him tucked under me to hold him down for ten minutes. This would enable him to be still long enough to drift off to sleep. He was the definition for hyperness. But, alas we survived and so shall you. keep your chin up and good luck. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/25/2006 8:42:09 PM | You are so right lil red riding hood.
My son takes medications for seizures and ADD.. His meds come to over 500 a month. Thank God for insurance. I am not sure what state you are in, but most states have an insurance for under employed single parents (meaning that your salary is to low to pay all bills and meds too). You should check into your states health care plans.
We parents who unwillingly have to put our children on meds feel the pain even more than our children. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/25/2006 8:59:33 PM | | okay i am so sick of ppl reffering kids to being zombies, they are NOT zombies ...thats only the kids whos parents over medicate them , and if a chile cannont focus on one task or sit still, by at least the age of 5 as they are in school by that age, then something is wrong , sometimes its juat the behavior of the child and sometimes its medical, my son is 6 and cannot function without his meds but he is by far a zombie, he seems like a normal 6 yr old little boy, without them he has compulsive disorders, like running out into traffic without thinking, and if hes not on his meds he talks a mile a minute and other kids look at him as if he were an alien. I took him at 3 as i knew from having other children there was a problem, i was not going to have some teacher from a school try and tell my somthing was wrong or look at me as a bad disaplinarian.You do what you feel is best for your son. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/25/2006 10:24:49 PM | My son is not a zombie. On ritalin he was which is why I took him off it.
He's on CONCERTA and functioning fine. He's artistic, creative, loves and plays many many sports. I give him half of the dosage the Doctor recommended.
To the one who mentioned a drug plan. Im in good OLE Ontario Canada. I have a drug plan by the Province. It's called Trillium. It's to help out lower income families but they only allow certain drugs and Concerta isn't one of them. There logic is he can be on the #1 ADHA drug, Ritalin instead of Concerta. Im involved with a group of families and Doctors trying to get them to change their minds and add this drug to thier list. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/25/2006 10:27:52 PM |
scottjgilmour does my son have ADD or ADHD? Posted: 8/25/2006 10  14 PM u are screwed and so is your kid apparently let him have add i wouldnt pay attention if i had the choice. or put him on drugs the pharma companies appreciate the income
ADD and ADHD is two VERY different things. The only part of his disorder that messes him up is the H part, which stands for hyper. If he was just ADD unless it was chronic, I wouldn't have him on anything. Drugs suck.....I hate them. I hate the idea of putting anything manmade into his little body. He's my son, my life, my reason for being. All three of my sons are but Concerta helps him function. Allow him to function.
He's going to have enough knocks against him growing up in this day and age. I want to help him in anyway I can.......and I do. I put my kids first and foremost above all. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/26/2006 5:28:42 PM | lil red riding hood,
I posted about the drug plan. You can also contact the manufacturing company that makes Concerta (I use to have the address but my son is no longer taking it and I threw it away). Tell them your story...single parent etc. and get a note from the doctor as well. The company will send you meds free for six months. It is a tax write off to them. Hope this helps | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/26/2006 6:29:43 PM | Do not be quick to accept an ADD or ADHD diagnosis. Believe it or not, food allergies also play a part in a child's behaviour. My sister had to fight the school to prevent them from labeling her son as having ADD. He ex was/is a child therapist and was not blinded by the fact that it was his son. He knew something was wrong but after extensive testing it was discovered that the poor kid was allergic to almost every colour dye put into food, wheat, and milk. Once his diet was changed, he became a new kid. That is just their experiense though. This is not saying that yours is the same but it is another look at it from a different perspective.
My son's school wanted to have him diagnosed as ADD. He was very disruptive in class, could not or would not concentrate. Yelled and screamed at the least provocation. Would lash out and hit or kick. With him it was also a different situation. They did not take into account that he was dealing with alot at home. More than any 8 year old should have too. He was exposed to abuse at home a couple of years ago and was just now starting to feel safe enough to talk about it. All his anger and fear was coming out because he felt safe at school. He had been through the children's hospital child abuse clinic, counciling at Sherriff King and now sees a child psychologist once a week. He is very much improved. He will also have a teachers aid next year to help him get back to grade level since he lost a year. Both are different cases from yours but both had the same "professionals" try to misdiagnos in both cases. Do not accept one professionals opinion but have several. Your child is worth more than just one person's best "guess". | |
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KACE74
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Joined: 8/16/2006
Msg: 60 | |
| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/26/2006 9:18:28 PM | how dare you say that disipline is the factor here
my son is ADHD and beyond beating him dicipline is a whole different world with them
their minds dont work the same way as normal children, get yourself some books and definately talk to a doctor first but sorry some of the symptoms are right on
the best thing is to pick your battles, if you really dont care if they do it let them but if you say no to anything no matter how stupid it is NEVER NEVER NEVER go back on what you said stick to it no matter how much they scream and yell, if you do youre just teaching them if they have a fit theyll get there way sooner or later and theyll keep doing it
they just have to know the rules and you can never change them, it messes them up | |
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KACE74
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Joined: 8/16/2006
Msg: 61 | |
| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/26/2006 9:22:20 PM | and medicine isent the bad guy either, my son isent medicated yet were waiting to see his function in older grades, but would you rather have a child who has to take medicine or one who is a dropout who will never have an education or a career or a stable life
i chose medicine if he needs it | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/26/2006 11:13:14 PM | I would take any information from the net with a grain of salt. Hit the library. Or your local resource center. Fill up on all the info with your questions at hand about the varrious terms which concern you. When you see your Dr. lay down your concerns then ask for an immediate refirral to a behavioural specialest. Get test done by them, get copies and see another psychologist. Family Services have free councillors that specialize in behaviour modification. Keep copies for everyone you see so they can compare immediately. Ask for a ref. to an allergist too. Try and weed out any other simple possibilities. This will save time. Go with the nateropaths and maybe acupuncture. If he'll sit. Just a little humour there. What I've learned is, 1 activity at a time infront of both of you at his level, alwayse bringing his face up to you so you look at each others eyes. Q cards work well too, along side the activity. For daily needs. Such as pictures with washroom onthem etc. Make them with pictures of emotions/a different game etc. So he can point to it. Remember to take his hand and help him point. When you are planning to change activities too. Even 5 min. can be an acceptional breakthrough. Rewards with stickers and hugs. Touch is very important. Water play can sooth instantly. Sand also. When in the home purchase large table containers and fill with sensory materials. Hand on hand demonstrations will be needed. No fast food. Home made no presertatives cooking to help weed out any allergies. Best of luck. This is a very time consuming time in your life. For lack of better words. Try to take a hot bath every night.
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/27/2006 11:34:30 AM | I do know what it is like to be a parent of a child with behaviour problems. Thankfully, with help it does change. I re-read your original post and had a question regarding these two symptoms. I do not mean to offend you or belittle your frustration but these contradict each other.
1- Cannot concentrate on a task for more than one minute
4- Doesnt give up until he gets what he wants.
He obviously can concentrate on a task if he is determined enough to pursist until he gets what he wants. This shows that he has determination and focus. Just an observation. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/27/2006 1:19:00 PM | No that is not contradicting.
Focusing on a task-such as school work-is very difficult
Harrassing the crap out of you when they want something-totally different.
We are getting close to making another assessment on my son as his issues are getting bigger and bigger. And with yet another transistion about to occur-SCHOOL-we have to be more than ready for behavioural issues and dangerous situations.
On a better note-if he does receive the diagnosis I see then the school qualifies for an EA for him-which he really really needs.
I am currently watching a video on ADD and ADHD in adults and different levels of severity and issues is absolutely astounding. I hope so much that my little guy will outgrow this-but certainly know if not that we need to be prepared. | |
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KACE74
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Joined: 8/16/2006
Msg: 65 | |
| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/27/2006 2:48:42 PM | as cruel as it sounds my son with adhd does the fit till he gets what he wants thing
and the main thing is you cant give in no matter how mad you get or how long it takes or how much it breaks your heart, dont do it, if you can ignore them completely
it sounds horrible but do it, believe me they will stop and next time it will be shorter because it didnt work for them before | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/28/2006 10:26:41 AM | wow i have the same problem.. my son is 5 and i can not control him unless it is what he want
i tell him im gonna call boot camp i have twice had a marine over to shake him up and it worked now he is polite to a degree still uses naughty words and pushes his sisters around. iam a single mom of 4 three are girls. so there can be alot of thing's going on with these kids never would i put him on meds ever!! the hardest thing is not being able to understand his anger his fears and issues.... i wish you luck work with him not aginst him.. tell him like i do you just me bad and im sad i think we should sit down and talk about this why are you so mad or hurt.. it works to a degree he changes his attitude and goes about his way till 5 mins later he is jumping off the wall's.. i will put on a show he loves and if he sits there for the whole time watching it i know when he is angry or antsy i will put that show on 10Xs a day if needed.... god bless you and your child.. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/28/2006 10:28:38 AM | What about a child that zones ? Before my son got on the correct meds, he would lose it and I mean lose it, ram my car in another gear when I was driving, sit in a fetal position drooling, crying uncontrollably if he screwed something up at school or just freaked in a crowd.
Some kids are indead truly ADHD. My son, at times and I know this may sound horrible. He is my world but at times I've asked what "I" did to deserve such a child. The anger you feel is horrible. At life, at him, at yourself, at others for not helping you instead just critisizing you and your child.
I lived 6 years of he11................before he got on the right meds. And now ? He's amazing. Sure we have our moments but they are managable. Now that he's older he likes alone time. I get up at 6 am, wake him up, give him his meds and let him go back to sleep for an hour before he has to get up for school. Works amazingly because he is one of those kids that will fight the meds. He has to be calm for them to kick in so before I figured out this little trick mornings with two younger brothers were he11.
I noticed his behavrior was different by the age of 2 even though he's my first child. So many even at that time told me, oh you have to discipline him more, take a firm hand, dont let him win........my word. I'm so sick of it.
Most of you just don't have a clue UNLESS you personally know a child with ADHD. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/28/2006 7:16:57 PM | lil red riding hood,,,
I have been there done that. You should check with a neurologist, child behaviorists, and his regular doctors. My son for the longest was diagnosed as ADHD then met a doctor who said he had aspergers syndrome. They changed the meds and it is like night and day. I mention this because some of the behavior issues sound the same. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/29/2006 5:47:54 AM | jus2 shy-thats the diagnosis that it appears will be given to my son. Unpredictable outbursts-horrific transitions-no remorse over actions-unable to function in a large group without an "anchor" to guide and redirect him and the list goes on.
I agree-the difference in this childs life is like night and day since being on meds.
People may critisize for doing this-but I feel as parents we are denying our children the opportunity to lead as close to a normal childhood as possible by not giving them any help available. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/29/2006 4:23:47 PM | He's 3.5 years old. It's called a phase. Has he been doing this for the last 2 years?
Any dr. who would put a 3.5 year old on Ritalin should be shot.
I had to wait until my daughter was 7 before she was diagnosed and prescribed medications. She doesn't have the typical symptoms of ADHD, which are not exactly like you described.
She has ADHD and ODD, she can be violent and loud, but she DOES NOT punch me and wouldn't get away with if she did. We also tried behaviour modification before she was medicated. She has a very severe ODD and without medication she has a horrible time with change and routines.
It sounds like you need to try some behaviour modification, pick up The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene, look into therapy and behavioural services. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/29/2006 4:25:38 PM |
Unpredictable outbursts-horrific transitions-no remorse over actions-unable to function in a large group without an "anchor" to guide and redirect him and the list goes on.
cowgirlspurs - how old is your son? That sounds so much like my daughter, even with meds she still has unpredictable outbursts. She saw a psychiatrist but he agreed that it was ADHD and ODD, no one has suggested Asperger's at all. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/29/2006 5:02:01 PM | Justin just turned 6-he was given first ADHD at the age of 4 then severe ADHD last year and the behaviour is getting worse. Everyone involved with him has to be on their toes and constantly be aware fo him. Yes the medication makes him a little more manageable-able to redirect-but it is far from a cure and we still deal with the problems.
A short visit with his brother today and he is very very edgy tonight-the soccer ball was whipped up into the front seat on the way home(I know it shoulda been i the trunk lol) but with some redirection he is now happily working on his grade one workbooks-did 12 pages today!!! But I know he is far from over the edginess and daycare will have their hands full tomorrow.
His cruelty to animals results in one pet-a hedgehog-she can take care of herself haha and there is so many other things. | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/29/2006 5:58:15 PM | | First and foremost I believe in spare the rod spoil the child but I also believe that there are alternatives to medicine. You could try and give your child more structure a routine everyday that he has to follow. Your child must also know that there are consequences for what he does. Take away all toys when he does something then he has nothing to throw.I have to say that as a parent and and a psychology student that if you allow your child to hit and scream at you, his behavior is partly your fault. The improvment starts at home with you, the sooner you disallow such behavior towards you the sooner it will stop outside the home. | |
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KACE74
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Joined: 8/16/2006
Msg: 74 | |
| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/29/2006 7:16:41 PM | i dont know what everyones problem with medication is, this is a medical condition
if your child had asthma would you give him puffers, if he had diabeties would you give him
insulin, maybe its the fact that its a behavioural problem that makes us believe that our parenting skills can change the behaviour, it cant , how long do you wait and at the cost of how much of your childs life before you realize that you cant do it yourself
your risking their future, (my son has yet to be medicated we go evrey 6 months for reevaluations but if he has to be, i will ) | |
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| does my son have ADD or ADHD?
Posted: 8/29/2006 8:18:44 PM | Just2shy
This was his behavrior on Ritalin.
On Concerta, he's fine. No problems at all other then typical 11 year old boy stuff. He's excelling in school, at home, everywhere. For years he wasn't even welcome in many of my friends homes, family etc.
Now they call and ask if Shane can come visit. I have my son back thanks to Concerta. Im not saying its the answer for everyone but for my son, IT IS and I'm estatic. | |
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