Special Needs & Challenging Kids

Moms of ADHD kids chime in please....

brooks5130 — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:29:51 GMT

My 4.5 year old son is challanging! He was pretty much a normal, although wild and super talkative, kid up until about age 2.5. His sister was born and mommy and daddy did a lot of unrelated fighting. Daddy went on a few trips and mommy was home on maternity leave then back to work. I think it was a confusing and unsettling time for him.

Around 3.5 years I thought he was soooo ready for preschool. He was still pretty wild and always on the go but I just thought he was a busy boy. Well, he started preschool and it was a nightmare. Granted, the school had no structure- just 1.5 hours of free play with kids and running and screaming and bouncing from one activity to the next. The first year of preschool was a very hard year. My son was kicking, hitting, knocking other kids blocks down, not sitting still, throwing sand and toys, and generally being wild and out of control. The school was very paitient with him but I knew it wasn't the best fit.

At home he does many of the same behaviors but I am very stict and tend to ride him a little. However, he will throw toys, hurt his little sister for no reason, run around yelling, flail his arms around, spin in circles, yell, and be very over emotional. He can also be sweet and loving. He is super smart and is capable of sitting still and having really good behavior. He has been to Cirque Du Soleil and did very good through the whole show.

He loves other kids and wants everyone to play with him and be his friend. But then without warning he will hit or disrupt their toys or be too rough. He has very poor impulse control.

Well, this year we tried another preschool and after one day they said he was hitting the whole time and that if he hits again he is out. Although it sounds like it, he is not a bully or aggresive. He doesn't do any of these things to be mean or cause harm- just very poor impulse control- we think.

What do you all think? I have spent so many nights up crying over his bad behavior. He is sooo smart and loving and creative and musical and imaginative. He can have a great day- or a very terrible one. Why does he have to act this way?

Please vote to help Noah (4-year-old IG baby with CP)

Mom2RJA — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:18:02 GMT

Noah's mom joined IG during her pregnancy and anyone here 4 years ago probably remembers the horrors of his birth. Noah had no heartbeat for the first 13 minutes after he was born. He was not expected to survive, and he now has severe cerebral palsy. At age 4, he cannot walk, crawl, talk, or sit unassisted. The last 4 years have been full of hurdles for his family. Just last week, they were stunned to lose a malpractice case they had every reason to believe they would win. Noah's therapies cost $1400 per month out of pocket for a family of four living on one income.

Please vote to help Noah's family win a wheelchair accessible van. This is an easy way to help them that will only take a moment of your time. Please also click on the "get an extra vote" button and answer a quick question about wheelchair accessible vehicles to double your vote. You can vote once a day through May 11. I don't usually post things like this, but this one is really important. Noah's family really needs something good to come their way. If you would be willing to share this on Facebook, other forums, or anywhere else, that would also be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Vote For Noah Here

Advice on BF's Treatment of Kids

julietdreams — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:27:00 GMT

I don't post here often, but am looking for some advice. I have a special needs son with ADHD and ODD and thought you ladies might have the best thoughts for me in this section.

I'm going through a divorce (due to DH's affairs) and currently have a boyfriend. He is wonderful in most ways, very family-oriented, and has brought order to my once very chaotic household (especially crazy since DH left). The problem is I don't like how he treats my kids. He was raised very strict, military-style. He insists the kids help around the house, clean their plates off, make their lunches, and do their homework right when they get home. I admit I'm not exactly a good enforcer of the rules. But he's over the top in enforcing them. Last night, he told my 9-year-old (ADHD) to put away his toys and get in the shower. My son asked, "What?" and my BF got right next to his ear and screamed, "I said to put away your toys and get in the shower!" That really irked me. No kid deserves to be screamed at just because they asked, "What?" This is just an example of how over the top he is. The entire night he spends just barking orders at them. Do this. Do that. He says they need structure and rules, which I understand, but they're just kids at the same time. They need love and affection even more. They look at him like a dictator who constantly puts them in the corner, which has them walking on egg shells around him.

And then on the other hand, he sits and does homework with them, goes to cubscouts with them, plays baseball and basketball with them, and uses his overtime pay to buy them socks because they need them. He's thoughtful where my ex wasn't, but I'm just worried about the kids' self-esteem getting injured in the process. He's just too tough on them and only focuses on their negatives. It's teetering on emotional abuse. Because my oldest has ADHD, I usually give on some things just to avoid an all out battle. My BF gives on nothing. He's on my son like flies on you know what. He doesn't agree with me regarding "pick your battles" and thinks I'm using his ADHD as an excuse to let him get his way. We're always fighting about this and it's put a wedge between us. Should I break up with him? Mind you, we have an awesome relationship otherwise. In the back of my head though, I'm also worried about my ex using this against me in Court to get custody. The kids aren't too fond of BF.

Has anyone had issues with how a BF or stepfather has treated your kids? How did you deal with it?

In Utero Stroke- Anyone go thru this????

Zs Momma — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:50:21 GMT

I posted this over on TTC because I do want another someday. If anyone has gone thru this before, I could sure use some advice.

We recently just had our beautiful baby boy. I love him so much and so does my hubby. I have 2 girls from a previous marriage and so our son was my hubby's first baby. I had a great pregnancy minus some nausea the first 14 weeks and trouble keeping my blood sugar up towards the end. We had planned for a C Section at 39 weeks but little buddy decided to come at 38 weeks. I had labored at home most of the day because my contractions were every 25 minutes and they said not to come in until they were closer. Since I was only 38 weeks they said I had to be dilating before they would do my C Section. So we went in later that evening and I was in labor and we had our boy. Since he was born shortly after midnight we didn't get much sleep the first day and a half. The next night we sent him to the nursery for a few hours so I could rest. The nurse brought him in at 3am along with a NICU Nurse Practioner and said that our baby had been having seizures while in the nursery and they were taking him up to the NICU. My husband and I were in complete shock. We got ourselves together and went upstairs. Once we got up to his room in the NICU the Nurse Practioner explained why he could be having the seizures and then told us what testing they are wanting to do. First they did a spinal tap, then a CT, MRI, EEG and ECHO. They placed an IV so they could give him fluids and anti biotics in case of infection. Once the results of the CT and MRI came back we were hit with the worst news ever. They said that he had suffered a significant stroke on the left side and that was the cause of his seizures. I didn't know that an unborn baby could have a seizure and here we were with our perfect baby boy and find out he had a stroke. We met with the Neonatologist and my OB had also come up to check in on me. They both said that this could have been an accident and they may not know why it happened. My OB went back to the office and went thru my entire history and chart to see if there was something that they missed or a test they could have done but nothing came up. The Neurologist came in and I hated him. I thought he was the biggest jerk ever. He basically told us that our son would never have a normal life and would never walk, talk, run or play. He would have cerebral palsy. Our hearts sank as we heard him describe the life this perfect baby would have. They started our son on seizure meds that made him sleepy but he still nursed like a champ. Over the next few days he surprised them all. He acted like a perfect normal healthy baby. All of the physical exams he had were all normal. He had no loss of motion on the right side or anything. The outcome was lookign better and better. He was in the NICU for 3 days and got to go home the day after I was discharged. Since then we have had monthly visits with the physical therapist just to make sure he continues to hit his milestones. He sees the NICU follow up team once every 3 months and the neurologist every 4 months to just check up. His well baby exams are always normal. He continues to nurse well and is sleeping thru the night. He was originally supposed to be on the seizure meds for 6 months to a year but at his 1 month check with the neurologist, he said he didn't need them because he is doing so well and hadn't had a seizure since the hospital. During that visit with the neurologist, he was actually nice. He said that our son looked phenomenal and the whole outlook he had for his life changed. He said he thinks he will have a completely normal childhood and grow up and function normally with no effects from the stroke. He said nursing him is the best thing I could do for him.

During the time we were in the NICU my husband said he thought about having another but after this he doesn't want anymore. Even though my OB has said that the chances of this happening again are very small I want one more. I really would like to have another boy. We planned him as far as timing ovulation and intercourse and all that. My husband said he doesn't want anymore and had talked about vasectomy. My heart sank. He hasn't gone thru with it. We recently went and saw a friend who had just delivered and we had a conversation on the way home about one more and the way he talked sounded like he may be ok with it.

I know we just delivered and my hormones are all crazy still but I can't shake this feeling of wanting one more. I try and rationalize all the reasons we shouldn't have another but the urge is still there. I told him that I would want them about 2 years apart, which would mean trying next summer.

Am I crazy for even thinking about having another after what happened to our little guy? Am I pushing our luck?

Everyday I thank God that I went into labor when I did because I play the what if game. What if I didn't go into labor when I did? What if he had another stroke before our planned C Section? What if I didn't have a C Section and labored naturally, what would have happened?

Any advice or thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks for listening!

Eczema and dermatitis support group ladies here very welcome to join and support my son!

Ariel — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:53:20 GMT

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-with-Eczema-Dermatitis-support-group/217262051654713 Hi ladies, I have started a facebook page for my little men, ds1 and ds2 they suffer with severe atopic dertmatitis, the eldest has been feeling very alone lately and has no freinds or support from people with the same problems so I thought I would give it a go! Please like this page and pass it on to anyone you know who it may help! Everyone is welcome to post and ask questions and after countless visits and trying different things me and my partner are experts lol We have learn't a lot over the past 8 years and know the torment of eveyday life we want to help others we are not selling anything and are not looking into making money this is for our boys and anyone else who can offer support or needs support!

ugh just having so much trouble with these two kids.

lillithrivan — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 21:28:15 GMT

Some of you may know we just became guardians of our niece and nephew due to family issues. we love them to death...they love us...but man........they came with a lot of issues....they have been sexually abused...neglected...they need a lot of work and love....they cant speak very well have major speach issues....the older boy has picca....and gets severe headaches that make him sick out of no where so i have a hard time telling when the headaches are real and when they are ust cuz he doesnt want to behave.........which has happened.......then as said they were molested he has tried doing some stuff and im jsut not sure how to handle it because i went through it and now i am freaking out a bit..and to top it off they brought lice...and now i cant get rid of it and im going mad...my step children always give us lice but i always get rid of it........but this time i just cant seem to get rid of the damn bugs...my head is crawling i am freaking out...i am constantly going through her hair and tryng to go through mine....ugh.....and whats odd is i cant find many nor many eggs yet i will randomly find one after sitting doing her hair forever il see one when im not doing it.......i gave up on the store stuff and found a new way with my kids that worked til now...we used dennorex but this time it just aint working and im running out of options................i just feel like everythingis one big mess.........

So many problems with my 4 year old and his doctor wont help. I feel so alone..

xTwoLovesx — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:10:37 GMT

Hi guys. I am the mom to a 4.5 year old boy and pregnant with my second due in October. I have been having SO many behavioral issues with Travis (4 year old) I am at whitts end on what to do. We started seeing problems since age 3 and have asked his doctor SO many times to give him a comprehensive evaluation for ADD, ODD, BiPolar ect..and he just wont do it. Yea, I am aware he is young but he acts out WAY more than other kids and both sides of his family have multiple issues esp. with ADD and BiPolar. He throws outrageous fits AT LEAST 6 times a day last anywhere from 10min to over an hour. Last week he threw a fit for an hour and a half over him not going to the store with his dad because he was asleep! The fits aren't just whines either, they are full-blown screaming, kicking, hitting himself in the head, turning red, and rolling around on the floor. Everywhere we go is a struggle to have him behave. He can go from precious angel to demon screaming child in the blink of an eye over the dumbest things. I think one time it was over not getting him a fishing reel he saw. YES, a REEL, not the POLE but a fishing REEL with nothing attached. He has never been a violent kid he is actually really shy around other kids but lately around the kids he plays with if he hasn't gotten his way he will hit them. I'm SO embarassed by these actions and I don't know what to do. He punched his dad so hard in the arm he left a HUGE bruise that turned black and blue..he is 4! I couldn't imagine if he hit another kid forcefully, I would be in a law-suit! His behavior has been so outrageous when we have been in public someone actually called the cops on his dad for trying to calm him down by holding him in his seat. When the cops arrived they took one look at Travis and said they were sorry for coming out and actually talked to TRAVIS about behaving. He has also had night terrors since he was 2 and the doctor said they will go away on their own. His night terrors have been so bad we have had to hold him down so he doesn't hurt himself because he will unlock the door and walk out our apartment, bang his head on the wall, or just hit himself over and over. We live in an apartment and im surprised no one has called the cops on us here for him acting how he does! If you walked by our door you would think we were beating him he screams so loud! Its horrible. Im a mess and it's not helping that I am 6 months pregnant. I have tried to find another doctor but I am on caresource and no one is accepting new patients within a 40 mile radius of my home. Another thing to add is that he is SO smart for his age. He hasnt been in preschool because it is so expensive here and I don't trust facilities with him because when he was 2 he was in daycare for 2 days before I found out they were making him sit at the table because he wouldnt eat while others were playing. I don't trust them. Anyways, he is super smart and is very advanced for his age so I know he has no problems with learning disabilities. He is just EXTREMEMLY hyper. He also WILL NOT try new foods and we have a problem with him eating in general. The doctor said to starve him until he eats but he has gone a day without eating ONE thing and I am NOT doing that to my child. He is literally SCARED to try new foods. What 4 year old wont try pizza or mac and cheese? MINE! If anyone has any suggests PLEASE let me know. Thanks!

Anyone have a child with a pacemaker?

hcmk — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:58:30 GMT

Our four year old daughter has Complete Atrioventricular Block and had her first pacemaker surgery last September. Are there any other families with children who have heart problems or pacemakers?

is this the right place???

tryingfor#3 — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 18:26:24 GMT

not really sure if this is the right place but my DD is becoming increasingly agressive she had no SEN or Behaviour issues that we know of but she came home today and my mum told me that she has been in trouble at school for fighting. i have raised her to stick up for herself but this appears to be her starting it. she is disrespectful dishonest and disobedient she has only just turned 7 and answers back at every available opportunity she constantly lies about everything and refuses to talk to me when i ask her what is wrong. i feel at a complete loss with her i need to have a word with her teacher but all i seem to get back from school is that she is really well behaved. she even said to me that she is good at school. and saves all her naughtiness for when she is at home. i have taken all sugar out of both DD and DS diet and i dont give them things with sweeteners in them i reallydont know what to do i just want my happy little girl back please help :(

Step stools for short statured people

twotalltwosmall — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:16:59 GMT

I'm sure most people have seen the show :Little People Big World" on TLC, so most people would be familiar with Matt Roloff, the dad on the show. Matt has designed a kit for short statured people, that hotels can buy, or businesses where people may need to access things. The stool in this kit (the kit is sold from DirectAccess solutions) is fantastic!! My son has no problems whatsoever with it, its very sturdy, and he doesn't have problems falling off of it. I wanted to buy this kit, but I can't seem to get any info from the website, because it is down. From what I gather, they won't sell me a kit because I am just a single buyer. SO, would anyone be familiar with another stool similar to this one, or be able to reccomend a company that sells reasonably priced adaptive products? I found one site, shortstature.com and they want like 500+ bucks for their furniture items. I'm sure their products are great for someone, but their stepstool doesn't even have a handle....Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Who else has a child with SPD?

signing mommy for2 — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:41:30 GMT

My oldest son, 3 1/2 years old, has Sensory Processing Disorder. The thearpist said it would get better when he started school but it has gotten worse. And now he has broken his leg and it is driving us all up the wall. I just need to know I am not alone.

VACTERL Association with tracheostomy and g-tube

AmyV27 — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 23:42:49 GMT

My 5yo son has a small handful of medical needs. If anyone has questions about NICU life or concerns about adding to their family after a child with needs, I'm happy to help!

Anyone have a child with OCD?

tinksmagic — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:08:56 GMT

I do. And my heart goes out to anyone who also has a child suffering with this. We figured something was going on by the time our DD was 3-4 and had her officially diagnosed at age 5. We've been from counselor to counselor and will be contacting Hasbro Children's Hospital in RI to see if they can help. We're hoping that the new baby will help ease some of her anxiety and take the pressure off her of being the youngest in the house. She's very receptive to being a big sister and talks about having little brothers all of the time, but we worry when she gets in her moods if she might inadvertently hurt him (them).

ADHD and ODD or bipolar in children. Please read if you have an out of control child.

snakesnsnails — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:29:34 GMT

I don't come here often, but wanted to share our story with anyone that doesn't know it. My oldest child is 10 years old and is currently diagnosed with pediatric bipolar disorder. I say currently because kids brains change a lot and often one diagnosis will turn into another or the symptoms will lessen over time. I knew something was not right with him by the time he was four. At first I thought it was ADHD. Then as the tantrums got more and more frequent and intense, I knew there must be more going on. There were so many issues with him...sensory, he would both sensory seek (in the form of screaming or screeching or running, jumping wildly, etc.) or could also be over the top sensitive to things like sand on his feet, shin gaurds, tags, socks, shoes, fabric, the heat, bugs) He struggled with fine motor skills from an early age. He still does today. There were so many things. I saw doctor after doctor. I became convinced that if only we were more consistent and held firm but fair boundaries, that he would grow out of the issues. That didnt help. We tried stimulants for the adhd. Things got worse when we gave him stimulants. Then an antidepressant (don't ever give kids that have family history of bipolar ssri antidepressants!) nearly sent him to the mental hospital. His mood, volatility, irritability and opposition became worse in the fourth grade and now this year, it got the worst it's ever been. Finally, after some very intense events, we had our answer. It was bipolar. I just wish it didn't take 7 years of hell to get that answer. He is now on medicines that are helping immensely and I have a lot of hope for a wonderful future for him. My message to parents that may suspect bipolar is this - If you think something is wrong, find a doctor that will really listen to you. And if you don't agree with them, find another doctor. Often kids with bipolar will be diagnosed with adhd and ODD (oppositional defiant disorder), then these kids will actually get worse with stimulants (huge rebound, aggressive, overly emotional). It can take an average of 10 years to get a proper diagnosis and some research indicates that the more kids cycle from the bipolar illness, the more resistant to the medicines their bodies are later when they do receive proper treatment. Do your own research. (for pediatric bipolar go to bpkids.org) . And don't give up. No one cares about your child more than you. Please check out my blog to read more about our personal journey: http://www.wereswimminginalphabetsoup.blogspot.com

Not sure how i'll cope when my third son arrives. Feeling a bit ovrwhelmed

lovemyfellas — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:40:35 GMT

Hi ladies,

This is the first time i have posted in this forum- let me introduce myself, i am a mum of 2 beautiful boys and i am 5months pregnant with boy number 3. My eldest son has high functioning autism and is a real joy although if i am completely honest the first 2-3 years of his life were the hardest, most challenging years of my life. He was quite an unsettled baby and as soon as he hit 12months the tantrums started, explosive, unprevoked (or so we thought, in hiensight it was probabaly a sensory thing) enormous tantrums. I was terrified to leave the house incase his temper exploded. Around this time the obsessions started too, constantly opening and closing doors, narrow focus, unresponsivness (we would call his name over and over and he wouldn't answer or turn his head towards us) all the typical red signs for autism. When my second son arrived when ds1 was 2 i was at breaking point. Ds2 was such an unsettled baby, it would take me up to an hour each nap time to get him to sleep only for him to wake after 20mins. He would stay up until 11pm most night and then wake up every hour throughout the night. This went on for almost a year. I was exhausted, menatlly and physically to say the least. At this time ds1 was still having major tantrums, and his obsessions where through the roof, if his routines was changed or his collection of treasures (he would collect random things, rocks, twigs, leaves etc) was lost or misplaced he would explode.He also had very limited language which added to his (and my) frustration. It was a very very hard time. Anyway ds1 was diagnosed with autism at around 3, it was very hard to accept that he was different and i grieved for a while. Now ds1 is a delightful boy, he still has very strong obsessions that consume his talk and play but he is able to make friends and has calmed down some what, although he still throws some tantrums. ds2 is nearly 3 now and has such a lovely sole, he is very caring and sweet but he can be very challenging. He is VERY energetic, bouncing off the walls most days. He can be quite destructive, we've had to put locks on the fridge otherwise he will pull everything out and tips things all over the floor. He has put holes in the walls during his hyper episodes where he runs around throwing things or gets the broom and bashed the walls, tv, floor, his borther, you name it! He is also very independent (probably an age thing) at the moment and will throw a mega tantrum if he doesn't get his own way or i dont let him do something he wants to do. Anyway long story short i love my boys to peices but they have been (and are) a lot of work. They are not the kind of kids you can just throw in the car spur of the moment and take a 4 hour trip to aunty joy's (they do NOT cope well in the car) they have never been the quiet bub's that you see fast asleep in there prams. They are loud, energetic, boys! And although i absolutely love them to pieces and i really do love their energy and passion i am starting to really panic about bub number 3. It sounds silly but the reality of another baby (and another energetic boy) is really starting to freak me out. I know every baby is different but i just know this one will be unsettled just like his brothers, i just dont seem to make quiet, easy babie's! And at the back (or front rather) of my mind is the very real possibility that this bub could have autism or at least be on the spectrum somewhere. There are a lot of autistic traits on both sides of the family, and even my 'neurotypical' son (ds2) is and was so much work. I know God only gives us what we can handle and i know i will love and care for this new bub with all my heart but i am terrified of going through all the stress again. I guess have to think positively , who knows, maybe we'll be blessed with a quiet baby that sleeps throughout the night from birth (and pigs might fly ) .

Edit- just realised i have posted in the forum again asking when is the right time to have another baby, guess that ship sailed

Haberman Feeder?!

bayoudancer — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:32:15 GMT

Hi my son is 5 months old and will NOT take a bottle! I have tried about 10 different kinds and nothing! My last resort is the haberman feeder.... Has anyone used this on a child that does NOT have cleft lip/palate?! If so what are your thoughts?

Nearly 7 and can't/won't go to sleep alone

Twomaybethree — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:36:49 GMT

My DS1 is nearly 7 and his bedtime routine can take 2 hours!!! I don't mind spending 1/2 an hour reading to him and having a cuddle and a chat but then I have to lie next to him in bed and scratch his back until he is in a deep sleep -EVERY night. DH used to be able to take over 1-2 nights a week but that is becoming difficult and I usually end up having to take over. If I try to get up and leave before he is deep asleep we have tantrums. We also have DS2 (2 1/2) in the room next door so not easy to just let him cry. We are also TTC#3.

He also has been quite angry and alternately clingy during the day - gets anxious separating from me but then is cranky and rude the rest of the time. I have been firmer and applied logical consequences (eg time out) and his day time behaviour is much improved - (we still have tough days sometimes usually when he is overtired) but overall he is behaving better - but it seems nights are getting worse. He now has a night light but he has started getting up during the night and coming into our bed (either because it's too light or because we didn't turn it on and he is scared of the dark). We've migrated this to bringing his doona and pillow in and sleeping on the floor next to me so at least I can sleep.

It seems to be genuine fear/anxiety that he is afraid of being abandoned, that I'll leave or not come back - and his tantrums are almost like panic attacks, but also partly manipulative "you hurt my feelings" or "you and daddy are being mean/don't love me" if you don't stay with me until I'm asleep. I just don't know what to do. I've tried reward charts but I can't find an incentive as important to him as having me there with him.

I'm at a loss and while I like our cuddles and chats I don't like that I don't get adult time in the evenings as I'm usually falling asleep myself by the time I get out of his room. Help please.

Whiny, not listening 6 yo DS - Nearing my breaking point with him

snakesnsnails — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:19:28 GMT

My 6 year old DS has always been a whiny child, but it seems like it’s getting worse with age, not better. He never gets his way when he whines and frequently if he’s been warned to stop and he continues, he’ll get a punishment (lose video games or dessert).

I really feel like Dh and I are firm, but loving and very consistent with the discipline, but DS is pretty much unbearable to be around much of the time. He will shriek/scream when playing with my 9 yo DS and there is an altercation. Much of the time, it’s this small infraction, but you’d think by 6 yo DS’s reaction, that he’d just had his finger cut off.

He is really bad now that school has started back up. Whines and cried about getting dressed in the morning, about going to school, about doing homework (even a measly 5 minutes of homework is the end of the world to him), about trying new foods, waiting his turns, practicing baseball for more that 5 minutes with his dad (I’m tired, I’m hungry, I have to go to the bathroom, etc.), not being able to play video games whenever he wants, etc.

I don’t even like him lately. I really don’t. I wonder if he might have ADHD like my older DS. Many of his issues, especially with schoolwork could be explained by ADHD. I don’t want yet another child with this frickin condition! Good God.

This child doesn’t listen. Really ever. Like it’s dangerous how badly he is about listening. He is more like a 3 year old is so many ways. One other things about him is that he goes to sleep at about 8 or 8:30 every night and wakes at 5:30 or 6am every morning. Could he be chronically overtired?

Good things about him? He’s funny and loves making people laugh, he’s well liked by other active boys, he goes to bed fantastically, he isn’t mean and doesn’t get into trouble at school. He isn’t whiney and doesn’t cry at school.

ADHD survey for a research study

snakesnsnails — Sat, 07 May 2011 21:55:11 GMT

I received this email and wanted to pass it on...

My name is Erica Merson and I am doctoral student from University of Maryland, College Park. I am conducting a research study to learn more about the experiences of mothers of children with ADHD to eventually use this knowledge to improve the understanding and treatment of families of children with ADHD. I am contacting you because you work with and have contact with mothers of children with ADHD and I am hoping that you could pass this information on to those who may qualify to participate in my study. I am looking to recruit mothers of 5-13 year old children who have received a diagnosis of ADHD. Participants would complete an online, confidential questionnaire that asks questions about psychological health, relationships, employment characteristics, and parenting behaviors. As compensation, participants will be offered the chance to enter into a lottery to win one of three $25 Amazon gift cards. Those who are interested can follow the link below to the study.

https://cbssmaryland.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0wUticLHrxuufqI

I would be happy to discuss details of the study with you further. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free email me at emerson@psyc.umd.edu. Also please forward the above message to others who may be eligible and interested in also participating. Thank you so much for your interest and participation.

Warning - antidepressants and children

snakesnsnails — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 03:49:39 GMT

I had to share our experience (which still isn't over.....)

Our ADHD son (9 years old) started on Zoloft 14 days ago. He had been so
negative lately and so I was willing to give it a try. This past Thursday, he
went into another students locker (actually a good friend of his) and stole his
Pokemon cards. Then came home Friday and absolutely erupted at me (w/ major
aggression) over having had his cards and DS taken as a punishment, my hubby
came home and we dealt with the eruptions for 75% of the evening. He was even
threatening to jump out of the window. This morning (Saturday) we went right
into hypomania/agitated/aggressive state and once again threatened suicide
(saying I'm going to kill myself!).

We then decided to take him to the ER/ Long story short, we only saw a P-Social
worker (in contact with a P-doc) and she agreed with us that the meds were
probably to blame, but never mentioned the serotonergic disinhibitation
specifically. (I hadn't discovered it on the internet at this point).

We decided against hospitalizing him at a place 1-1/2 hrs away and took him
home, first stopping at the drug store to pick up the Benedral the hospital had
suggested. My son wanted rice krispie treats and I said no. I discovered in the
car 1/2way home that he had stolen then. (you have to know that my son NEVER
stole before this week!)

At home, he erupted again and then, thankfully, the Benedral kicked in. He's
asleep now.

Besides the day my dad died, this has been the worst day ever.
What he has, I found on the internet. The dumb P-people (lol) couldn't tell me
this.....he has seratonin disinhibition, also called Frontal Lobe Syndrome. He's
off the Zoloft as of this morning and I am hoping each day gets a little better
and that he's back to normal ASAP!

But I am so glad I found this website:
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Disinhibition-and-SSRIs-an.html

It described EVERYTHING my son has gone through b/c of the Zoloft.

SCARY what it did to his brain! I can't believe a med can make a person have
kleptomania! (among all the other dramatic effects!)

PS - Sorry, I've been MIA from In-Gender...I am frustrated with the slow speed and frequent freezing.....just had to post about this though!

8 Year Old Punching Himself in Head

julietdreams — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:46:42 GMT

I need some help. My ADHD son is becoming more and more violent toward himself and his little brothers. He's on Intuniv so has gained some weight and it's really hard for me to physically control him now. He has very low self-esteem because of his "bad brain," and says he hates himself and wants to be dead (this is daily for him). But last night, when I saw him literally punching himself in the head and ramming it into the wall, I got really scared for him. Does anyone else have an ADHD child with this level of self-esteem and aggression issues? Now, my 2-year old is starting to copy him!

First thing this morning, I put in a call to a child psychologist for an appointment. Do you think anti-depressants are an option? Has anyone had experience with them?

Sensory issues -- what kind of doctor to see?

mtgirl — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 18:43:24 GMT

Does anyone know what kind of doctor would diagnose sensory issues? I have an appointment to see my family practitioner on June 29th (I can't get in before then), but I simply won't make it. ds2 has huge issues that take up our evenings and mornings when it's time to get dressed. EVERY kind of clothing "bothers" him. We spend at least 15 minutes every night trying on clothes to see what's not going to bother him to save time the next morning, but we do it all over again in the morning because he changes his mind and it all bothers him again. The tags bother him, denim material now bothers him (won't wear jeans), the feeling of socks bothers him, underwear - even if it's "tagless" - it bothers him, how tight his shoes are tied bother him, he won't wear "shirts with buttons", etc.. I'm trying to be very patient and helpful in finding the "right" things to wear, but I'm starting to go crazy here and there's no way I'll make it to June 29th. I keep calling to see if they have cancellations, but none.

Anyway - would I proceed to a neurologist? dermatologist? Seriously, I have googled and can't find who diagnosis this kind of stuff. I see that therapy (pt/ot?) would probably work with him, but surely I'll need a diagnosis before my insurance would pay.

TIA

He's off the Autistic spectrum and I am jumping for joy !!!!!!

Wishing On A Star :) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 22:20:01 GMT

Well, after years of appointments, therapy, work work work, diet changes, B12,.....speech therapy, OT, bla bla...you guys know the story, he was diagnosed when he was 2 and half and now is no longer Autistic. Can this be true?? Yes it is!

He has been officially marked off the spectrum!!! when he was 18 month to 2 years he was unresponsive, didnt listen, he never looked at anyone and was in his own world. He stimmed (flapped his hands) He never sat up til he was 1 and never crawled, he just got up one day and walked. He had sooooo many injuries because he was also dyspraxic, so he did not have the natural instinct to put his hands out and bum out when he fell, so BAM...he would go straight down on his face. This has been a devastating and hard journey for me. I grieved for a hundred mothers!!!

I also learned ALOT along the way. He is now a mild dyspraxic who still suffers with speech difficulties (it's getting there though). He now has a smile that will light up a room, he has the girls and boys in his classes in knots laughing because he loves to joke around!! He has made lovely bonds with his class mates, goes to birthday parties.....he's now a regular kid. He is back!! I could never have asked for more THAN JUST THAT.

Now he looks me in the eyes and tells me I look pretty and that he loves me very much. He is a saviour to his little brother who was also diagnosed early on with Autism. He is actually bringing his brother "out of his box" and although we know it will take alot of work and patience it gives us so much hope. his brother is now also giving eye contact regularly, talking and attempting to play with his playgroup friends. He does not yet know hw to innitiate play, but he is showing all the signs that he wants to.

In saying that, bith my boys were said to be borderline to mild in diagnosis and I was told it could go either way, but with no sensory issues and everyday getting a little easier with the boys, I live in hope for my second son.

I took them both to see "Tangled" in the cinema tonight and i could'nt believe how they sat through 1 hr and 40 mins and enjoyed every minute of it. They got restless in the last few minutes...but I am so amazed that they both have come soooo far.

If you have read this without falling asleep, just know I am only writing this and sharing to give others hope. Time really does heal...oh and good nutritious diet and hard work lol!!

Highly sensitive baby or ADHD ? ADHD symptoms?

oneWAYorANOTHER — Sat, 29 May 2010 03:33:11 GMT

From the very beginning I have problems with my DS #2 . He had reflux (which I now think it might not be reflux but his high sensitivity ), he is almost 2 now and I have more and more problems with him. It is like he wants me to know what he wants without telling me what is it and he gets really upset when I don't do it (give it to him). When he gets upset it always gets worst like he is in some kind of tantrum , doesn't matter if you will hug him or yell at him or give him candy -he screams worst and worst (like somebody strip of his skin ore something) and he throw himself on the floor and doesn't matter if he will hurt himself or not. I have to put him in his room for 20-30 min so he can calm down. He starts the day with scream and ends it with scream. He have those weird moments that he would have eyes open widely and seems like he is looking at you but he don't see you, like he is in other world or something. He don't even blink for some time .He gets angry very fast .He can't sit still ,even when he stand in one place he will shift from one foot to the other. As far as I remember ADHD can't be diagnosed till 6-7 years ? My ped mentioned once that children can grew out of it till then? I don't know what to do. I don't know how to deal with him.

Yet another great article on ADHD

snakesnsnails — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:34:41 GMT

http://www.pediatricneurology.com/full.htm

Go down to "ADHD: The Tip of the Iceberg" and read from there

Also, there is a WONDERFUL (albiet quite scientific) lecture by the renouned ADHD research doctor., Dr. Russell Barkley. Search podcasts with his name and the M.I.N.D. institute on itunes. (it's free)