My son has ADHD and SID. Does anyone have any advice in dealing with a Hyper child. Does Ritilin Work?

Question

SID is know as the Sensitivity Integration Disorder which causes hell for my wife and I. He is VERY hyper and he dosn't talk well at all. We can't potty train him and we're running out of patience in dealing with him. Can anyone help us with the hyperactive 4 year old

Answer 1

My son has ADHD, and we've had mixed results with medications. We finally found Adderall, and it's honestly been a miracle drug for our son. Far from being a drugged out zombie (like people who don't believe ADHD is "real" will tell you the meds turn the kids), this medication has allowed my son to emerge from behind the curtain of the ADHD, and we're finally now seeing who he really is, when his illness is taken out of the picture for a while.

It's very important to note that most of the medications for ADHD have not been tested on children younger than six. We do deal with the side effects - loss of appetite, insomnia - but overall, we are thrilled to death with the results.

It's also really important that you have a support system. If you're not VERY comfortable with your son's pediatrician and/or psychologist, you need to change, and keep changing until you find the right "fit" for you and your son. I've realized that my son's pediatrician/psychologist (I was lucky enough to find one doctor that is both) is as much a support person for ME as he is for my son, and it sounds like you and your wife could use some support as well.

The effects of the medications vary depending on the child, so I'd have to say that if your doctor thinks it's ok, try a medication and work with the doctor on the dosages - and if it isn't helping, try a different medication.

The other thing that has really helped in our household is a huge level of structure. Our friends think we run our house like a military base in some ways (not a lot of yelling, but we have a definite schedule and definite routines that we don't vary from at ALL), but it's what works for our son. I also limit my son's intake of refined sugar (which he loves), and I feel like that has made a difference, but wouldn't swear to it.

I wish you the best. Please feel free to e-mail me if you want. I'm pretty verbal on this subject, so if you want to talk, I'm happy to listen. I may not always have the best ideas, but in most cases with ADHD behaviors, I've "been there, done that" - so at least I'm good for some sympathy!

Good luck!

Answer 2

I believe there is no such thing as ADHD. Just behavioral problems. Never put a kid on medication, there are so many other ways to modify his behavior. Do alot of reading and research on parenting and behavior modification. Make sure there isn't something else that's causing this behavior, like a divorce, or other change that's causing the child tremendous stress. Channel his energy into other more productive things every chance you get. My youngest bounces off the walls cause she's so hyper. I have her cleaning the house right now and washing the dishes!! She's 7. She loves all the good attention she gets after she cleans.

Answer 3

yeah give him lots of love and attention, one on one time that what they need. Give his hyper butt things to do is a start.You get used to him after a while. my son had adhd and all the doctors and teachers were telling me to medicate him , i refused!! i studied up on it and found some ways to cope with it.My son is very hyper and annoying also but he's 12 now and i've been dealing with this for a while i know how it is. There is life at the end of the tunnel. Oh yeah 4 year olds are always hyper reguardless and schools will diagnos this as adhd. Also if he's not talking well thats your fault. You need to work with him. With loving and encouraging parents any kid with any kind of disorder can conquer anything. Look at Stevie Wonder AND ALL THE OTHERS THAT HAVE SUCEEDED EVEN WHEN THE DOCTORS SAID THEY WOULDNT. Do your job and dont depend on medication and doctors to do it for you.

Answer 4

My son has ADHD and my daughter has ADD, we took them both to a psychologist and my son was prescribed Ritilin as well as my daughter. It worked for him but not for her. She is now on medadate. The best thing I can suggest is to keep in constant contact with your doctor and let them know what is and is not working for you. I know how difficult it is to have patience with them I have been dealing with this for 9 years, but you must. The children do not know any better, it is what their brains are telling them. Take some time for yourselves. Leave him with a friend or relative for a few hours and go see a movie or dinner and try not to talk about him while you are out. So that your minds are clear. Also, look for some support groups they help alot. You can email me anytime and I will be happy to talk with you. [e-mail] Good Luck!

Answer 5

ADHD at 4, who diagnosed him, I would start with a second opinion.

I am sure you know the obvious things such as careful control of his diet, but just in case, low sugar, whole foods, no convenience foods, omega three etc.

Having worked with many ADHD children I have found that they can be channeled into using their energies consrtuctively, try some short fun tasks and leave them to their own devices as long as there are no danger around.
One boy loved playing tennis, he would play with me for a while, then a bit on his won, then with someone else. He also got into chess, learning little things, and never coming close to playing a full game.
Use the same stratagey that you would with other kids, lots of praise and little negativity

Answer 6

My son is 10 yrs old now and was diagnosed with ADHD and Tourettes Syndrome at the age of 6. We started him out on Ritalin -- and had no results whatsoever. We then tried Concerta, which seemed to last a lot longer with better results; however, it came to a point that it was no longer working, his Dr. wanted to give him 3 pills per day, which was too much for me, I thought. I took him to an ADHD specialist, who put him on the time-released Adderall -- which has worked miracles! We are now working on the tourettes syndrome. Has anyone dealt with hair pulling with their 10 yr old son or daughter with ADHD and/or Tourettes Syndrome.

Answer 7

im not sure if ritilin works. i have a child with adhd and hes on concerta hes a teenager now and does well with the meds. my nephew is 7 and hes on concerta too and it chills him out. different meds work on different ppl. his doctor can help you with what meds. but its a long road. it took us a couple of years to find right meds for my son. you have to try the meds on him. you will be able to tell better then anyone if it is working. if its not then stop and tell the dr and get a different kind. it takes about 3 weeks to see the total change of the meds after that if theres no change then stop the meds.

Answer 8

I have two sons with ADHD and both take Ritalin. It works very well for them and we have not seen any negative side effects. I don't know enough about SID to comment much further, but I would suggest that you talk to your doctor about all the medicinal options as well as therapy to help you and your wife to cope. Good luck!

Answer 9

My son has autism, all i know is that when it comes to doctors and autism, most don't know crap. I am in contact with many autistic parents and probably 90% of these said that their autistic child's pediatrician blew off the chances of autism all the way to the age of 3, even mine!

So what i'm trying to get across is...when it comes to your child even doctors sometimes (even not meaning to do it) don't really care when it comes down to it. They THINK they are doing they're jobs efficiently, but if they overlook a serious diagnosis, hey no sweat off their backs.

So yes, i agree with getting a second and third opinion. It may lead to a lot of wasted frustration down the road.

You as the parent have to be the ultimate protection for your child. Do what you see works for your child and in my opinion wait to medicate unless there is no other choice.

My son is so damn hyper kicking, hitting, and headbutting things and himself. It's soo hard, but I'm trying all other alternatives before going to medication.

Good luck

Answer 10

Medication is just the worst! My nephew was thought out to be ADHD because he couldn't focus in class and would rather be going around doing other things! this was not because he had a problem! it was because he was gifted! He has a high IQ for his age and is now doing fine in school because he is put in the classes for gifted students! Id see if that may be the case with your son!

WHATEVER YOU DO TRY AND STAY AWAY FROM MEDICINE! IT WILL ONLY MAKE THINGS WORSE!