Does Coffee really mellow out an ADHD/FAS child?

Question

I am adopting a child like this and he is driving me nuts today. How can I calm him down He has taken his meds already?

Answer 1

Stimulants seems to have an opposite effect in ADD children. Add protein powder to a cup of coffee. You can make it like a protein shake. Make sure not to sweeten it with sugar. This recipe can actually help, and some say it's as effective as a small dose of Ritalin.

Answer 2

Dear Tina F:
Caffeine is not really an issue, when it comes to ADHD in adolescents, or children.
Although an stimulat by itself, its mechanism of action is completely different from the "stimulants" prescribed for children with distorted behavior due to ADHD.(atomoxetine,dextroamphetamine, almost nobody uses ritain (mephenidate) nowadays), so adding caffeine, has nothing to do with the disorder nor will aggravate anything (it does not decrease it either)
As it happens with other children, a late ingestion at the end of the day, of a cup of cofee, (average contents of caffeine 300 mg) will only bring insomnia in the child, but the behavior will be the same as in any normal child.
The fear of aggravating the behavioral problems of a child under such diagnosis is very common in the neurological practice, however, there is no evidence that caffeine will nor can affect negatively a child with ADHD that one without the diisorder more than any "nomal" child.
Yours always
Garfield526

Answer 3

Find something physical to do with him. Do not give him coffee. Take hom to a park or something, then when he is asleep tonight, go online and research ADHD/FAS, s that you will be more informed, and better able to deal with him. Good luck.

Answer 4

I wouldn't say to do it without finding out the conditions that it works under, but studies show that once you get to a certain point the effects of stimulants can be reversed. I learned that in a medical class. I forgot the details though.

Answer 5

Maybe his meds need to be changed. He should have regular visits to a neurologist. The coffee idea? I wouldn't. But I would end all sugar intake by early evening, and have him tested for food allergies too, can't hurt. Good luck...

Answer 6

Mellow at classes but Hyper on weekends.

Answer 7

dont give him coffee. try doing something constructive WITH him. Try coloring, playing a game. I know that their attention doesnt stay in one place for very long, but when their attention strays try doing something else with him. He needs your attention more than anything. He will do anything to get it even if it is bad attention, so turn the negative towards positive. Good luck

Answer 8

yes. caffiene actually does help, give him mountian dew. it sounds like it won't help but it actually does. my cousin has adhd and when he was little my aunt gave him that and it really work. also being active with him will help him shed the energy and help him come more accustome to you!