Is it ADD? Are there an alternatives to medications?

Question

My older son just started first grade and is having problems focusing on his school work. He prefers to stand, bounce, and make cartoon-like noises instead of complete the task at hand. I've always noticed that he's had problems paying attention to things for a good length of time, save for TV and games. However, there's times when he'll get up and wander away from his favorite movies. He's really a bright kid, does great at math, reads like he's ten, and is extremely artistic. He can repeat what the teacher has just said when she suspects he hasn't been paying attention. His kinder. teacher noticed this as well.

I'm not eager to medicate my kid if he's got ADD, I'd prefer to find a method where he can learn to control himself. There has to be another way, some kind of exercises that we can do instead. The teacher hasn't been sending homework with him yet, but I have workbooks that he does and I insist that he read for an hour every day.

He's not close to his biological father at all, who basicly left us when my boy was a year old and hasn't kept much contact. We do live with my boyfriend/fiance, but he's afraid to discipline him. I usually pop his butt or give him supervised chores. My dad used to hit me and yell pretty badly when I was growing up and I never want my boys to go through anything like that.

My mother in law wants to help us put him into sports. Would this be a good outlet for his energy? The only problem I see is presenting it as a reward for his behavior.

Answer 1

Dont you dare even let them push you into testing and medication for ADD.

If theres anything I know its ADD/ADHD and hyper kids. 15 years in this business and I can promise you Ive never met one so called troubled learner who actually had a medical problem. Dont allow them to label him, he'll carry it all his life.

Some kids are active, especially boys. They have done studies and found that most boys actually learn better when their bodies are in motion. Its a fact, google it. THe problem with that is it doesnt conform to mainstream education. Thus its easier to medicate it than deal with him on a special level.

However, he still needs to learn to control his body.

With these kids I've found without fail that all of them have two things in common. THey eat food from boxes, prepared meals, crackers, basically processed flour and meats. Bad stuff. It builds up chemcials in their bodies, and the processed startchs are processed EXACTLY like sugar. Thus you have a stimulated child on a sugar high most of the day.

The second is a problem with discipline at home. I dont mean that he's not punished, I mean he's not punished right. Generally theres some sort of issue with the relationship with dad, and the punishment dad deals out. Either its nothing, or its unjust.

If he cant learn how to be controlled at home, he wont exhibit those qualities at school.

Even if it were a medical condition, you wouldnt want him to some how be above the rest of society and need special treatment, you'd want to him learn how to deal with his need and function like his peers. Just because something for one person is harder than for the rest, doesnt mean they get to not do it.

Cut out the boxed foods, eat things that are fresh. Lean meats, whole wheats, fresh fruits and veggies.

Make sure he has a good relationship with his dad. I dontknow why there is a connection with that, but its in EVERY ADD ADHD learning disabled kid I see. Every one. And make sure he's being taught how to behave, expected to behave in that way, and then punished directly and fairly and CONSISTENTLY when he doesnt.

Answer 2

If you are concerned - seek a medical opinion from a pediatric neurologist. They are qualified to evaluate your son and will give sheets to you and your child's teacher to fill out, concerning his behavior.

I have been an early elementary teacher for years and notice that many parents are quick to medicate if they suspect a problem. Give a doctor a chance to see your child and help you make a determination if there is a problem.

I notice that boys will always tend to have focusing issues in my classes much more than the than girls - it may be a maturity issue. Sometimes it takes time using behavior modification to elicit desired behavior.

Keep close contact with the teacher and the school to let them know you feel there may be a problem and you are working with them to help solve it.

You are doing the first good step in helping your son. There are breathing exercises and focusing games that can help your son as well. Seek advice from a pediatric neuro!

Good luck!

Answer 3

ADD/ADHD runs in my family. It does not sound as though your son has a serious enough case to warrant medicine. There are great programs through the schools that can help your child "learn differently". For the members in my family it was hard for them to focus well enough to retain knowledge. The programs they have now in the schools would have been a great help 20, 30, or 40 years ago.

Answer 4

I just saw an ad on TV that is for ADHD, it's called road map for ADHD. 18005412713. It was advertising ways to help your child cope at home and in the classroom. Give it a shot! Good luck. My sis has 2 boys that are ADHD. One is on meds, the other not yet. She has taught them to take time outs until they can get their body under control, she put a punching bag in the garage, and has worked with their school.

Answer 5

My son has ADD along with his autism.. Unfortunately all the diets and behavioral therapy's did not work with regards to his ADD they put him on a med called Focalin... It so far has had 0 side effects and the ones that were listed are very mild.. and its working wonderfully. If ultimately you do have to medicate him dont feel like you've copped out.

Answer 6

Honestly it does sound like ADD, but there are alternative treatments so you don't have to resort to medicating him. First and foremost is diet! Stay away from the caffine and sugar, it just makes it all the worse to try and pay attention. There are also some great all natural herbal supplements that do wonders. Try this webpage.... http://borntoexplore.org/alternatives.htm

Answer 7

My mom (who is a nurse practitioner) was convinced that my little sister had ADD. I'm not sure she really did/does, but whatever...
Anyway...instead of giving her prescription meds, my mom would give her a coke or a mountain dew before school. The caffeine in the soda worked as a stimulant in much the same way Ritalin did.
My mom was convinced that it helped my little sis stay on track at school. You might want to give that a try before you try anything that you need a prescription for.

Answer 8

Enroll him to Special Education program... my nephew is 4 y/o & enrolled to SPED (special education)... it is like a pre-school... the session only last for an hour because kids who has ADD have a very short attention span... the teachers there are trained in handling kids who has ADD...

Answer 9

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Answer 10

I had to put my son on meds for ADHD, but you can try a different diet look it up on line. Sometimes just changing his diet will work.