Can I please get some advice on adhd?

Question

My son stayed in trouble at school the first few weeks. They asked that I take him to his pediatrician. He talks and moves too much. So I did. The doctor gave me forms for the teacher to fill out. I did. Today they called and asked to set up an adhd evaluation. Which I did. I don't mind him being diagnosed with this adhd stuff. However, medicating him is out of the question. He's only 6. He's sweet and loving. He is a good child but apparently not a zombie. I don't think he's abnormal for a 6 year old. Such a baby still. Can I get some advice please?

Answer 1

Meds are not the only therapy available for ADHD. Ask your doctor/specialist about non-medical therapies, such as dietary changes, a strict routine, etc. Those do work for some ADHD cases.

Answer 2

My son has had similar problems with inattentiveness. He also happens to be very intelligent, creative, and a wonderful kid that just gets bord in school if he is not challenged. I absolutely refuse to blame him for the fact that the average (below average?) public school does not provide the education necessary for extraordinary students. I am a teacher and tons of money and effort are spent at the other end of the spectrum (don't get me wrong, I think this is great and necessary), but nothing is done to provide services for gifted children. I refuse to medicate my child and change his curious and creative spirit to make it more convenient for a teacher that does not want spend the time of day on him. Your child may be bord and the teacher may not be providing instruction that is stimulating. Don't blame your child, ask the teacher. When and why does he become overactive? Does he have to sit for long periods of time? Is there a set routine everyday? Do the activities make the students think? Do the students understand the purpose of the lesson/activity? Is there a variety of exercises? My son had an awful kindergarten year, but I did not ask for a teacher change, because I did not want to be that kind of parent. I wish I had!We have spent tons of money on counselling, only to find that a different teacher in 1st grade has made all the difference. Some teachers are inexperienced or so burned out that it is time for them to retire. Don't be afraid to advocate for your child, I wish I had last year! If the teacher is doing his/her job and your child is stil overly active, there are methods that your child and his teacher can use to modify his behavior without meds. However the teacher has to be willing to follow through. The problem with our nation today is that we all think that a pill can cure everything. What ever happened to working hard to solve a problem? We are raising a bunch of drugged out zombies because the parents and/or schools don't want to spend the time necessary to teach them the proper coping skills. My advice, don't medicate if you are not comfortable with it. You seem like a great mom, many other parents take the easy way out. I apologize for the rant, I am very passionate on the subject.

Answer 3

^ I think the rant was worthwhile. As I am passionate about the subject also.

I don't think he's abnormal either. Yes, it's sad there is a pill for childhood. So he gets into trouble, he's talkative, and fidgety, is that any actual grounds for being "ADHD"? To put a child on medication just because they can't be quiet and still during class time? Some children are just little devils, children usually are talkative and people are talkative, and children are fidgety. There are thousands of children put on meds when there is absolutely nothing wrong with them, but for the sake of someone's convenience.

See a child therapist who can specialize in behavioral and cognitive therapy. Alternatives to meds are just relaxation techniques, time based scheduling(if he has trouble from one task to another), dietary changes, testing for any excess of toxic chemicals in the body, a full body evaluation(underlying health problem can just as cause hyperactivity symptoms) or just limit television and computer.


I recommend getting this book, or finding it in a library.

http://www.amazon.com/Hyperactivity-Hoax-Drugging-Child-Medical/dp/0312970986

It's by a professional who can tell you more than anyone here can, on the truth and extensive detail about lifestyle alternative therapy besides meds.

Answer 4

I'm a teacher. 6 year olds move a lot, especially boys, and all 6 year olds have short attention spans. That said, go to the meeting and see what they say. Do some research online before you go.
Be prepared.

The school can't prescribe for you, and in my state, can't even suggest meds. All they are supposed to suggest is the dr. visit. Usual procedure is to have parents and any teachers who see the child fill out a survey, noting what behaviors they observe. Could be enlightening.

Your son may just need another year to mature, which all kids do at different rates.

Good luck.

Answer 5

My husband and I have a son with the same issue and we were not willing to medicate until we had an accurate evaluation. I would recommend that you ask your pediatrician to refer you to a facility that can do a comprehensive evaluation of your son.

Now, once that is done, you may have more than one diagnosis. That's ok. But then you have answers.

Listen, I want you to understand. It's hard on the child when this is happening to them. They want to be able to focus and not be figity, inattentive, etc. Sometimes children feel their brain feels like swiss cheese. It's really horrible for them.

I would advise that if you do the complete eval. then meet with the team and ask their advise. If they say medicate, do it. You and your child will notice a HUGE difference.

We did, but again, we waiting until we did it the right way. It took several months. And it was worth it.

Answer 6

When my son was younger we did acupuncture for his ADHD and it was great, but it cost about $70.00 a week and that's not covered by insurance. There are diets to follow that could help. Don't dismiss the meds entirely. My son is a different person when he is on and off his meds. I made the decision to medicate when my son was five and my husband was overseas. My husband was angry, but when he came back from Iraq I left him and my son at home together on a Saturday and didn't give my son his meds. My husband called me an hour later asking what was wrong with my son and I replied, "I thought you said he didn't need meds and so I didn't give him any." The decision to medicate shouldn't be taken lightly and try other options, but be prepared and don't dismiss meds. For kids who actually need them-they can be amazing. I do agree that too many kids who don't need them are on them, but for us it was the right decision and we closely monitor him. They require a six month med check and check developmental milestones very carefully. Good luck, it's a tough and emotional point to be at.

Answer 7

No one advocates over medicating anyone for any reason.Meds can help some children to live better lives because it helps them to concentrate.Sometimes the simplest of tasks is too challenging to do because the child lacks the capacity to concentrate.Meds help the child reduce their frustration.Many wil tell you to investigate options such as diet, exercise, and routine.These will also be helpful for your child.If he needs meds explore this option for your child as well.This is not lazy parenting, it is doing everything you can to help your son reach his fullest potential academically and socially. You will be helping to prepare him for life.Might I also suggest that you set up a meeting with his teacher to explore what sort of assistance he qualifies for in the classsroom.If he is not on an I.E.P(Individual Education Plan) maybe that could also be looked into. Good luck.Take care.

Answer 8

My daughter got diagnosed with add at age of about 10 and I wish she would have been diagnosed sooner so she could have been on medication to help her concentrate.
The medication don't make them a zombie if it is the right dose. It helps them deal with every day situations and get along with other people.
But if you know what to do to help him without the medication, that would be better.
There are some herbs that have a calming effect but they are unregulated and not tested as well as medication.

Answer 9

trade kids with someone or just throw him away and get a new one