Advice needed - does my child have ADHD?

Snaggles

fsdss wrote:

can i just stress that there is a big trend on add / adhd behaviour and it is often subject to controvertial media discussions / interviews etc.

often people who have poor parenting skills will self diagnose adhd to get some explaination of how their child is behaving. (i am certainly NOT suggesting that this is true in your case)

I agree with this and I think this is what has stopped me from approaching doctors etc in the past - I actually find myself wanting it to be something that I am doing wrong (because then I could change it, and make things better for my son), but I have tried everything I can think of. I show him lots of affection, make sure he knows how loved he is, give him as much of my time as humanly possible, give him sensible rules/boundaries, discuss things openly with him, make sure he gets plenty of exercise, a healthy diet etc, we read together, play together etc. Sometimes I do think it must be something I'm doing wrong, and I've spent a lot of time blaming myself but I really feel in my heart that there is more to it than that. (I didnt take it that you were suggesting it was the case with me at all, dont worry, but thanks for pointing out an important alternative viewpoint)

rls1973

for snaggles and many other parents on this thread talking about their children,i'd like to add,:

dd1 has all these behaviours too. although in her case i know the cause, its a brain injury and these are part of her condition, it took literally years to get a diagnosis so i can sympathise.

in the meantime, i've nothing major really to add, just to say, i would second what all the others have said - early bed, make the bedroom quite 'boring', blackout blind/curtains, she has NEVER drank cola, try to avoid additives/colours etc.try to keep food as 'whole' as possible. i find trying to keep things the same as much as possible helps her as well, i.e. routines. if a change is going to be happening, i tell her about it step-by-step in advance as much as i can, i find this helps. (then there's not so much stress that can lead to an outburst).

there's a good series of books by dr.christopher green, very readable, great advice and with a sense of humour too. there is toddler taming, beyond toddlerdom and understanding ADHD. i have found them helpful anyway.

we tried eye-q when she was 4 or 5 years old and it worked like a dream! i have looked everywhere and the cheapest way to buy it is from boots in the largest bottles possible as its on permanent 3-for-2 (not often boots is the cheapest is it!?!)
it's available in all sorts of different flavours/formats now as well. it really helped with behaviour, mood, concentration, all sorts of things really. and it worked quickly.

and i would agree with what the other posters said, never blame yourself, you are a good parent (or you wouldnt be trying to find out more information on here). :A

dont allow yourself to feel that you're not a good parent. keep pushing for more information and a diagnosis, only then can you really know where to start. i found that you have to really push for this, (dd1 had a brain scan eventually, could this be a possibility for your ds?)

all the best. :grouphug:

Snaggles

Thanks rls1973, I have the first 2 books that you mentioned, but didnt realise he had written one about adhd - I will get that and read it as soon as possible. The first two books have been a great help to me in tackling the behaviours he displays.

I will definitely try eye q - will have a look in Boots tomorrow.

I'm sorry to hear about your daughters brain injury and hope she is doing well.

ping_2

Snaggles,
I also work in the world of children with additional needs. Lots of clients thst I work with will look at their childs diet very closly. Things that seem to help some children on the Autistic spectrum are aviodance of:
aspartime(sweetner in many squashes etc)
monosodium glutamate (a preservative in lots of stuff)
and gluten. However I would only avoid gluten after consulting your GP.
As for the other 2 if you have a back to DIY cooking, this can be easier than it first sounds. I avoid aspartime with my eldest especially, although he is not on the spectrum,as I notice his behaviour gets far more lairy when he has had it.
Hope this helps.

D&DD

Hi Snaggles another mum here with an AS son who swears by EyeQ..I would also like to say do try to get the school referral to the ed physc as someone else suggested and if possible a referral to CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health) who are often invaluable in providing a diagnosis.

David_Harrison_2

Snaggles wrote:

it was induced (dont know if thats of any relevance). He was facing the normal way (not looking at my bottom, although granted that would have disturbed him for life!).

It would be a good idea to get him checked by a cranial osteopath, or craniosacral therapist. Any induced birth can be traumatic as the contractions are so strong.

D&DD

David I read an article about this in the Daily mail I think it was Quentin Wilson off top gear's son had the cranial massage sessions how does it work?

lil_me

Unfortunately labels are how he would get any help he needs both at school and home.

A referal to CAHMS/Clinical Psychologist would probably be the best route.

I would take the route of diagnosis before trying any interventions other than healthy eating/supplements.

Snaggles

Thanks, I will - going to make a doctors appointment on Monday and get the ball rolling. Thank you all for taking the time to respond - it is much appreciated xx

David_Harrison_2

D&DD wrote:

David I read an article about this in the Daily mail I think it was Quentin Wilson off top gear's son had the cranial massage sessions how does it work?

It would probaly be easier if you looked at the following web site for a full explanation:

http://www.upledger.co.uk/CS_whatis.htm

If you have any specific questions I would be happy to try to answer them.

David Harrison