Hi there. We found controlling the sugar to be a very important part, expecially of the mood swings. (Boy, ADHD, age 4, no meds). For us, this means good meals, higher protein, low sugars and carbs, no waffles with syrup, limited candy, no sugared soda pop, and avoiding heavily dyed foods (popsicles, fruit snacks, skittles) It took about 6 weeks to start seeing results, but they were significant. Didn't solve the ADHD puzzle, but pretty much eliminated the "major melt downs" and he is happier. We had frozen waffles ONE DAY last month and it took an entire week to get him back under control. Good luck, you are not alone.
A book that I found helpful is "Dr. Bob's Guide to Stop ADHD in 18 Days". The 18 days is misleading because it takes longer than that to get some things out of your system. Basically get rid of dairy, trans-fat, preservatives and add supplements and omegas. I also just read "Ritalin-free Kids" which is about the homeopathic way of treating ADHD. My son just saw a homeopathic dr. last week & it was covered under our insurance as he is a real medical dr." The results are still out on if it's going to work but it is very interesting. The dr. said that some kids respond well to changing the diet and others don't. Although we changed his diet quite a lot, we did not see any noticable changes. It sort of makes sense though that some people are allergic to foods and weather and that gives them the symptoms of ADHD whereas for others it's a genetic thing. Tomorrow is 100 day in school & my son was asked to bring in 100 pieces of candy which means he is going to come home with 100 pieces of candy. It really hits my hot button that school encourages the junkfood so much! For holidays, he comes home with a backpack full of goodies. I had to get a note from the dr. to allow him not to drink milk at lunch as if the dr's opinion is more important than mine.
Lisa
My son has ADHD/ODD The ODD is the hardest to deal with for me. That and the constant mood swings. We took him to Jersey Shore to be evaluated and they suggested behavior counciling. Now I'm not sure yet how much it helps him but it sure helps me to have a knowledgable 3rd party to not only vent to but to get suggestions from as to what to try differently. Also, we really watch his in-take of sweets and red dyes. That in itself has been a struggle since outsiders seem to "forget" that he can not have certain foods even when he carries his own snacks. Maybe you could look into councliers and get as much info. as you can on ADHD/ODD while waiting for the 16th. I found that like with anything, the more info. the better.I'm sure you have looked at some of the topics posted here. It helps me to be doing something pro-active. Look into changing his diet & adding supplements. Go to your book store, health food store or amazon.com and read all you can. Our little healthfood store has an array of supplements and books for ADHD kids and they have knowledgable workers that can tell you info. This way you can be doing something to improve the situation and have a headstart. What I'm learning is that there are all kinds of ADHD caused by many different things. There's not one specific cure for all kids so getting your dr. to say "yes, he is ADHD" is just the beginning.
Lisa
hi. I think it's great that you're looking to fix the problem by going to his pediatrician. I think the best thing to do is to try to do whatever is in your control to handle the situation for now until the 16th arrives. By then we'll see what the pediatrician suggests and maybe you can see someone who specializes or is well-knowledged of ADHD or any other conditions your son may suffer from. I wish you the best of luck!He has suspected ADHD and odd also he has alot of mood issues
He is under a peadatrition im trying to get some help for us since we dont have a official diagnoses as the peadatrtion is reading the behaviour checklists my notes and the teachers. Then he will make a diagnoses in february the 16th. He highly suspects ADHD. I just seem to be in a loop hole with the school they dont want to do anything until the diganoses is there there even asking me to get a written report this is fine but i have to wait till the 16th of Feb to see him let alone the time it takes him to write it!
Im at a loss his behaviour is a nightmare i have 2 other children who suffer schools a nightmare although the last few days he has had better days. He has calmed down a little at school and his teacher says shes coping better. I dont think coping is a solution for me i need help for him
ANy help would be appreciated