New to the boards | ADHD Information

momis had a good idea (booster dose) that lots of parent do to combat the rebound effect of some of the stimulant meds.  I am lucky because my ds does not get mean or angry but rather silly and bouncy when the meds wear off and I can deal with that. 

Check with your doc if this is an option.   

I agree with seeing a Child Psychiatrist or NeuroPsych. Sounds like possibly more going on than ADHD. Perhaps a mood problem? Good luck!It is not everyday that he gets mean or angry.  Its like clockwork about once a week.  Then he is yelling, we are yelling, the whole house is in an uproar.  The rest of the time he is giggly and silly.  I an looking up references on the internet right now.  When he is on his meds he is really whiny.  Anyone else have that problem?

It is a fantastic site.  I just got here, and I've been running my mouth like I've been here more than a minute.  The senior members tolerate this  , which is a good sign.  It's such a relief to be able to share in an understanding environment.  I just need to remember my manners and take myself into the "tell your ADHD story" thread.  I'm making my way there!

Good luck to you.  The eval is definitely the way to go.  And counseling is slow as the dickens but effective.

My son is soon to be 16.  He was way behind in reading and spelling as well, and didn't really catch up till gr. 4.  Then he did quite well.  He was and still is an underachiever by his own choice.  Have you considered giving him a small dose of ritalin at night, so you can enjoy him a little more, and get him through homework better.  I know I finally made the difficult choice to do this and it made such a huge difference in how the family got along it was unbelievable.  I avoided it for years, until I couldn't stand the fighting all night long.  It was the best decision I could have made for him, our relationship and the family.  Even though it took a long time for him to get to sleep at night, I had the energy to deal with it because I wasn't nearly as exhausted and ready to pull his ears off.  Good Luck and we all know just how difficult it is.

Hello All---I am new here and have been reading some of the entrys.  I am overjoyed that finally, FINALLY, there are parents that I can talk to.  I was given this web address from another mom on the Parents message boards.

My son is almost nine.  He is taking Ritalin ER 20 Mg a day.  We are thinking about the patch.  He has been on medication for three years now.  We have tried everything and the Ritalin does O.K., but that is it.  I know that we could put him on more, but he already acts funny on what he takes.  By funny I mean he is almost too quiet, too obediant, says his tummy feels nervous.  Does not go to sleep well.  The Ritalin runs out way before school lets out.  He is extremely insecure.  He is behind in school.  Doesn't write or read well.  Reads at a second grade level. 

The thing is-----somedays I want to strangle him.  I know how horrible that is.  He takes up soooooo much of my time.  Homework is hell.  Sorry to cuss, but it is.  I am sure that you have heard most of this already.  It just feels good to get it off my chest.  He is horrible.  Embarrasing, talks back, has a ferocious temper.  Sometimes he scares me with how mad he gets.  I just feel so tired sometimes.  I have been going to a counselor but this is seriously slow work.  I just wish that I could focus on my other two kids sometimes.  I feel like I am neglecting them in some ways.  This child never does anything wrong in his eyes.  He is always right.  Some days it takes all I have just to walk away from him.  I feel like I am not doing him any good.  Anyone have any advice?

Thanks

Welcome!  Has your son ever been evaluated by a neuropsychologist?Has your son ever had any other symptoms? Any speech delays? Social problems? Other stuff? It is quite possible more is going on than ADHD and a NeuroPsych is great at diagnosing. THey actually take TIME pammar38964.8528935185

He doesn't have any speech problems.  He did have trouble making friends before the meds, now he doesn't.  He gets real rough when he is not on meds.  Not mean, just rough.  His biggest thing now is him throwing stuff when he doesn't get his way and this usually happens when drugs wear off.

Thanks for all the replies!  This site is fantastic.

No my son hasn't been to a neuropsychologist.  I don't even know where the nearest one would be.  We live in backwoods Texas!  Is this something I need to be considering?  Thanks for the replies.  I think that I need a lot of help.  Some days are good and somedays are insane.  And insane is putting it mildly.  I work full time and we have school for two kids, plus soccer and volleyball.  My husband is in school and works part time.  I feel so alone sometimes and overtired which does not help my son any.  My temper flares so much easier then.  My friends all have "normal" kids so none of them understand.  It is so hard sometimes.  Has anyone tried the patch?A neuropsychologist can assess both the cognitive and psychological functioning of your son.  From your description, he sounds as if your son may have co-morbid anxiety and learning disabilities.  You need to know everything you're dealing with so you can get him the help he needs.  Neuropsychologists are found at children's and university hospitals.  I'm guessing you might have to drive a distance to find one, but it's worth it.  Good luck.

No advice but just wanted to share that I feel your pain.  My son is out of control also and it's all I can do to share a roof with him most days.

Hang in there.

Thanks Smallmom.  I will ask the dr.  whom he might suggest.  What is co-morbid anxiety?

Maybe this will help? (Welcome aboard.)

http://www.adhdnews.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=21778& PN=1

Co-morbid just means he may have anxiety in addition to ADHD.