New here and have questions.... | ADHD Information
My son was diagnosed by his ped at 4 yrs old. You might want to try and find someone willing to work with younger children.
My son is on Focalin XR which can be opened and sprinkled onto what he is eating. I just put it on a spoonful of applesauce and he swallows it right up.
Good Luck.
Thank you my daughter was just diagnosed yesterday with adhd and they have decided to put her on methylphenidate but im not sure if i am gonna do that or get something that is for her age.
Teresa
Hi Theresa. My name is Martie. Carson is 4 (turning 5 next month) and was dx in September 2006 as ADHD moderate to severe. He weighs 36 lbs. And was put on methylphenidate 2.5mg 4 times per day. We also tried Daytrana--but it irriated his skin and he took every patch off within 3 hours. Both work well--but don't think medicine will solve it all. Carson still is VERY impulsive and has to be watched like a hawk (more even than our 20 month old). He is in preK and is above average in intelligence--but aprox 2 years behind in emotional development, social development and has the impulse control of a child turning 3 next month. I work VERY close with his teacher nad the teacher's aide in his class. I am blessed with very understanding and loving teachers who are commited to a relationship with me to make sure Carson is held accountable for his actions but at the same time cut a little slack when he has a hard time with attention or has "hard times". Our school does self directed disipline and Carson is encouraged to go to a "safe place" when he is feeling out of control. A safe place is like time out--but it is NOT a bad place. There are things to manipulate with his hands. Squishy balls, soft toys, a cuddly blanket...he can put himself there or be encouraged to go. We have a safe place at home too (he sits in a bean bag chair that he says is like a "nest").
We saw Carson's psychatrist (who specializes in adhd children) today and I was reminded "this can be a long road. But with patience, lots of love and close attention to his meds we will make it."
Good luck to you... moore5cliff@aol.com
Hi my name is Teresa I have a 4 1/2 year old who has kind of been diagnosed with adhd. I have a few questions if some one could help me out that would be great.
My daughter went to see a nuerologist and they said that they could not diagnose her because she was too young and that she showed all the signs of having it so they told me to start early intervention(early school) and now she is not doing well in school. She hates going because all she does is get into trouble and now my daughter has to start kindergarten next year and she already hates school. I want to totally put her on medicine because I am at my whitts end and dont know what else to do. I dont know what the age is to start them on medicine and if it is to early or if they even make a medication for her age I have looked around on the internet and havent found any under 6 years old. So if anyone can help me out with that that would be great thanks!!
Teresa
I Teresa,
My son was diagnosed by a neurologist before he turned 5. You might want to look for a different nueropsychologist who is willing to diagnose at her age, mine was!
He went to a integrated preschool where he couldn't get kicked out, but they weren't so nice either. He has speech and an OT and that is what sent me to this preschool for services, which they denied him
I wish I had started medication at that age but was afraid! He ended up labeled. We started at the end of his first grade, but he sufferred at school with the recess monitor sending him to the office on every recess! It all could have been prevented. He also was labeled by the kids. 
Since meds his life has changed for the better. I am so proud of him! All A's -exceeding schools expectations academically and 2 B's! He is awesomse! He plays a different sport each season and is just successful!
There are meds. out there for children your girls age - I read their posts! I bet you they will respond - just wait!
Welcome
Adderall, dexadrine and dextrostate are approved for 3 and older:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/medicate.cfm#ptdep16
Here is a med chart for many ADHD meds for you to get an overview of different meds available, It does not include the daytrana patch because that was not available in 2004 and guanfacine should be approved for ADHD next year (it is currently used off label for ADHD),
http://www.myadhd.com/treatment_tools/medicationchart.html
Most meds were tested on 6 year olds and older because that is the largest target population and clinical trials are expensive. That does not mean the meds cannot be used on younger kids, it means to use caution (which you would do with any med).
Your doctor can prescribe any med, even if it is not approved for that indication or age group (this is the practice of medicine). An issue to consider is whether or not your child can swallow pills. The daytrana patch is used on the skin and some meds can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce.
Please look at ogram's marble system thread at the top of the parent's board for a positive reinforcement behavior plan. It can be used to get the desired behaviors at home and at school.
What ever you and the doctor decide to use, you will find support at this site through what can be a difficult and nerve racking journey to effective treatment.
I hope this helps.