head banging | ADHD Information

My nephew has adhd and is very well behaved with everyone but his Dad who is

a single parent.  He lives for this boy and is at his wits end, doesn't know what to do about the head banging.  Another incident last night which left a large knot and bruise.  Boy is now almost 11 and is on meds but my brother takes him off of them regularly as he says they make him more violent when he comes off from the effect on a daily basis.  My brother is a great Dad and needs advice on discipline due to back talking/cussing, kicking the dog and headbanging as a result of frustration. 

Brother doesn't know where to turn.  I'm a teacher and a concerned aunt who is hoping you all can offer support.

 

Thanks!

 

A couple of things. He is doing this out of frustration and "sensory seekers" will do this. My daughter was a head banger (as a baby) she has since outgrown it. At 11, I think it should be addressed.

If he is having these mood swings and aggressive behavior "coming off" his meds it's probably rebound. This can be dealt with many different ways. Usually going on and off meds isnt a good idea. It will make it worse. He is constantly readjusting to being on meds. He can try a few things for rebound as the meds leave his system. The easiest to do is excercise. Lots of running around, jumping, something VERY physicial at that time. Food ususally helps a LOT. High protein especially, or some people swear by high sugar/caffeine. Others changed to a different ADHD med (IMO, best option) others add another meds to ease this. It realyl depends on the child and the rest of his behaviors. How is he on meds, is it a miracle drug while on them and Dad wouldnt change a THING (reason to not change meds), is he still moody and aggressive (reason TO change), or basically good, but rebound and evenings mornings rough (reason to add something).

He's lucky to have your support. Both your brother and your nephew!

I am new to this board and I probably don't have as much experience as everyone else.

However, I feel Diane is right. It is a bad idea to be inconsistent with the medications. I took my son off of his medicine during the weekends because he was losing weight. When I did that he became much harder to handle. His tantrums were 10 times worse. I ended up changing his medicine all together so he could gain some weight and be able to stay on his meds.

Tell your brother to hang in there. I hope everything gets better.

Diane V, what a wonderful response.

No one could have said anything better than what you did! I just had to tell you that.

 

Megpit, listen what Diane said, she is right on target with her response.

Best wishes to both your brother and nephew!