There apparently two types of ADHD - early onset (from birth) and late onset. The early type seems to last thoughout life while with the late onset kids some seem to outgrow or the symptoms lessen with age. However a lot of conditions mimic ADHD symptoms so it is important to make sure what you are dealing with.
ADHD masqueradersAnemia
Bipolar disorder
Congenital brain anomalies
Depression
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infestation
Epilepsy
Fetal alcohol syndrome/effects
Fragile X syndrome
Hearing loss
Lead poisoning
Learning disabilities
Medication effects
Mental retardation
Metabolic disorders (e.g., adrenoleukodystrophy)
Narcolepsy
Neurofibromatosis I
PANDAS*
Pervasive developmental disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Sex chromosome abnormalities
Sleep apnea
Sleep deprivation
Static encephalopathy
Sydenham chorea
Thyroid disorders
Tourette syndrome
Vision loss
*Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections
Have you tried 1-2-3 Magic? There is a book by this same name. This seems to help younger kids to obey. I have used it with great success when Kyle was younger. Read all you can about the brain's executive function as this controls impulse behavior.
If he is not sleeping well, this could cause his hyperactivity, etc. Try a teaspoon of dye-free Benadryl half an hour before bedtime. You can also use a very small piece of a 3 mg melatonin tablet. Another natural product that Kyle has used is Calms Forte by Nylands. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can cause ADHD-like symptoms.
Does your child crave something constantly or have red hot ears or allergy "shiners' under his eyes? If so, something he is eating may be making him hyper. If he does crave something constantly (for my son it was yogurt and cheese), eliminate it for two weeks to see if you get an improvement. Try reading "Is This Your Child? by Dr Doris Rapp
Vitamin deficiencies can cause hyperactivity/ADHD symptoms also. ADHD kids that have been tested have been shown to be deficient in zinc, magnesium, calcium and B complex vitamins. Two is a little early to be giving supplements but you may want to try. This can be expecially true if he is a picky eater. Simply giving a multivitamin is not enough since the dosage of each vitamin is too low to be of theraputic value. Try reading "The ADD Nutrition Solution" by Marcia Zimmerman. Just make sure any supplements are dairy, sugar, yeast, and dye free.
An essential fatty acid deficiency can cause the symptoms you describe also. Try reading "The LCP Solution" by Jacqueline Stordy and Malcolm Nicholl.
Most meds have not been tested nor approved for younger children. Try to keep him off of them as long as you can. You can also try allergy testing and get a thyroid panel done. Eliminate all possibilities before ADHD medications.
And good luck. This is a very long and frustrating road but you can have some success if you take a methodical approach and eliminate all possibilities. And give him lots of love and attention. Give rewards and praise for positive behavior and don't overreact to the negative.
Thank you so much to Kyle's mom for taking the time to give me so much information. I am printing it out and am interested in some of the reading materials. I feel like the more I know-the better off we will all be. Even if my son isn't truly "ADHD" I know that many of the behavioral strategies are beneficial to all kids-especially the more challenging ones. Great info 'Kyles mom' ....There is a message board at conductdisorders.com especially for younger kids with problems called Primary Zone. You may also find some helpful information and advice there. I am usually on the Natural Treatments board there.
Yes yes yes
There is such a thing as adhd that early on in life. My son was diagnosed at two and a half. Read my input of did you see signs in this same web sight. You will clearly see that you are not alone with this starting early.
i was told that my son was showing signs of adhd when he was 2. but they would not give an offical diagnose at that age he is now 6 and has been diagnosed with adhd. i wish he could have been diagnosed at 2. then we could have enjoyed the last 4 years with him.DUANN
Oftendoctors do not diagnose children adhd when they are so little. My son showed signs way early too. and he was diagnosed by his ped at two and a half. But the doctor said that the only reason he was diagnosing and medicating him, which was very light meds. was because he was a danger to himself. He would run into the street, jump in a swiming pool, you name it he did it. The doctor was afraid that if he didn't give him something he would hurt himself. They usualy don't diagnose until age 4 to 6.
Don't feel like you have been cheated.
Terry
I wanted to take a min to tell you thank you for reminding me who is acctually in charge of my childs adhd. I am so glad you have such a boldness in your christian walk. God bles you for spreading the good news
DANAE
Hi Ok I have a 5 yearold and I noticed from 4 months old he seemed to be very over active never slept etc used to figet all the time and move his hands could never relax.. Looks kike you are in same boat as me hes now 5 and it got worse I kept saying he would out grow.... I just try to keep him active and busy. Good luck