Drugs or Homeopath?

We tried OT, vitamin suppliments, diet changes, and behavior modification. She saw several counselors and a pshychiatrist. Her pediatrician, who is on the board in our area for ADHD, made the final diagnosis. This over the course of two years.

If you have a gut feeling don't hesitate to seek help. Be cautious, though, of those who want to diagnose at this age. Seek different opinions, and try any form of non-medication first. He could mature and be fine. I would say, in my opinion, you won't know anything definate until he starts school.

Hello-
I'm new here. Yesterday, my almost 4 year old daughter was formally diagnosed with ADHD. A few weeks ago, she also was Diagnosed by an OT with Sensory Integration Dysfunction. I know this sounds young for both of these diagnosis, but last year we had her evaluated by a different set of Doctors and even though she was still very young, they came up with the same diagnosis. My husband and I felt sadness and thought it was way to early to do anything last year, so we waited a year, but sadly there was no change in her behavior. In fact, it even worsened.  She's definitely on the Hyperactive end of ADHD more than anything. VERY impulsive, bossy, active, clumsy, doesn't know how to be gentle, mostly just out of control. We now know it's not just a matter of "typical" toddler behavior. She was like this from birth and I always knew something was a little off. It wasn't until I had 2 other children when things were really confirmed in my mind, so we took her in for evaluations.

Now that we have this diagnosis, her doctor is recommending we start her on a non-stimulant drug like Clonidine. Has anyone out there had any luck or problems with this drug? My husband and I are overwhelmed with guilt and honestly don't know what to do. We're considering going to a Homeopath looking for a more natural approach. Any recommendations or thoughts on this treatment? I've heard it can take months to come up with the right "formula". The MD Homeopath out here charges $300/visit, so unfortunately that's a concern for us as well. We want to make sure this is a viable alternative if we choose this path of treatment.

Basically, I don't want to put my child on drugs, but if this is what she truly needs, I don't want to deny her the chance for "normalcy" either.

Any help would be greatly appreciated from other parents who have already been there.

Thanks so much.

You are right to want to explore other methods before turning to meds. I would explore every possibility before. You may find that in the end meds are the only choice, and that's okay. If can do it without-- THANK GOD!

We tried all the alternatives we knew to try. However, the only thing that has worked for us is medication, and my step-daughter's self esteem is worth it.

Good luck to your family-- it is a long road, but one that you can travel well with help.