Any resource groups for ADHD?Or any tips? Help!

SuzieQ · Joined: 09 Sep 2008 Posts: 6

Hello,
My son, who will be six in March, most likely has ADHD. He hasn't been diagnosed per se, as the doctors can't get a good read until he turns age six. BUT, we have seen our family doctor and a pyschologist who works with the schools , and have explained behaviour and history of my son, and they both agree it sounds like ADHD.
My son has more hyperactive disorder than the attention deficit.
Anyways, we are on a trial run of ritalin, one dose just when he goes to school and it's working.
BUT, on days he doesn't get it, he's INSANE. I am having such a hard time dealing with him. My husband is away right now in California on training but he comes back in a couple days. But, he's going to afghan in April and I need to get my son's behaviour in check.
I need help with him, I don't know how to manage it. He is embarrasing at the stores, he'll lay on the floor and yell or cry. He makes funny faces, and talks very loud. I tell him to settle down, that does nothing.
I watched a friends boy lastnight, overnight, and Mason kept bugging him. Mason didn't settle down at all, while the other boy was here. His voice was loud all the time, he was running all over the place and wouldn't listen. I know I'm in fault too, because I lose my temper and yell at him and that doesn't help.
But, I'm so fustrated Sad

Does anyone have any tips or w/e to help me deal with him?

julymom · Joined: 29 Mar 2007 Posts: 1273

Is there any reason you're not giving him his meds on the weekends? Did your dr suggest giving him the break, or is that a decision you made on your own? Often children with ADHD need their meds more often in the beginning (meaning every day) so that they can learn better ways of behaving and managing themselves. If they can't focus on anything, they won't be able to learn better coping strategies.

Have you looked into Pathways? I believe they have workshops geared for parents dealing with similar situations, and may be able to give some advice/suggestions on how best to manage your son's behaviours.

Babybopper · Joined: 30 Jun 2007 Posts: 355

Oh my goodness!! I posted on here a while ago, and got no response. You sound like me. Although my son is only turning 5, we have been dealing with this for nearly 3 years. He is also more hyperactive than anything, lots of behaviours. If you ever want to talk or vent, or honestly just need an ear please PM me. I'm pretty sure I can relate. It's so good to know I'm not the only one.

LeahsMommy · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 222 Location: Kingston West End

I have ADHD (diagnosed) and I can say that the best thing for you to do is find an outlet for all the energy by finding something he enjoys, I have never been medicated, but have my own ways of coping, which I'm not sure I would have learned had I been medicated. Sometimes some of the behaviors are just kids being kids. Either way good luck!
_________________
Mommy to Leah born 9 May 2009

SuzieQ · Joined: 09 Sep 2008 Posts: 6

The doctor said I can only give it to him when he goes to school.
I didn't want to medicate at first, but than his teacher was calling me, talking about how he wasnt able to cope in class and that's when we decided to medicate.
I said I'd be able to deal with his behaviour at home, but it's getting hard.
I do plan on getting him into soccer as soon as it starts, and swimming lessons when they start up too.

julymom · Joined: 29 Mar 2007 Posts: 1273

I guess it all depends on the doctor, huh?

The psychiatrist I used to work with always told parents that, if behaviour warranted it, to keep them on their meds on the weekends. It wasn't worth the struggle for either parent OR child ... as it is equally as hard on the child to be struggling with behaviour, not knowing how to behave appropriately, not being able to control him/herself, and getting into trouble for things that are somewhat outside his/her control.

LotusFlowerMom · Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 271

My daughter who is six is diagnosed ADHD, LD and a major impulse control problem. We do give her medication to help. There will be good days and days where you are ripping your hair out. We are working with a behaviorist through pathways. We also work closely with the school. I would also suggest 1,2,3 magic the book as it has helped wonders in our house. All though you have to stick to your guns no matter whay. Feel free to message me if you want. I know how diffcult it can be and how nice it would be to talk to other mothers going through the same thing.