What to do with My 8 yr old son

[cjsmama]

I am having such a hard time with my 8 yr old son.  He was diagnosed my a child neurologist with ADHD with aggresive (aggressive) behavior.  He has been on Adderall (adderrall), Focalin, back to Adderall (adderrall) and now Daytrana.  It seems to work okay for his ADHD but what about his aggressive, disrespectful side?  He has been suspended from school more times than I can count.  When he was 5 he punched his Kindergarten teacher in the face because she asked him to do something and he got mad at her.  Just today I got another call from the Assistant Principal who had my son in her office once again and she told me that he was being disrespectful to others and also called the Principal mean names.  What meds should I suggest to the Doc?  She always asks me what to try.  Please, Help Me!!!  I made an appt for tommorrow so I can get this "thing" under control.  I think my son could have a diagnosis of ODD as well as ADHD.  What helps with that?

[1centwiz]

I have a friend who's nephew is going through this as well. I'm going to send her a link and maybe she could give you some advice. I feel for you... I was ODD with ADHD, but I wasn't agressive outside of the home... I had two brothers and three boy cousins to fight with so that was enough for me... and I'm a girl to boot.

[Sandman2]

   In the first place, it is not your job to suggest meds to the doctor.  That is what the doctor is trained for.  If the doctor does not have the proper training, then its time to find one that does.  You need to look for a child psychiatrist specializing in ADHD.  
  What he did at age 5 when he was not on medication is not material to what he is doing now - except for any behavior he learned then, he could still be repeating.  I think a good doctor would be helping you understand how to work with your child.  I'm not sure that a neurologist has either the time or experience to do this.
  I would also suggest seeing about a special ed placement.  A child cannot be suspended for a qualifying condition.  It helps to protect the child and inform the teachers as to what is going on.
  finally do find out what set off your child.  My guess is his calling the Principal names was due to what had been happening with the other children.  Coping skills are hard to teach to an 8 year old and even more difficult to teach to a child with ADHD.  It takes time and practice.
  One other thought.  Daytrana is usually started out with a low dose and then is gradually built up.  Its possible the dose is too low.  It also can take up to two hours or so to kick in - so when did the incident happen with the principal.  Was it in the morning?  These are things to communicate to your doctor.  But, I still don't understand why she is asking you what to try.  Anyway, keep in touch.  Let us know how the meetings go and if you have any more questions.  Good luck.