9yr old boy - gifted/learning disabled/adhd

[noteasy]

IWe need to hear from other parents who are experiencing similar issues - We have a 9year  old boy who is coded as gifted/learning disabled/adhd -innatentive type. Our son is frusterated with school as the curriculum doesn't cover hydrolics, war, atoms, pistons, periodic table of elements in grade four,ect.. as well, he has difficulties fitting in with peers due to his interests in non-typical subjects and non-involvement in organized sports (however, he can excell at individual sports which are NOT recognized in school nor community teams. such as dirtbiking, bmx, karate,skiiing, wakebording) His psychologist advised, and his pediatrician prescribed Concerta 18mg, which increased the underlaying issues of anxiety, poor self esteem, swearing, cronic frustration, dispear, depression. Therefore, we then switched to the time release version of Biphentin 10mg, which caused Our Son to feel as if he was going to pass out and see 'ghosts' ... We did not want to medicate our son in the first place but after several unsuccessful years of diet changes, vitamin supplements and supportive counselling, decided to listen to the 'professionals' suggestion of these meds. Although our son does admit that he is able to concentrate in school while taking the Concerta 18mg tabs, he does not feel well, is sleep deprived and feels unhappy/unpopular and unsuccessful in his relationships. He swears, is hurtful in his comments and uses rude gestures that are not typical of his nature. He has caused a unhappy family environment, constant tension and fighting, which has negative effects on our younger son. We need to know if there are any other parents who are experiencing these issues and what, if any, suggestions or experiences can you share.

hopeful in calgary, alberta.
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[Agiesmom]

Read this thread and I'm going to post a new thread.  Thanks, Margy!

[margypops]

'aggiesmom 'has been trying to get this post, can you send her a note I am not certain she is possibly wanting some information also.same issue

[SueNYC]

My son was totally non-responsive to medications and now goes to a school specifically designed for children with ADHD/ Aspergers and other disorders.  The state pays for it.  His IQ is in the 99.9% so I understand your frustration.  He is 10.


We sent ours to a Kumon Center (for academic enrichment) and we pretty much let him work on his interests at home. Look up science kits on the Internet - there are companies that provide homeschoolers with their supplies that are relatively inexpensive, as an ex-military historian I can assure you that there is a ton of stuff on the Internet and in the library...be creative.  We plan our vacations around the children's interests.  On the East Coast we go to a lot of military re-enactments - like getting up at 7 am to drive and see Washington cross the Delaware ....