Behavior issues

[hotncrazy537]

I have a 4-1/2 year old boy who has been constantly on the go.  He has loud outburst, or yells indoors.  We don't take him out in public too often, because he runs all over the place.  He doesn't sleep well, never really has slept.  He has night terrors, which have subsided some.  He is doing better with sleep, but he doesn't get to sleep until after 11 pm or later.  

It has nothing to do with sugar and chocolate.  He is very intelligent and seems to want to be good, but just cannot sit still.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

He's only four, so you want to be careful about rushing to any conclusions. Is it possible that he displays hyperactivity? Yes, it is possible, but it's also important to let development run its course a bit. One year from now he could look significantly different as he becomes more organized and purposeful in his behavior and as his brain continues to develop.

[srb122498]

I think Dr Kennedy is right about being careful rushing to any conclusions due to your son being so young. I knew something was not right with my son when he was small (around 2). I did not get a diagnosis untill he was around 8. He also had night terrors, that got alot worse before they got better. They absolutely terrified me! I was told most children grow out of night terrors. I don't know if this is true or not, but it does seem to be the case with my son. The most important thing you can probably do right now is keep a journal, diary, log (whatever you want to call it) of your sons behavior. That will be the best tool in getting a proper diagnosis if it becomes neccassary. A mental illness diagnosis is not scientific fact. You can get a different diagnosis from every doctor you go to. I think this is because the brain is so complicated, and there is not really a test to pinpoint one particular thing. This is why you should be careful with your son. A diagnosis of ADHD (or bipolar, pdd, odd) is based mostly on information from you concerning the childs behavior. That's why the journal is so important. When he starts school, if there are problems, have the teachers do the same thing. And if he is ever diagnosed with anything and put on medication for it, feel free to question the diagnosis if the meds don't work. I had a very smart doctor tell me once, if he's on medication for adhd, and it's not helping, you might want to second guess the diagnosis. Know that you will always be your childs best advocate. The better educated you are on things, the better chance of your son getting correct and proper care, medical or not.You could also start counseling for behavior therapy if the problem is really bad now. Do not think you have to wait to do anything because your son is only 4! Just be aware! Some people don't realize the consequences of some medical diagnosises. But always be persistent in getting the proper help for your child. I have been dealing with my sons diagnosis for about 2 years. He does well on his medication, but I know some who are not so lucky. I believe my son is doing so well due to my persistence in getting proper care. And yes, I keep the journal. I have a 3 ring binder. In goes anything pertaining to my son. Doctor visits, school work, school write-ups, any tests done and results, and a log of his behavior. I started with a very small binder. I now have a very large binder!! I am rambling now, but this is an area that is close to my heart! Hope this helped!