Am so Confused

[moonpiebaby]

Please help. I have custody of my 7 year old niece. She was just diagnosed with ADHD. She has had sudden loud out burst in school and at home. She has walked off stage during school programs,she acts as if she is in her own little world, we have be ask not to bring her back to her after school play group, due to her behavior. The list goes on. It brakes my heart. Her Mother is not a part of her life. I wonder if that has more to do with it then ADHD. When we took her in to see the Psychitrist she ask us questions and from the answers she said it sounds like ADHD. And started to tell us about Meds. I asked our family Dr and she seemed to think that it wouldn't hurt to "try" her some meds. I have talked parents with ADHD children they are like NO DO NOT GIVE HER THE MED!! Change her diet! Am so confused! I want what is best for her. If giving her a med for ADHD is best then I will. If its going to hurt her then I won't. I just don't know which way to turn! Any advise would be so helpful please. Thank You.

[treemarks]

Your ettiquette was right on.  :)  Sensory integration is very important and unfortunately often ignored.  At our school, we have a sensory room that has students visiting it on a schedule with exercises specified by the OT.  Just thought I would add that.

[itsy1]

I'm very new to these boards; so pardon if I don't use posting etiquette correctly.

I can empathize with all that has been said and agree that Sandman2 and treemarks are wise.  I have a 7 year old son that was diagnosed with adhd and sensory integration issues this past October.

A combination of occupational therapies, dye reduction in his foods (for him blue dye sets him off), medication, psychologist appointments, and working closely with his school (he has a IEP) has been the key to helping him.  He is like a different child since we have had him diagnosed and have started better addressing his needs.  Information and the ability to follow up on it are wonderful things.

Due to my experience with sensory testing, I would encourage you to explore this.  Often times insurance will even pay for this and therapy if it is called for.  It might not be  a issue for her.  She has so much going on right now.  However, I was amazed that just a few daily excercies along with his accomidaitons and medication helped so much.  

~falls off soap box~
Oh, if you do want to get her tested for sensory integration issues choose a occupational therapist that is trained in sensory integration.  Not all OTs are.

[Sandman2]

   Your remarks were right on.  Its good to have some one else commenting on this forum - especially someone who has personal experience.  Please do keep reading and commenting on this forum!!!  

[treemarks]

Sandman2 - I should have read your response more thoroughly before I repeated many things.  Good insight. :)

[treemarks]

I have ADHD and my son does, too.  Even though I am on meds, I was wholeheartedly against meds for my child; but the psych said it's better try the unknown than continue without knowing.   We tried the lowest dose of Ritalin and my son was pleased that he could finally attend.  He was amazed that he could complete his  work at school and was able to handle his emotions better.  He has a very high IQ so I am happy he can now use it to its fullest extent.   I am pleased because I am trying to save my son's self-esteem.  MIne was ripped up growing up with ADHD.  

I am also a school pathologist - nothing is sadder than seeing a child struggling with ADHD without the meds he needs.  Meanwhile the child's self-esteem is getting ripped to shreds because he is constantly being redirected, told to sit down, told to be quiet, etc...  Other kids don't want to play with them b/c they can be annoying due to their poor social skills. They are impulsive and do not think...they just react.  They began to feel stupid.  My son has not called himself stupid since he went on medication.   It's our neurotransmittors that need help and we need that activity in our frontal lobes to be able to attend, focus and sustain our attention.  Yes, diets can help, but a combination of diet, medication and behavior modifications has created the most success with children.  Back in the seventies, there was nothing wrong with my diet.  We didn't have the crap/junk we have around nowadays.  Thus, diet was not the problem for me.

Your niece's behavior is probably compounded by the emotional strain in which she has been put under with the loss of her mother.  Is she receiving help with that from the psychiatrist, too?  It would probably help if she saw the school counselor on a regular basis, if she hasn't already.

Okay, I will get off my soapbox now.  This subject is very personal and dear to me as I work everyday to mentor these children...as well as dealing with it myself and with my son.  Good luck in whatever you decide and bless you for taking your niece in.

[Sandman2]

      Remember, you don't have to wait for 3 weeks to ask your doctor questions.  If you have any concerns at all call the doctor.  But so far, it sounds like a  pretty normal reaction.  In fact, if she did not have ADHD, and was taking the meds, she would be much more active than usual - so thats a good thing.

[moonpiebaby]

So, here is what we decided on. She is now on Concerta 18 MG ER tablets. We have been watching for any signs of behavioral changes. The first day she was, A little emotional and her tummy hurt. She ate very well. Something she never done before. Today(day 2) She, seems ,not as active as usual. Quite, lovey and huggy. However, some of the stories I have read on here have got me VERY concerned. With the whole "My child was fine until"......"These Meds turned my child into a monster" and of corse the most hurtful, "Your bad Parenting Skills" I have raised 2 children of my own, now, 24 and 21. They are well rounding adults. I just have never had to deal with this before. We go back to the DR in 3  weeks for a follow up and any adjustments if needed. Once again Thank You :o) T

[Sandman2]

     Thanks for the kind words.  Remember the best thing that you can do for her is to be informed about the best ways to help her.  Do get the book I recommended - you will use it for her all the way through high school!  Best wishes to you!

[moonpiebaby]

Thank You,Sandman 2. Am so happy you took the time to answer my question. We go back to the office today (4/29) to talk to her Dr. and decide which route to take. I will be checking out the book you suggested. And mostly if we do decide on the meds.I am also going to ask for her to talk to someone about her Mother. We do keep very close conntact with our family Dr. for any outside advice.So, I will call her when the med is given (before I even have it filled) for her opinion. We also will be keeping in touch with her Phyc. Dr. To report any behavior changes. I LOVE this little girl like shes my own. There nothing I wouldn't do for her. I just want what best for her and give her a chance to have some what of a normal childhood. Once again Thank You for your time and Best Wishes. :o) T

[Sandman2]

      It never hurts to try a diet change.  The only diet change that I have seen in documented studies that might help is to eliminate foods with dye (particularly red).  Check out this link for more info - http://www.medhelp.org/add-adhd/slideshows/9-Worst-Foods-for-ADD---Plus-1-That-Can-Help/20
     As far as parents with kids with ADHD saying don't give meds.  Every kid is different.  More importantly, every doctor is different.  Most of the cases I have seen on this site over the last 4 years where the meds didn't help were due to doctors (typically overworked pediatricians) or parents who didn't take the time to closely monitor what was going on with the kid.  If you want to try the meds, close parent/doctor communication is vital.  It really is a trial and error thing (for many reasons) - so communication is very important. The child will be started off on a very low dose and slowly increased.  The chances for any problems can usually be quickly caught.  Since the meds are out of your system in a day, there are usually no lasting effects.  The problems rise when the child is put on meds - and ignored.   It is extremely important for you to get information about ADHD.  While her mother could be part of the problem, her ADHD just magnifies the problem.
    So while the meds can/might be helpful - the most important part of the equation is information.  The book I recommend a lot on this forum for cases like this is -
       "The ADD/ ADHD Answer book," by Susan Ashley.  
    It will help you a lot now and in the future.  Besides having a good section on meds, it also has great sections on schools.
     Hope this helps!!   Best wishes.