Coffee for adhd children

Michelle - posted on 07/14/2012

My two sons have ADHD but only the oldest with the inattentive type responds to caffeine. My other son is hyperactive and caffeine makes it worse! But yes, I have found that caffeine can help.

Sherri - posted on 07/07/2012

@Beth - my son has actually been diagnosed with ADHD on top of his FASD. His specialist does say that stimulants can be used once other difficulties have been brought under control using another medication or combination. It was his pediatrician that prescribed the stimulants without understanding the special requirements for an FASD child. Thankfully we have been able to get into a specialist that has a lot of experience with both FASD & ADHD. We have discussed using a non-stimulant to help him concentrate for school.
I have a background in teaching (special ed too) and know quite a bit about these subjects. FASD is actually brain damage - his brain has been wired differently than other people. Just like ADHD kids having backwards reactions to medications my son can have very odd reactions. It takes trial and error to find the combination of medication, activities, natural remedies that will work. And as they grow up we have to constantly be willing to adjust this combination.
Also, the majority of adopted children have FASD unfortunately (whether it has been diagnosed or not). I consider myself lucky to have known from the start about what I would be facing - it takes a lot of work and patience dealing with these issues. This is a widespread illness that is so often mis-diagnosed.

Melanie - posted on 07/07/2012

the truth is most medicines chemicals work backwards on kids with adhd. benedryl put most of us to sleep but wakes them up. and caffeine has the reverse affect of calming. my son was barely inside of the adhd range. so we decided not to medicate him at all. on days when he had to test we gave him before he went to school it helped immensely

Beth - posted on 06/28/2012

Sherri,
If Stimulants are making him hyper then 1) he's not ADHD or 2) He needs a non stimulant.

Sherri - posted on 06/22/2012

Diane and Tracy I think my son is almost a clone of your boys! So many of the same problems. He is also adopted but he has FASD (birth mom even admitted to drinking) along with ADHD. I am constantly dealing with mean behavior, disobedience, talking back and his need to control everything. We tried Concerta and Vyvanse but he had very adverse reactions to them (hallucinations, tics, non-stop talking and moving). He's been on Clonidine to help him sleep but we have just added Risperidone to help with the aggression. I really hope it helps but it's been 3 days and he seems even more hyper than usual - if that was even possible lol! Thanks for sharing your stories - they really helped me feel less alone in this experience that most people just don't understand.

Diane - posted on 04/13/2012

Now I have the links, thanks, It is going to be a rainy weekend here in central illinois so I will get some time to read. Yea

Crystal - posted on 04/12/2012

My son is the same way. I tired half a cup once and it did clam him down but then at bed time he didn't want to go to sleep. Now he is on meds for his ADHD and needs a pills to make hime sleepy at night.

Rosalind - posted on 04/10/2012

Diane, these are the references. I don't have a clue why they didn't show up in my original post. Let's see if this works now. If not, I'll ask the mods to help.



http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/inde...



http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles...



http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publicati...



http://www.nimh.nih.gov/educational-reso...



http://www.nimh.nih.gov/educational-reso...

Rosalind - posted on 04/09/2012

Uh oh, Diane. I'll work on this asap. Right now I'm leading the unwashed, but highly loved y-chromosome toward any available water source that will make them presentable for school tomorrow.

Diane - posted on 04/09/2012

Rosalin,I was a bit confused by your post, you referred to URLs regarding scientific research. I do not find any links to follow. I am interested in reading any info. Am I missing something here, which is entirely possible as I tend to have to rush thru things to get all done.



Thanks

Diane

Beth - posted on 04/09/2012

My Aunt used to give my cousin one small cup of coffee in the morning before school as an alternative to taking stimulant medications which at that time was not as widely used as it is now.

Rosalind - posted on 04/07/2012

Here are references which will give you a factual basis to make your decision, rather than a series of anecdotal replies. I'm the mother 7 add/hdhd kids. The youngest 2 benefited from their "guinea pig" (LOL) older siblings in terms of treatment.



The last 4 references present a range of difficulty in reading as they move beyond the first with its easy to follow commentary, which includes ample references to double blind, placebo-based scientific studies, to the subsequent analyses' very in depth discussions. These educate us regarding the brain's complex neuro-chemistry and treatment of psychopathology. One is a teacher's manual, and the other a student's manual.



Four, as the URLs identify, are NIH, NIMH resources. It is your choice whether you choose to accept science, or not. In all anecdotal experience, subject/parent attitude toward expected outcome can have a powerful impact on the perceived results.



As you will note, the first reference states in conclusion that the effects of caffeine were the same as placebo trials.

Diane - posted on 04/05/2012

I really do think the caffeine helps Charlie first thing in the morning and in the late afternoon. But typical of Charlie he now does not want to drink any coffee or soda. Charlie has RAD reactive attachment disorder along with the ADHD so he can be very defiant. Especially when we find something that helps him make better decisions and better behaviors.It is this inner thing in him that makes him sabotage anything good or positive in his life. We were just offering the drink and if he refuses no big deal, Now we don't even offer it But, if he wants a coffee or soda we allow it. I have learned to let Charlie think he is in control. Now that we have the mornings going smoother Charlie has decided to reexhibite his eating issues. He has lost almost 2 pound (weight he can not afford to lose). This too I have to handle very lightly but there are times I get so frustrated I end up lecturing him or reminding him that his Dr. will not approve any sports if he is not healthy. It is so hard to deal with a kid with such serious emotional mental issues. I worry constantly about how he will function as an adult. He has these grandiose ideas of what he wants to be when he grows up. Anyone know how to help a kid with a low IQ and learning disability realistically look at future careers?

Kayla - posted on 04/04/2012

i was told by the dr that coffee and soda kind of work the same as medication but not to over due it as it helps the behavior but isnt great for them either...but i do agree i see that it does help my son alot

Bonnie - posted on 04/03/2012

We've been going through trials & tribulations with both boys this week (they are on spring break this week)....mostly Noah (of course)...today I sent him to bed until I got home from meeting with classmates....he was at the dining room table, "eating" and he kept goofing around and being mouthy, then he put his middle finger up at me....I sent him straight to bed ! I think he was actually not realizing what he was doing, and was probably just trying to put up his hand or something, but it was very plainly obvious & I was soooo mad ! I then told him to take off his glasses and he then threw them onto the floor ! I was irritated...I told him to stay in bed until I got home, his response....that's gonna be all night ! I said we'll see. I intended only being gone an hour, but I ended up being gone 1 and 1/2 hours....he was surprisingly still in bed when I got home....when does this irritability end???? when they are 30 and married?!?!?!?!?

Jamie - posted on 04/02/2012

Hey Diane,

I went through 3 years of some really hateful behaviors from my son. It was heartbreaking. Finally, after speaking with his Dr. I started giving him his medicine before he even put his feet on the floor. This made a huge difference in his attitude in the morning and we had peace again. This will most likely effect his appetite in the morning but when he has a good morning he has a much better school day.

Diane - posted on 04/02/2012

Poor Tracy, I hope today has been better. Charlie had a very rough spring break week last week. I wonder if its the weather? The manipulations are absolutely exhausting. I continue to point out to Charlie when he is trying to manipulate, doesn't really change behaviors much though. I can only take one day at a time sometimes one hour at a time. This group helps. allows me to vent or get feed back or get ideas for interventions. Charlie has reverted back to refusing to eat and then sneaking food into his room (I think late at night). Just found another stash of wrappers shoved under his dresser. He just got in trouble less than a week ago for this. So I guess after school instead of playing he will be cleaning his room top to bottom again.

Tracy - posted on 04/01/2012

Hello everyone, I haven't been on in a while. It's been quite a month. Good on some fronts, bad on others. Right now my son is having a full-blown meltdown. Up in his room, calling downstairs alternating between, "I hate you, you're an idiot" , "I'm sorry, I won't do it again" and "I need a hug, I can't calm myself down".

I'm just soooo tired. His manipulations wear me down. I'm just letting him calm himself down.

Finally, he's willing to come down and eat lunch. Meltdown over.....

Bonnie - posted on 03/23/2012

yeah, I don't let the kids have diet drinks either.....thanks for the info!

Beth - posted on 03/23/2012

we've been giving coke zero for a while now and haven't seen any adverse effects from the sugar substitute.

If you are worried about the substitute then I guess regular coke is another one you could give. Sugar sets my daughter off. Anytime she's been eating sweets , which she has to sneak to get. 8 out of 10 times if she's been particularly nasty for a few days if I go in her room and do a search I will find candy wrappers or things like empty hot cocoa packets.

Diane - posted on 03/22/2012

my concern about Coke Zero is the sugar substitute. Are you concerned that might be a problem? I think I would prefer he had a regular coke with sugar as opposed to a "diet drink" I drink alot of diet coke (not good for me I know) but I have never let any of my kids have diet, however I have allowed regular coke or soda as they get older or very infrequently. Any thoughts?

Bonnie - posted on 03/22/2012

I was wondering also if we could try coke zero...my hubby and I drink that all the time....I may try that sometime. Man, this Circle of Moms is GREAT!!!! I am glad I stumbled across it in a Google search !!

Beth - posted on 03/22/2012

Sure !

The coffee will get in their systems faster than meds so coffee before meds with a gap between them is usually what I have done in the past.

The raise in heart rate side effect is why you have to go and get re-checks every few months at the Dr with a blood pressure/heart rate check. At least that's what my experience has been.

We tend to use Coke Zero more than coffee, it's got the caffeine but no sugar. But then with the caffeine you also have to make sure they are getting enough water because it's a diuretic .

I am ADHD-I and self medicate with caffeine, lol.

Diane - posted on 03/22/2012

Thanks for no coffee and meds together tip. didn't know that. This week I have given Charlie a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then he eats and takes his meds just before leaving for the school bus. I really think it has been helping. I have not had any of the probs we usually have in the mornings. Thank goodness as it makes the mornings happier and sets a much better mood to my day and Charlie's. A couple times Charlie has asked for coffee in the afternoon after school. I think he did drink it once. usually asks for it and then does not drink it. Anyway, I think I may encourage a cup after school with his snack so we could maybe eleminate the 3p adderall pill. Dr. increased his meds to 20XR am, 15 reg at noon and 15 reg at 3p- all adderall. His afternoons and evenings had been so bad and he was ending up getting in trouble for behaviors or not doing his homework which caused leaning probs. that I was ok with the 3p to help. But if coffee would do the trick I would prefer that. I'll start the coffee today after school and see how it goes. FYI here is how I track whether an intervention is working. (SCALE 1-5 1 being no verbal redirects and 5 being a punishment imposed. From bus home time 3p-6p ( I keep a private calendar on my phone and webpage) I document his scale score. From 6p-7.30p bedtime I scale score again. Last week 4 out of 5 days 3-6 and 6-730 were 5's) So starting coffee this week I will see if there is an improvment in his scores.

Bonnie - posted on 03/22/2012

thanks for the important info Beth !! the first trial with coffee, he got the coffee about 2 hours after he had already taken his morning meds. Does that sound like a good time span to you?? He's been doing pretty well lately ! Don't know if his behavior was weather related or what the deal was, but he's calm, cool & collected since giving him the coffee just that one time, and he's been on "OUTSTANDING" behavior level in class, which means that he has a special lunch with the teacher :) He's had outstanding twice this week alone !!

Beth - posted on 03/22/2012

I can't remember if I've responded to this one or not yet but , yes it does work but it is very short acting you'd have to give your child coffee every few hours for it to have the same effect as ADHD medications.

But you also Can't give meds AND coffee at the same time, because of the speeding up of the heart rate that both do.

Bonnie - posted on 03/20/2012

Thanks Diane.....that's great that Rob is cancer free !!! Noah loves Pedia Sure, and he thankfully does eat a lot better than he has...he does get snacks after school and shortly before bed (usually gets the bed time one anyway, sometimes we forget or it simply slips our minds)....Noah was kind of "chunky" when we first got the boys.....he was 3 at the time....he's almost 7 now, and weighs 40 pounds....we try to make sure he has good for him/healthy stuff that is also packed with protein....he really likes salmon!! anyway, thanks for the great advice & encouraging words !!!

Diane - posted on 03/17/2012

Ah Bonnie, don't beat yourself up over falling for his manipulations. I get so mad when a professional tells me to ignore Charlie's stuff, he can make me so mad sometimes, but when he does make me mad I realize he is winning and that I just can not let happen (lol).Charlie gets me quite often too. alot of times I point out to Charlie after he has pushed my buttons or manipulated things that that is exactly what has occured. It spells things out to him, shows him I know what he has been up to and points it out to him. Just another learning experience for us both. I totally understand the finishing meal bit.I always worry about Charlie growing up strong and healthy so I offer the healthy meals, daily vitamins and supplements and love and hope it is enough. We do have Charlie taking atleast one ensure drink a day. Any protein nutritional drink is beneficial. that's why I put a powdered heaping spoonful in his coffee too. By the way he loves the coffee that way he says its great. I personally have not ever tried the drink as I certainly do not need anything to add weight to my frame. I started doing that at the advise of my husband, Robert cancer dr Rob had stage 4 cancer after surgery and during radiation and chemotherapy treatment he had a feeding tube because he could not eat. Once the tube was finally out after months he still looked like the walking dead. His Dr. had me giving him the ensure daily and it made a huge difference. By the way Rob is doing great now and this July he will be cancer free for 5 years Charlie is 11 years old and he barely weighs 48 lbs. He has had every medical test possible and so far all negative. I guess he will just be small, which is not a problem we are all short but none as thin as him.

Bonnie - posted on 03/17/2012

when I mentioned the coffee to a few of the teachers at school, they all said - yeah, that does work! I am gonna call his doctor on Monday, and get their input, but also do some more research for it also....I've been researching all kinds of things since becoming their mom in 2009, and even more research on things since officially becoming their adoptive mom in 2011 :)

Bonnie - posted on 03/17/2012

I'll have to try to do the ignore bit....it's just so darned hard sometimes, it gets me frustrated....I have told people that he's either going to be a great politician or negotiator one day....he loves to argue, debate & get his point across....he is smart as a whip and very articulate too !! And, if you tell him to be quiet and you are gonna answer any of his questions, he starts talking and then he reels you in...to where you are, you guessed it.....answering his questions !! I want him to finish his meal, because of his growth issues...he not only has the slow growth because of his meds, but a specialist said that one of his growth proteins is low, and he basically needs to eat more (especially protein)....we have really good meals at home, but sometimes he just takes forever and/or goofs around....As his mom, I just want to make sure he's gonna grow and get stronger :) I'm a worry wart ! I will have to also try the clean the table option too! Thanks !

Laura - posted on 03/16/2012

Wow!!! I have never heard of this... but by golly it does make sense!! I will have to try it and post back! :)

Diane - posted on 03/16/2012

I totally understand him wanting to look into it. I was very skeptical too. I have had the coffee suggestion for quite some time and have just now started it. Only do what you as parents are comfortable with.

Diane - posted on 03/16/2012

Boy he sounds like Charlie, almost sounds like defiance, you have identified several incidents of the eating issue. I would suspect he can get attention for that behavior. With Charlie once I finally started ignoring the whole messing around and stretching the eating out to a ridiculous amount of time he quit doing it. If Charlie was still eating and everyone else was done I would ask if he would like to finish or if he was finished with his meal. If he said he was finished I took his plate and did the kitchen clean up without saying anything. If he said he was not finished I would let him sit and finish, remind him to clean the table, rinse his dishes and put in the dishwasher. Actually now that I think of it this was a huge problem every meal for ever and just this winter I started ignoring it and it has been months since he has had a problem. He comes up with other ways to push my buttons, hahaha

Bonnie - posted on 03/16/2012

it's a combination of eating slowly and easily distracted....there are times that he "scarfs up" his food if it's something he really, really likes....then there are times that he takes FOREVER eating at a regular pace....we've tried having him being at table before everyone else - he was at the table for about 20-30 min before the rest of us sat down that time, then was at the table still when everyone else was done 20-30 min later.....we've left him at the table numerous times by himself, we've even separated him from everyone else - had him at the pop-up table in the kitchen....I think his main problem is the distractions....most of the time he is either just sitting there doing nothing, or looking around the room or under the table, or looking at things that are on the table....doesn't matter what it is (could be seasonings, bottles with words, or toys - which aren't supposed to be there in first place).....very frustrating at times !!!

Bonnie - posted on 03/16/2012

Ally....he's on Metadate CD, Ritalin, Clonidine, and Nortriptyline....he also takes a supplement for mental concentration enhancement called Attentive Child.

Bonnie - posted on 03/16/2012

thanks Diane!!!! His teacher said that he drank all the coffee and had a much better day today - especially with organization...although, I don't know how much of that had to do with me actually being there today, and how much was just him doing it....had the St Patty's day party today, so I was there from 2:30 - end of school. My husband saw my note that I put on our white board about giving him coffee....he is a little skeptical...wants to do more research....he's a "look into it" as much as you can kind of guy :).

Diane - posted on 03/16/2012

As far as how much coffee- I only allow one cup in the morning. I think it kicks in before the adderall. I would probably allow a cup after school if he asked. My husband and I drink alot of coffee. Actually in thinking about the cup after school. I may give him one today and see if it makes a difference as his late afternoons and early evenings are rough on him. I'll let you know. By the way I don't think 1 small cup of coffee was too much. I think 1-3 cups aday is ok, prob helpful. I don't think the growth stuff is correct anymore. All of the new studies sometimes I can not remember what is what anymore. But I think now they are saying coffee does not stunt growth

Ally - posted on 03/16/2012

what meds is he on?

Diane - posted on 03/16/2012

Does he just eat slowly, or is he distracted and just pushes his food around. I have found with Charlie I give him a bigger plate but put the same amount of food on as I would when he used the smaller plates. It looks much smaller and he doesn't argue eating his portions. I have also encouraged Charlie to begin eating before everyone else gets to the table if he wants. The reward system works too, for charlie it is money so every evening meal he finishes with all of us still at the table he gets a quarter. At the end of 2 weeks he gets his earned quarters in the form of dollar bills. Also works, last one done at dinner clears the table and loads the dishwasher. That gets em moving

Bonnie - posted on 03/16/2012

oh....Diane I forgot to add one thing about the fries....we do see a psychiatrist and a therapist...I will be mentioning this behavior to the therapist when we see him next....I don't know why he did that, but the fries were perfectly fine, and I hope he knew deep down that they were fine, but we do need to get it all figured out...I don't know if some of these behaviors he's been exhibiting lately are brewing up from his past with his birth parents or what...but hopefully we'll get to the heart of the issue. Thanks again for all your input !! Any ideas on how to help him concentrate better at meal times, so that he is not the only one left at the table????

Bonnie - posted on 03/16/2012

thank you ladies for your input...Diane especially !! We had a rough start to the morning today....Noah colored with green marker on his socks before he even started to put them on, blamed it on his brother - saying that Jonathan said to....went to school, and he was being cocky talking to the teacher & myself (about his behaviors recently), is going to lose some party time for his classroom St Patrick's Day party - and was behaving negatively about that, saying his behavior wouldn't change....I then went and got a coffee (and special treats for teachers) at McDonald's and brought him the coffee.....he was thrilled with it !!! He actually asked if he could have blueberry flavoring in it :) He was soooooooo much better behaved when I went back to school (with the drinks), sitting quietly reading to himself!!! I guess I will have to give him coffee daily now ! That won't stunt his growth will it???? We already have issues of slow growth because of the medications, and one growth protein is low. I got him a small coffee this morning. How much and how often should he have it??? Should I do it daily, or what do you all think??? Thanks so much again !!

Diane - posted on 03/16/2012

Bonnie, I do think the coffee has helped Charlie. It has been successful this week. At first he was so thrilled to have the previously denied coffee but when he found he couldn't fill it with sugar he quit drinking it. He can be so defiant, so I just ignored it. One morning after a particularly bad evening for him I really wanted to try the coffee again. So I poured coffee put in a spoonful of nestle quick and told him it was a chocolate lattee. hahahah anyway he drank it right down and has asked for it everymorning and this week has been good. He has at times used ensure because he is such a picky eater and very thin. I found ensure in powder form and chocolate so I am changing the quick to ensure without telling him of course. It does sound like you have your hands full with your sons recent behaviors. I do have some concern about the french fry incident, I would prob see the psych dr to rule out psychosis.

Jamie - posted on 03/16/2012

My dad has severe ADHD and self medicates with diet coke, has done so for years.



I have ADD and use coffee- I am a lean mean concentrating machine when i drink it! ;-)

Ally - posted on 03/16/2012

Morning ladies!



i few things i can shed some light on for you...



Yes, it sounds crazy, but here is why it could make sense.



It is a stimulant. ADHD Medications that contain methylphenidate and amphetamines are also stimulants. The claim is that they all work in the same way by increasing dopamine levels and blocking the reuptake of key neurotransmitters in the brain like noreprinephine.

Coffee is also known to reduce blood flow in the brain. This is similar to the effect of ADHD medications like Ritalin.





As an Adult with AHDH i was drinking 3 - 4 cans of 20 oz red bull PLUS two 5 hour energy's a day before i started taking the medication. Now i drink half a 5 hour energy in the am when i wake up, and then finish it at 8pm when i'm starting to feel my meds wearing off.

Bonnie - posted on 03/15/2012

Diane, I am new to the COM group.... Does the coffee (or caffeine) really work????? I am desperate to try anything !!! I have a 6 yr old son who is ADHD, RAD, also adopted - he and his oldest brother (who we also have) were our foster sons from April 2009 until adoption day last June. We got them when they were 3 and 6. The youngest one is on Metadate CD, Nortriptyline (liquid form), Attentive Child supplement (to enhance mental concentration), Ritalin (10 mg), and Clonidine...He does VERY well in school academically, but has been having trouble lately with disorganization at school, and has had a few days this week of lying (straight-faced)...he also has taken a pencil and scribbled on his supplement and then put in our pantry - oldest told me about it this morning ! He also threw away his french fries last night from Burger King, claiming they had mold on them, and that "they" stepped on them at Burger King !! They were perfectly fine. I am going to try and give him some coffee tomorrow morning before school and see if it helps.

Jonai - posted on 03/15/2012

I'm new here...and have read all of the posts, and I'm super excited to try the coffee thing! Lol. My 11yr old son sees a Psychologists once a week,(amongst other specialists and therapists) and today he recommended trying a little coffee in the morning! I was laughing at the idea, but my son was extremely bright eyed and bushy tailed. I guess we will give it a shot in the am. Question...are there any other non medicated remedies you use? My son has ADHD and has been on Focalin XR since he was diagnosed at age 6 but was switched to Vyvanse 30mg in January since now he is able swallow pills. Recently though, his behavior has become very rude and defiant...trouble at school, not getting along with his step dad or brothers...I thought maybe an added supplement may help. Who would have ever thought of coffee....?

Diane - posted on 03/14/2012

What a great morning. I turned Charlie's bedroom light and tv on 15 mins. early. Brought him in a cup of coffee and his meds. He said "thanks" took his meds. about 20 mins later and went by his room and looked in. When he said hi mom I knew he was awake. Asked if he wanted to change his mind about the clothes he had picked out last nite as the forcast was for temps in the 80's he said No he still wanted jeans. OK. shortly later Charlie came into the kitchen got a bit of breakfast and was ready to leave at 7:10 without any issues. Wonderful way to start the day

Natalie - posted on 03/14/2012

@Diane, take a deep, long breath. As I read your post I could feel your stress. My son also has issues with his room and dirty clothes. I have found that it can't be a weekly task, but a daily one or else it will get out of control. At the end of his day, have him straighten the room up. You or your husband will have to stand there and watch him as he does it because if he is anything like mine, it will not get done any other way.

Diane - posted on 03/13/2012

I must vent. I am so annoyed with Charlie and I don't know what I could do to break him of his bad habits. The rule is You put your clothes into the dirty clothes, no food in your bedroom.He has a playstation 2 in his room but, because he has ruined so many games by throwing them around and not putting them in the cases. Well went to thoroughly clean Charlie's room this morning, A job I find I have to do atleast once a week because it smells so bad. Yep you guessed it dirty clothes under the bed thrown up on his shelves and behind his tv. Games thrown under his dresser along with cookies and candy papers. We do not keep store brought candy at home, he gets it at school for rewards. He is suppose to give his candy to his teacher because of problems on the bus.

I have grounded him, taken the ps2 and tv out of his room. (I did take the games out and he has to turn a game into me before he can get another one. I suspect while I was gone the other evening he just helped himself to games while dad was supervising). I've made Charlie clean his room with me directly supervising.) I've given him extra chores, made him do all of the days laundry and anything else I can think of. Obviously nothing has worked because it has been less than a week since I have cleaned his room and grounded him with extra chores. Does anyone have any ideas?

Jessmom - posted on 03/13/2012

She is socially forward to children in the beginning but sort of looses interest.She has been to 2 b-day parties , outside of the family and both times ended up by herself after about 30 minutes ,while the others ran around playing. She also doesn't have positive peers in the neighborhood and until recently mostly played every weekend with her 7 and 3 yr old cousins, (they have moved)I have tried after school activities but the adults who run these (soccer, gymnastics) are not equipped to handle her on top of the rest of the kids and soon get frustrated(overwhelmed) and give up on her.The gymnastics teacher actually asked me to take her out of the class.



She too loves to plug in to her mp3 player, she also reads, but most of the time she wants the blue screen.