Need suggestions

Glenda - posted on 04/17/2010

Please make sure that your child gets 10-12 hours sleep each night. It has been proven through studies that children with this problem need more sleep. When getting less than this amount they have a much harder time concentrating in school. I am a retired sp.ed. of 34 years. I've dealt with issues like this forever. If meds work I'd definitely try to keep using them for now, especially in the early school years when they are learning so much groundwork that they must have in order to learn later. A consistent schedule is also very important. When schedules aren't consistent, concentration is much harder to accomplish. I know I have rambled but I hope that I have been of some help.

Liz - posted on 04/08/2010

HI,my son was vary much like that to he is on meds as well, was on ritilin but i found that he had no concertration and angry etc all the time and clashed with the teachers as he was board in class to, We have since moved his meds onto rubifin and have found a big inprovement on all his work and is likeing school once again, I tried the failsafe diet but found this to be expensive and was looking at everything in all food we brought, We did cut out anything orange and red in the end and have found a big difference, It may not work for your child but is an idea that i have for you, Good luck and hope you find what you are looking for. I know here in NZ you can get child disibility allowance to help with meds and special diets they may need to help. I agree meds can be expensive but i find the doctors bill is more then the meds how do they work that i wonder. Good luck with it all.

Joy - posted on 04/07/2010

find out who manufactures your son's drug (like Brisol-Meyers, Watson, Glaxco,etc) Many pharm companies will help you defer the cost of meds if you are truly in need!

Rae Ann - posted on 04/07/2010

flax seed or high omega 3, both regulate mood and concentration and are relatively inexpensive

Mary - posted on 04/05/2010

I am a first grade teacher and I commend you for being so proactive. I don't have any different advice about the meds, I just wanted to say it sounds like you are doing a great job helping your son.

Heather - posted on 04/05/2010

our son is the same way. He is in medicine and we make sure there is no red dye in the foods he eats and drinks. The medicine is expensive. There are genernics of the ADHD medicines; that would be cheaper. Also ask the dr if they have any samples; most drs. will understand about the insurance and give you samples.

Kimberly - posted on 04/05/2010

Does he have trouble with everything or just reading? Maybe he isn't reading what he likes, until my son built up his comprehension skills with tools his teacher suggested he didn't enjoy reading as much. See I teach high school, its hard for me to go back to elementary techniques.

Kristy - posted on 04/03/2010

One of my friends was having the same problem with her son. In addition to the medication, the doctor told her to make sure he didn't eat anything with red dye. She and the teacher both saw a huge improvement.

Tina - posted on 04/03/2010

My son is in the first grade and in this report card he receive a certificate for "Most Improved". I was thrilled he improved his behavior and will be having lunch with his teacher and one of his friends.

Tina - posted on 04/03/2010

We do not have medical insurance at this time. I have changed his diet the medication was a last resort. We are getting ready to start a glutten free diet. It now takes about three hours to grocery shop. I will be on line looking for a glutten free cook book.

Laura - posted on 04/02/2010

Keep him on the meds if they are working. Can Dr. give you some samples to defer the cost of meds? Or is a generic available?

Emma - posted on 04/02/2010

Diet is often the issue-low G.I. foods at meals for sustained, healthy energy and foods low in additives and sugar. Lack of sleep can also present as symptoms of ADD or ADHD. I'm having the same issues with my child who is in his first year of school. Good luck.

Christine - posted on 03/28/2010

Do you have medical insurance? Would that help with the payment? In NZ, children with ADHD are given Ritalin and that seems to help. Do you have a children's paedatric service there? Has he been tested for Specific learning difficulties? Do you have programs for the advanced children in your schools? All the very best.

Laura - posted on 03/27/2010

You haven't mentioned your son's age. My son was about to enter 5th grade when he was diagnosed with ADHD. I'm not saying that's what is going on with your son, but the fact that he's on medication leads me to believe that. The good news is that he will more than likely adjust to it. What I mean is that he will probably not need his medicine forever. My son is now 20 and doing wonderfully in college. He's always been highly intelligent, just had trouble focusing. No one seems to understand that kids with this type of issue are very smart, they just can't concentrate. My son was accepted into the gifted program in 1st grade but couldn't get the grades. I think it was just too much all at once. It was only when he entered college, where he could take 2-3 classes at a time that he was able to focus on those. When in high school, he had 6-7 classes at a time to deal with and would get mostly A's and B's but always one or two D's or F's.
I'm sorry I'm rambling but I was right there where you are now and I can feel your frustration. Just make sure his teachers take the time required to work with him one-on-one if possible to help him understand the work. Try to be patient when helping him with his homework-that's a tough time of day. Try to give him only one assignment at a time to work on, whether it's homework, chores at the house,etc. He'll get easily overwhelmed I'm sure.
Ask his dr. if he can give you samples or maybe try for a generic or a different med that's cheaper. Good luck and let us know how he's doing. Hang in there.
Laura

Pamela - posted on 03/26/2010

Diet - food is the key! Try an Additive free diet! If you talk to your local dietician and have you thought of trying herbal mediciene to help your son? Both could help this is comming from a mum (me) who is the same boat! good luck!

Maggie - posted on 03/22/2010

First of all, ask the school nurse if there is a way she/he can help out with the medication. If you qualify, you could get it at a low cost or free. The medication is temporary and should grow out of needing it. It could be your child is bored at school and might need more challenging work. See about having a conference with the teacher and possibly be tested to see where he is as far as grade level. Good luck!