ADHD at 2yrs old?

Heather - posted on 05/19/2011

i cant believe a dr wld diagnose a child with adhd at such a young age! that is outrageous on the dr's part. i have 2 kids with adhd and they were 5 1/2 and 7 when they were diagnosed. no1 wld look at my older daughter untill she was 4 and still displaying behaviours that were expected of a 2 yr old not a 4 yr old and even then it still took another 18 months to get anywhere with her. i wld strongly advise against medicating a 2 yr old and maybe get a 2nd opinion?? maybe if things r bad enough look into some behaviour management that u can use with him. you r obviously a concerned and caring parent not a horrible parent! ultimately u will decide what u feel is best for u and your child. good luck.

Rebecca - posted on 10/01/2009

I had all of the same fears... i did not want my child a zombie. My daughter has had ADHD since she was just a tiny little thing, she is now almost 11. I tried everything to advoid medications, but I eventualy broke down and tried them. The doctors started in very small doses until they found one that worked for her.That was at about age 6 we recently weened her from her medication, but it all started again slowly we worked with the doctors to learn ways of helping her but in the end it was her that asked to start the medication again. SHe was the one not liking the way she felt and the lack of control she had. She talks very openly about how she feels. She has been very clear that she is to frustrated not being on the medication and wants a full and happy life, "normal".... seeing her feel so frustrated we put her back on the medication and she is thriving and such a happy person. She is like another child. I did the research and not all the medications are bad, finding the right doctor and the right medications can be a life saver. I have no regreats as i see my child loving life and living normal... It is a personal choice, and you have to do what you think is the best, i just wanted to share my experience with you.

Rebecca - posted on 10/01/2009

I had all of the same fears... i did not want my child a zombie. My daughter has had ADHD since she was just a tiny little thing, she is now almost 11. I tried everything to advoid medications, but I eventualy broke down and tried them. The doctors started in very small doses until they found one that worked for her.That was at about age 6 we recently weened her from her medication, but it all started again slowly we worked with the doctors to learn ways of helping her but in the end it was her that asked to start the medication again. SHe was the one not liking the way she felt and the lack of control she had. She talks very openly about how she feels. She has been very clear that she is to frustrated not being on the medication and wants a full and happy life, "normal".... seeing her feel so frustrated we put her back on the medication and she is thriving and such a happy person. She is like another child. I did the research and not all the medications are bad, finding the right doctor and the right medications can be a life saver. I have no regreats as i see my child loving life and living normal... It is a personal choice, and you have to do what you think is the best, i just wanted to share my experience with you.

Heather - posted on 10/01/2009

PS for those who think they know, but don't really. Concerta is long-acting Ritalin. Coffee can work, but it keeps them up all night and makes their little hearts race. I would recommend it.

Heather - posted on 10/01/2009

I have 5 kids and 4 have ADHD (btw, so do I). The drugs don't make them catatonic, unless the dose is WAY too high. The initial reaction may be that the child, for the first time in their little lives, is not having to fight the racing thoughts and has calmed themselves down.



I have 2 kids on Ritalin and 2 on Dexamphetamine, and just because your child may be the dreamy inattentive type / or the raving maniac type they still need the meds to be able to learn self-control and to be able to learn (better) all the things that kids need to learn. I'd recommend that you allow your child the right dose of the drug (probably the Dex from my experience with raving maniacs) because it allows them to learn better. It will make your life better to - but that's not why we do it - it's for the benefit of the child. You wouldn't hold back medication from your child if they had menengitus and needed it, would you? This is no different. Ignore those ignorant uninformed ppl who tell you not to do it. They don't know what it's like living with a child like that.

TARA - posted on 09/30/2009

hi we do have problem cause my older son how is 6 has anger management who that have something to do with that?? my 3yr old can't set till for 5mins he runs round like a lose nut and he is a der devil

Tamara - posted on 09/30/2009

ADHD tends to run in families. My advice is to ask for help from someone to get structure going in your house. Break daily routines into as small as chunks as possible. Example...make a schedule...5 minutes to brush their teeth...15 minutes to eat breakfast. It may sound crazy but children with ADHD need there lives broken in small managable bits. I have many strategies that I can share with you. Feel free to message.

TARA - posted on 09/30/2009

Quoting Angel:        

ADHD at 2yrs old?

My son who will be 3 in November was just diganosed w/ADHD. I am a little confused my 18yr old was diagnosed when he was 5yrs old. He could not function in any setting home, daycare, church, no where, my 2yr old on the other hand can function at daycare, everywhere else is a different story. I am the mother of 4 children. My 8yr old daughter is a very good child no complaints, and the 1yr old I am scared is starting to p/u on the bad habits up bigger brother. In the back of my mind I feel my doctor is trying to push drugs down my little guy (Ritalin) or I am a horrible parent who can't handle my child. I have some people saying to give him the meds and others saying not, too. I know what these meds do and I almost would rather have a raving maniac than a catatonic zombie. If any one has any advice I at my breaking point !

HELLO I JUST WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF MY SON HAS ADHD??  CAUSE RIGHT NOW HE IS VERY OUT OF CONTOL AND DOSE NOT LEASON WHAT DO I DO...

Lisa - posted on 09/30/2009

He sounds a little young for medication. I have a 6 and 10 yr. old with ADHD and I can say that medication can make a nigt and day difference. If he gets on the right med. and right dosage he shouldn't have the "catatonic zombie" problem. First, I would try biofeedback therapy. You can google it to get more info., but in short it is a therapy that retrains the brain by regulating brain waves in a completely noninvasive way. It's hard to explain but just know that it WORKS! Both of my sons did it and it worked amazingly well!

Amy - posted on 09/30/2009

My youngest (he's 7) has ADHD and is medicated with Vyvanse - I had to medicate him at age 5 because he was on the verge of being suspended from kindergarten! I didn't even know they could do that! I think 3 is a bit young to medicate but ultimately it's your decision. It certainly doesn't make you a bad mother! Good luck!

Joy - posted on 09/29/2009

hi my name is joy i have a son that is 9 now but he has been adhd since he was 11 months the docs told me the same thing when he was 5 in school i had to put him on something until he got of age i gave him alot of black coffee u can put some milk in it but that helped alot the caffene reacts dif with them . when he was little i did not know what to do he drove me crasy i just tryed to run him tired . if i was u dont put him on ritalin it is a bad drug it has alot bad sidafects i put my son on concerta i studyed all the drugs for about 4 weeks before i dicided to try concerta it was a good choice he has not had any sidafects at all he is at the to of his class now for 3 years they wanted me to skip him a grade even but he didnt want to but that is my story i hope it helps you good luck

Valoree - posted on 09/17/2009

i have a severely SEVERELY AD/HD 15 yr old son. i started him on ritalin at 5 yrs. it was extremely hard to adjust the dosage for he was so small. at 5 and 6 his weight was 25 lbs. so the 5mg tabs i had to break in half. needless to say it didn't really slow him down. as he got older the dosage was altered. also i like you was afraid of what the ritalin would do to his growing. i took him off in first grade and he was put back on it the second grade. it is trial and error to the most part. my son, i believe, was AD/HD as soon as he popped out. it's been very trying for 15 years. lots of experiences, mostly bad ones, but we learn as life goes by. every day is a little different and you never know what to expect. my son is very loving and kind but there were times i thought he was possesed. he does not do well in school, although he is very very smart and articulate very articulate.



CHADD is a helpful site as well as their afiliate NRC. these are very helpful that have specialists and doctors/nurses and other parents that write articles.



also bupropion, Wellbutrin, an antidepressant that doesn't have the side effects that ritalin has works on AD/HD. it is for depression and anxiety as well works for attention deficiet by depletting the anxiety which in some ways acts with the AD/HD.



if you decide not to medicate, stimulation is probably best. swimming is very good and anything else that takes a lot of energy. remember they are little so breaks need to be taken often. but stimulation for the body and for the brain will help with the activeness.



Good Luck

Jessica - posted on 09/17/2009

Kids are kids just remember that. My son is a very active 3 year old and yes there are days that he drives me nuts with how active he is but honestly I would rather my son be over active than not active enough. I can't say that if my son was diagnosed with ADHD if I would put him on medication.

Julie - posted on 09/17/2009

Hi! I agree with the other posts who suggest diet could be the contributing factor. Why do doctors just treat? Why don't they look for the cause? That annoys me! ANYWAY....if you haven't further researched the food side of things - check out this website - www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/ - it suggests an elimination diet to find out what affects your child - even if he does have ADHD it should help with his behavior when you cut certain things out of his diet - there's a book too which is VERY insightful. Good luck.

Alana - posted on 09/16/2009

my 14yr old son was diagnosed at 2 with adhd and they absolutely had to medicate him, he couldnt color a picture let alone sit for a half hour to even watch Blue's Clues, they tried ritalin, and I couldn't deal with the *zombie* effect of it, we switched to adderal, and that worked better, it was more controlled by me, and if he got it in the morning, and all went well, the afternoon dose was cut in half, it comes out of the system better and doesn't have as many adverse effects, also, watch his diet, dyes: yellow #5 and red #40, and the other yellow and reds, stay away from them, you will notice a difference, he will be calmer without them in the things he ingests, it took a lot of time and a lot, a LOT of trial and error with his diet, but we did get it worked out, he is now 14 and went through concerta and straterra, and I can now say, he knows when it is getting to him and what to do to aid in it, and is not on meds anymore... some out grow it eventually, but do some research on ritalin, I have found several studies showing that children that were on ritalin are now having to be on some form of medication, more often with the ritalin usage as a child, than with other meds...... good luck!

Kimberly - posted on 09/16/2009

Quoting Ava:

Children are children. They are not built to deal with the things we put them through as young as we do, like school and daycare and things that didn't exist when we were created. They're hyperactive. They want to play. They don't care about paying attention or sitting still because -they're kids-. In fact, studies show that their hyperactive behaviour HELPS them pay attention, like tapping pencils or fidgeting. Thank GOD my father told them no to Ritalin. He told them, quoting, "There is nothing wrong with my daughter that a buttwhooping can't fix." Because he was very old school. Curiously enough, the next time I went for a checkup, I curiously wasn't showing any symptoms of ADHD and I have never taken a pill of Ritalin in my life. It really DOES come down to parenting, timing, and environment. Do not medicate your child that young, even if you DO feel they have a legitimate problem that only medication can fix, because medicating a child at two years old for anything other than a serious ailment (necessary to life and well-being) is ridiculous.

Very well said Eva!! Amen to that!

Kimberly - posted on 09/16/2009

Quoting Susie:

 There is a specific test that involves an EEG and can diagnose ADD/ADHD with visible graphic results. It was suggested to me by a neurosurgeon. It causes no pain and tracks the child's brainwaves...your doctors, nor your teachers can do that no matter how long they stare at your child.
You have already learned from your 2 year old that some adults have different skill levels and tolerance levels when dealing with children! Get tangible evidence and have a qualified specialist make the decision...you would do that in any other medical situation.
Also, when deciding, with your doctor, whether or not to medicate, keep in mind the frustration for your child at school. If they are unable to function well in the school environment, it can cause serious emotional issues. Many of my little guys over the years have blamed themselves for this medical condition and see themselves as "bad". Remember that school is much different than home and that the reactions from staff and students is often non-verbal, but has a huge effect on the child's self-image!

Susie, I was going to post a lengthy reply, but decided against it as I am going through the process of deciding what to do with my 8 yr old and his diagnosis that came from writings on paper and being in the doctors office for -20 minutes. Last year his school staff were all saying; sounds like he has ADHD to me. Well, I was.....no need to say how I was at that point. In reference to your post; Thank you for informing us of more than a doctors visit and a pyschotherapy visit is available. I will do research on this and find out (hopefully) for sure whether my child is ADHD or just a normal child. Thank you once again and hope to be in touch with you as well as others on this forum. Take care and God bless!

Erawita - posted on 09/12/2009

Dear Angel, I have a 6 y.o. daughter diagnosed with mild ADHD since she was 4. I already noticed the delayed speech since she was 2. But confirming the diagnosis should be after 3 years old because small child only have short attention span, that doesn't mean she's definetely ADHD. Sensory integration therapy and speech therapy is the good choice to start with rathet than medication. Although at 4 y.o. my daughter finally was given a small dose with Ritalin (up till now), but I think that the doctor gave that with caution to help her maintain concentration (she did not became a cathathonic zombie) and I continue the other therapy as well. She has already in her elementary school now and things are improving a lot for her. If she hadn't receive Ritalin, she may be still catastrophic and no ordinary school will take her as their students. So I think you should consider this carefully.

Erawita - posted on 09/12/2009

Dear Angel, I have a 6 y.o. daughter diagnosed with mild ADHD since she was 4. I already noticed the delayed speech since she was 2. But confirming the diagnosis should be after 3 years old because small child only have short attention span, that doesn't mean she's definetely ADHD. Sensory integration therapy and speech therapy is the good choice to start with rathet than medication. Although at 4 y.o. my daughter finally was given a small dose with Ritalin (up till now), but I think that the doctor gave that with caution to help her maintain concentration (she did not became a cathathonic zombie) and I continue the other therapy as well. She has already in her elementary school now and things are improving a lot for her. If she hadn't receive Ritalin, she may be still catastrophic and no ordinary school will take her as their students. So I think you should consider this carefully.

MICHELLE - posted on 09/08/2009

I have 3 kids with ADHD and just recently bought a book about ADHD and diet. It is a very interesting book but I am still unsure as to how to go about changing their diet and weeding out different foods. How did you do it?

Susie - posted on 09/07/2009

Angel,

Be VERY WARY of people who will state a medical opinion, but do not have a medical degree! Many of these moms and teachers have valid concerns and good intentions, but they are NOT doctors! Even a real doctor would not advise you, either way, without examining your child!

Having been a Special Education teacher for 12 years, and a mother who was advised by teaching staff to medicate, I will advise you to seriously review your son's eating habits and then discuss it with a doctor that you are sure you can trust.

He or she should NOT diagnose based on a short visit. There is a specific test that involves an EEG and can diagnose ADD/ADHD with visible graphic results. It was suggested to me by a neurosurgeon. It causes no pain and tracks the child's brainwaves...your doctors, nor your teachers can do that no matter how long they stare at your child.

You have already learned from your 2 year old that some adults have different skill levels and tolerance levels when dealing with children! Get tangible evidence and have a qualified specialist make the decision...you would do that in any other medical situation.

Also, when deciding, with your doctor, whether or not to medicate, keep in mind the frustration for your child at school. If they are unable to function well in the school environment, it can cause serious emotional issues. Many of my little guys over the years have blamed themselves for this medical condition and see themselves as "bad". Remember that school is much different than home and that the reactions from staff and students is often non-verbal, but has a huge effect on the child's self-image!

Jemma - posted on 09/07/2009

hello i have just read and i am feeling the same as you i have a 3 year old who has adhd and it s just so hard at times. the problem i am having is i cant get him diganosed i hear it would cost me about 2k and i just dont have that sort of money. if you could let me know if you had to pay or if you know any where i can get fundings.. i feel like i am going mad sum day s it s just so hard. he will be startng vplay group tomorrow and i know it will only be a matter of time b4 i get a phone call asking me to go get him, cos he has hit kicked or hurt another child in sum way... you were saying abot med for yr child i would defo get the med and give to yr child i am 24 now but when i wasyounger i also had ADHD and i know without i couldn t cope and wouldn t have done well in school. if you can give me any help what so ever and if u want help with anything. or would like to ask me anying about it im more than happy to help you. jem

Ava - posted on 09/06/2009

This is ridiculous. I'm absolutely disgusted with the medical community. Look, I was diagnosed with "ADHD" when I was about seven. They tried to persuade my dad to put me on a high dose of Ritalin because I couldn't pay attention. Here's some interesting tidbits: Children with ADHD do not need medicated. Don't EVER let a doctor tell you that. Children are children. They are not built to deal with the things we put them through as young as we do, like school and daycare and things that didn't exist when we were created. They're hyperactive. They want to play. They don't care about paying attention or sitting still because -they're kids-. In fact, studies show that their hyperactive behaviour HELPS them pay attention, like tapping pencils or fidgeting. Thank GOD my father told them no to Ritalin. He told them, quoting, "There is nothing wrong with my daughter that a buttwhooping can't fix." Because he was very old school. Curiously enough, the next time I went for a checkup, I curiously wasn't showing any symptoms of ADHD and I have never taken a pill of Ritalin in my life. It really DOES come down to parenting, timing, and environment. Do not medicate your child that young, even if you DO feel they have a legitimate problem that only medication can fix, because medicating a child at two years old for anything other than a serious ailment (necessary to life and well-being) is ridiculous. My friends all took Ritalin as young kids and early in teenagehood, and nobody liked being around them. They were zombie-like. To me, it's a way for doctors and teachers (who usually suggest parents get a kid diagnosed) to control kids because they want them to act like adults. Newsflash: your kid isn't an adult, and won't behave like an adult. They're going to be ill-attentive if they're wired that way. To this DAY my fiance is ill-attentive and still displays symptoms of "ADHD", and was never medicated for them for the same reason. He's a functioning adult, he's just a little quirky. Like I said, leave your kid be. Don't fall into the ADHD/Ritalin fad, because it's really just a way for doctors and pharmacies to make money. Almost every kid I have EVER met has been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. It's just unbelievable.

Melanie - posted on 09/06/2009

My daughter is ADHD and been on medication since she was in Kdg. It helps so much and helps her and she is learning so much now. If she doesn't have her meds its like she can't control her body it overtakes her and she cant think b/c her mind is going to fast... I thank god for medication at least for my daughter and she may be able to not take it we are in 3rd grade now and she is starting to do a lot more and her behaviors are getting better.. she is a wonderful child

Nivedita - posted on 09/03/2009

hey !! it aint time 2 break , :-) its time 2 gear up n gt into action wid full energy n force.. nw tell me hv ya heard of 'stem cell' therapy... nw dat holds answers to all ur agonies :-) trust me.. its a revolution in d field of med sciences.. wont push ya or evn pester ya wid ma thoughts.. do ur own research.. i cn evn help ya out wid d tel. nos. of doc who practices d same in india.. trust me , if theres nethin dat cn put an end 2 ur troubles, its stem cells.. tc dear, n gt bk 2 wrk, ya gotta do a lot in order to make things fall in place, if i cn b of ne further help, i shll b more than obliged ... ma love to d kids ... :-)

Tracy - posted on 09/02/2009

My son was diagnosed at 5 ritalin did help him & us.He is now 20 &still perscibed ritalin but only takes them when he feels himself he is losing control of things.In my experience i found i proberbly knew more about ADHD than most of the doctors we saw simply because what i knew came from experience & what they knew came from a book.You are not a bad parent & you do not have a bad child,dont let doctors or schools or anyone push you into doing anything you dont feel is right for your child ,he lives with you not them. just do what ever it is that works for you your child & family.good luck...

Laurie - posted on 09/01/2009

you aren't alone in this.....my son, now 27 yrs. old, was also diagnosed wth ADHD....but not until he was in 6th grade and we had already tried to deal with his issues on our own......I didn't like the ritalin...although they now have some new drugs (Adderal, sp?)out there....ADHD tends to run in families...., my son's father was ADHD, as was his cousins and Uncle on his father's side....medication is the beginning....training and working directly with the child is a part of it too...which you have already been through with your older son....I wouldhave to say that your 3 yr old "may" also be ADHD, but he really is much to young to be put on any medication....at this time. He really is much too young. I would though begin watching his intake of "processed" foods...white sugar, etc...try to stay away from those...if possible....whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables....bake your own cookies if possibe using natural sugars.....Angel - I would hold off on any medications until he reaches about 5....if you continue to have issues, then I would seek other alternatives first, or if it seems really bad.....then "try" temporarily one of the newer meds....there will always be side effects from medications....just remember....ADHD is as if your baby has a V8 engine for a mind (ie, super smart) compared to our usual 4 cylinder minds.....he can sit and line up cars and trucks but don't mess with the arangement....or he can sit and play with Legos until the cows come home...but if he is put on the spot with things he is not familiar with or not interested in....he will refocus onto other things, such as repetative noises, repetative movements, etc...which to the "normal" (whatever that is) person is very annoying. Your son may be "out of the box" but that is something to be proud of, not to condemn.....he is brilliant, and that brilliance simply needs a little more guidance than normal..Hugs, Laurie

Rosemarie - posted on 09/01/2009

hi my name is roe. i have a son that is going to be six in sept. i also believe in no meds. my son was in kindergarden last year , special ed and a 12-1-1 setting. my son in school only the for 7 days and the assitant princple said to my husband maybe you need to take your son to the doctor , maybe he needs to be on meds. what the hell is that all about. you are right i do not my son to be like a zombie. back to the school . i was getting phone calls that he was not listening and not sitting down in his set. they kept telling me that he needed to be in a smaller class size. there are suppose to be 12 kids in that class and only started with 3. that right 3 kids .they can not handle 3 kids.. my son was never diganosed with adhd. but by the end of the year he was doing better and he is going back into a 12-1-1 for the first grade. my son has a speech impairment. he recieves pt , ot , speech therphy. one last thing . do not let anyone tell you that your son needs to go on meds. have a great night.

Maria - posted on 09/01/2009

My 16 yr old has been diagnosed w/ADHD since he was in KG. He was a busy toddler so I wasn't surprised when school brought it up. I beleive he has a learning disability just not sure he has ADHD. I was told that they could not diagnosed till school age. We resisted medication until 4th grade and only gave in due to the testing requirements in Ohio. If it wasn't interfering with school we wouldn't have gone with meds. We were not having behavior problems. Since he is still young there is no rush. I would look at other things, diet, home structure, before turning to medication.

Sarah - posted on 09/01/2009

You could try an elimination diet which pretty much takes everything out of a childs diet that could potentially trigger hyperactivity and then slowly start introducing the usual foods bit by bit one at a time. Soon enough if it is a food product that is triggering it it sure is noticed. My mum did this diet for my brother and for him it was anything with tomatoes in it. There are heaps off books out there on the topic with recipes and helpful hints etc in them. it also goes by the name the failsafe diet as well.

hope this helps

Shannon - posted on 09/01/2009

Quoting Angel:

ADHD at 2yrs old?

My son who will be 3 in November was just diganosed w/ADHD. I am a little confused my 18yr old was diagnosed when he was 5yrs old. He could not function in any setting home, daycare, church, no where, my 2yr old on the other hand can function at daycare, everywhere else is a different story. I am the mother of 4 children. My 8yr old daughter is a very good child no complaints, and the 1yr old I am scared is starting to p/u on the bad habits up bigger brother. In the back of my mind I feel my doctor is trying to push drugs down my little guy (Ritalin) or I am a horrible parent who can't handle my child. I have some people saying to give him the meds and others saying not, too. I know what these meds do and I almost would rather have a raving maniac than a catatonic zombie. If any one has any advice I at my breaking point !

My son was diagnosed when he was in 2nd grade, and I have recently found the right meds for him! He is on a patch called "Daytrana" its wonderful. He doesnt have to take pills and I just put them on while he is sleeping and hes ready to go when he wakes up. He is now in 5th grade and doing wonderful. I knew for along time that he was ADHD and I waited and waited to go to the doc. but now I am glad I did. He is getting good grades and is a joy to be around. He still has is moments but what kid doesn't.

    I am also a Para in the school system and see what the kids do at school with ADHD, it is very hard for them to learn anything so my advice to you is ...wait until schoolage if you can handle it at home and daycare then wait. Your the parent its your choice. There are other choices other than adderol and Ritalin. I hope I was of some help to you Good Luck.-Shannon ,Yutan Ne

Lynn - posted on 08/31/2009

I feel for you as I have a son with the same thing he was ADD and ADHD and I felt the same way about the drugs that you did. I saw other kids that were on it and they seemed to be zombie like, however that was because the dosage was in correct they have to change it all the time with their weight and height and they react to the drug. I will tell you when my son hit school things only got worse as they did not know how to handle the situtation and was not will nor did they have the time to deal with it. After I felt I had no where to turn someone told me about Peel childrens center and they helped the whole family with understanding how to deal with him and work with him to get him to understand us as your son's thought process is very different and we also need to be taught his way to understand him. I will tell my son did end up on Ritalin but watching closely he was given the right doseage and he never behaved like a zombie and it sure helped him at school and without it I really don't believe he would have been able to be in regular classes. Please read all about the drug and not just take what people are telling you as you and your family are the ones that have to live with and deal with it don't worry about anyones option it is only yours that counts.

Lynn - posted on 08/31/2009

I feel for you as I have a son with the same thing he was ADD and ADHD and I felt the same way about the drugs that you did. I saw other kids that were on it and they seemed to be zombie like, however that was because the dosage was in correct they have to change it all the time with their weight and height and they react to the drug. I will tell you when my son hit school things only got worse as they did not know how to handle the situtation and was not will nor did they have the time to deal with it. After I felt I had no where to turn someone told me about Peel childrens center and they helped the whole family with understanding how to deal with him and work with him to get him to understand us as your son's thought process is very different and we also need to be taught his way to understand him. I will tell my son did end up on Ritalin but watching closely he was given the right doseage and he never behaved like a zombie and it sure helped him at school and without it I really don't believe he would have been able to be in regular classes. Please read all about the drug and not just take what people are telling you as you and your family are the ones that have to live with and deal with it don't worry about anyones option it is only yours that counts.

Misty - posted on 08/31/2009

i have twin daughters with ADHD and I put them on meds bc of the problems they were having in school and you know it made it worse for them. We went through no kidding 7 different types of meds and one girls it made a zombie and the other made her very violent so my advice to you is to follow your gut feelings bc if you think that they need it then ok but they dont then dont listen to the dr you know your kids better than he/she does. Mine are now 10 and they are in programs for ADHD and learning disabilities and we are doing much better. you know my thought is I have ADHD and it is mostly hereditary so look into that and they are going to be like this for the rest of theirs lives. I told my girls that you need to adapt to the way you are and become aware of it then find ways to control it bc all meds do is hinder it bc it only works for so long then your body gets immune to it and they dont works. another thought is educate yourself on the types of drugs and different types of ADHD. if you need help I have all kinds of websites for this particular thing.

Missy - posted on 08/30/2009

Figure out what his "hot spot" is.It's amazing how hard little ones will work for a 50 cent hot wheels car or similar thing. :)

We have a boy who, now 17, who was at one point very ADHD and severely autistic. I am happy to tell you that he is now a Jr in high school in the honors program and can tolerate eating most anything. When he was the age of your little one, they wanted to medicate him right away. I said no, he was way too young for that. We found controlling the diet helped a great deal and the rewards thing helped too. Though putting him into the classroom setting at the age of 5 was a big mistake. The teachers focused soo much on behaviors that he was having a difficult time learning.

On our own, we researched and found that the herb cat nip works really well for helping troubled tummies (which he had a lot) had the nice added effect of being calming to him. You can get it in a tea form but we found better success just getting it in capsule form and opening it up into his juice, applesauce, or pudding. Half a capsule to start with at the age of 2. If it doesn't do the job increase 1/4 to 1/2 a capsule again in 20 minutes. The goal is calm without putting him to sleep unless it is bed time of course.

We now have a 5 year old who is also on the spectrum and also ADHD. I am home schooling him as he could not handle being in a 20+ student class room. He is VERY bright just like his brother. By just using his teachable moments throughout the day, he is reading at a mid 2nd grade level and doing 1st grade math. Trying to force him - a square peg so to speak - into a round hole would have crushed his spirit.

We have found that cat nip helps him relax and get good sleep at night and we have found a supplement through the health food store called Calm Child drops that helps when he really has to attend in a group like at church. We also give him 1 tablespoon of Carson's lemon flavor fish oil each day mixed into 2 scoops of Reliv, Kids now Vanilla. He was struggling with not gaining weight at a normal rate until we started using the Reliv and oil. More of the messed up gut the poor thing was dealing with.

I would suggest you get a notebook and make a chart with the date and time of behaviors witnessed on one side and date and time of foods and chemical exposures on the other. Simply make a flow chart with a line down the center. Get siblings, daycare staff, spouse, etc to help. By everyone helping, you will be able to see patterns develop faster than if everyone isn't on board. By making that chart alone, we were able to eliminate several things that were causing the boys distress and causing wild behaviors. For example, citrus was a HUGE one for both boys and strong fragrances were another. Lawn chemicals set them off. They were both noise sensitive. You are your son's best advocate and best at seeing what are his triggers. Once you start the chart, many, many things will start to leap off the page at you as a reoccurring pattern and changes can be made to help him out. Good luck and let me know if there is any way I can help.

Missy - posted on 08/30/2009

Figure out what his "hot spot" is.It's amazing how hard little ones will work for a 50 cent hot wheels car or similar thing. :)

We have a boy who, now 17, who was at one point very ADHD and severely autistic. I am happy to tell you that he is now a Jr in high school in the honors program and can tolerate eating most anything. When he was the age of your little one, they wanted to medicate him right away. I said no, he was way too young for that. We found controlling the diet helped a great deal and the rewards thing helped too. Though putting him into the classroom setting at the age of 5 was a big mistake. The teachers focused soo much on behaviors that he was having a difficult time learning.

On our own, we researched and found that the herb cat nip works really well for helping troubled tummies (which he had a lot) had the nice added effect of being calming to him. You can get it in a tea form but we found better success just getting it in capsule form and opening it up into his juice, applesauce, or pudding. Half a capsule to start with at the age of 2. If it doesn't do the job increase 1/4 to 1/2 a capsule again in 20 minutes. The goal is calm without putting him to sleep unless it is bed time of course.

We now have a 5 year old who is also on the spectrum and also ADHD. I am home schooling him as he could not handle being in a 20+ student class room. He is VERY bright just like his brother. By just using his teachable moments throughout the day, he is reading at a mid 2nd grade level and doing 1st grade math. Trying to force him - a square peg so to speak - into a round hole would have crushed his spirit.

We have found that cat nip helps him relax and get good sleep at night and we have found a supplement through the health food store called Calm Child drops that helps when he really has to attend in a group like at church. We also give him 1 tablespoon of Carson's lemon flavor fish oil each day mixed into 2 scoops of Reliv, Kids now Vanilla. He was struggling with not gaining weight at a normal rate until we started using the Reliv and oil. More of the messed up gut the poor thing was dealing with.

I would suggest you get a notebook and make a chart with the date and time of behaviors witnessed on one side and date and time of foods and chemical exposures on the other. Simply make a flow chart with a line down the center. Get siblings, daycare staff, spouse, etc to help. By everyone helping, you will be able to see patterns develop faster than if everyone isn't on board. By making that chart alone, we were able to eliminate several things that were causing the boys distress and causing wild behaviors. For example, citrus was a HUGE one for both boys and strong fragrances were another. Lawn chemicals set them off. They were both noise sensitive. You are your son's best advocate and best at seeing what are his triggers. Once you start the chart, many, many things will start to leap off the page at you as a reoccurring pattern and changes can be made to help him out. Good luck and let me know if there is any way I can help.

Kim - posted on 08/30/2009

I am a mum of 4 and a special ed teacher. I have seen great success with diet modification to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. Salicylates, which are naturally occuring chemicals in most fresh fruits and vegetables can be responsible for many behaviours. Google the 'Feingold diet' and 'Salicylates' to learn how you can help your child. 3 years old is far too young for Ritalin

Janine - posted on 08/30/2009

Their are diets out their that help! They are a big pain in the but to stay on and you have to watch everything they eat but they do work! Another thing is exercise if your little one gets on a regular exercise routine it burns up some of that extra energy and help with the focuse.

Leanne - posted on 08/30/2009

hi a doctor upt my son on ritalin an it helped 4 a little while but then it stopped working i changed his diet i got on to a web site called fed up with food additives .info its write by sue dengate an got her cookbook and other cookbooks as well then a doctor asked me if the other doc did tests an i said no tests where done i took him off them a got a vaga test done an he has a lot of reactions 2 certain foods he is now off the meds has been for a while and i havnt looked back coz of the depression it cored him you are a good mum my addvice is not to put him on the meds there is a all natural med in the usa that with deliver here to australia it costs a bout 200 dollars for a couple months supply think it was called flavay it was in a ritalin site so that is something you mite like to check out we have just stuck with natural meds for my son fish oil cod liver oil tabs he still has his moment his mind races a lot but he also has epilepsy i hope somthing i have writen helps you in some way it not easy for some kids but i really would try natural meds first though

Anne - posted on 08/29/2009

its possible that your children have been affected by immunizations and are toxic......look into this and find someone that treats holistically

Kristen - posted on 08/29/2009

Ok, I am also a mom of 4. I was also a preschool teacher for 5 years. In my oppinion, 2 yrs old is way too young to diagnose ADHD. Think about a normal 2 yr old. They call it the terrible two's for a reason. They are going to act up and not pay attention. They have a short attention span. How was your 2 yr old diagnosed? Was he put through any testing at all? The earliest any of mine, I have 2 out of my 4 that have ADHD, were diagnosed and given meds was at age 5. This was once they were in kindergarten when children should be starting to calm down a bit. Again this is just my oppinion and I also think way too many doctor's are pushing meds these days instead of looking for any other issues.

Kristen - posted on 08/29/2009

Ok, I am also a mom of 4. I was also a preschool teacher for 5 years. In my oppinion, 2 yrs old is way too young to diagnose ADHD. Think about a normal 2 yr old. They call it the terrible two's for a reason. They are going to act up and not pay attention. They have a short attention span. How was your 2 yr old diagnosed? Was he put through any testing at all? The earliest any of mine, I have 2 out of my 4 that have ADHD, were diagnosed and given meds was at age 5. This was once they were in kindergarten when children should be starting to calm down a bit. Again this is just my oppinion and I also think way too many doctor's are pushing meds these days instead of looking for any other issues.

April - posted on 08/29/2009

I have an 11yr old with ADHD.I didnt belive in meds for ADHD and refused him to be on them,until he started school then he couldnt be still or function right in school to be able to keep his grades up.Thats when we put him on meds.He is on the Daytrana patch.I like it alot,he eats,goes to bed on time and can function in school where he makes all A's.and he does NOT act like a zombie!!!

Angel - posted on 08/29/2009

Oh my goodness, I am swimming with all the info and still trying to get through all your replies. I have not put him on the meds! I have been really trying hard with him and trying to get my husband on the same page with me it is going to be a hard road ahead. We are family of very strong wills. I wish I would have had this kinda of outlet when my 1st son was diagnosed I was very young at the time and a single mother. I went with the Dr diagnoses not even questioning it.



Since I posted last Stoney has slept through the night for 3 nites, roamed and disturbed everyone once, and I have found him in his sisters bed the others(he was very quiet did not wake anyone up not even sister). I would say this is some progress since before I had not had a complete nites sleep in god knows how long. Going to bed is not as big of a fight as it has been, atleast the screaming and crying on everyones part has stopped. He still not listening and just acting absolutely nuts when he comes home from daycare.



My doctor also said he needed speech therapy because she could not understand him. I took him and they tested him, he does not need it the therapist said he was above his age level just a little hyper.



I will keep you posted and I will be calling on a few of you to pick you brains after I have hit some of this research info you all have provided. Also to the other mothers who say you are going through this too, read the other replies there is wealth info these ladies have offered.



Thank you all I really needed this, I was really beating myself up over this!!!

Amie - posted on 08/29/2009

My mother is a peds nurse and she says that is way too young to be a correct diagnoisis. A child isn't capable of sitting still and focusing for the testing for ADHD until they are 5 or 6. I think you should know that some dr's get paid for prescribing certain meds more often, by the drug companies. The company that makes ritalin is one of the companies that likes to push their dr's to prescribe. Its ridiculous

Jennifer - posted on 08/29/2009

I'm pretty sure my almost 3 yr old is gonna be diagnosed with it too!!! I'm not a fan of meds but I am a fan of my sanity so I'm tryin to keep her focused on arts and crafts and I believe diet and exercise plays a big role in behavior!!!

Cynthia - posted on 08/29/2009

I have two sons that were diagnosed with ADHD. I am also a teacher. I wrote my Master's Degree Thesis on ADHD. Diagnosing a 2 year old is inappropriate. His hyperactivity may be developmental. I would stand my ground. Get a second opinion. I am not against medicating when necessary, however, medicating a 2 year old does not make sense to me. You are NOT a horrible parent. ADHD is a real issue. When and if you decide to medicate, watch the dosage. Don't be afraid to speak up to the doctor if the medication is making him "catatonic". Dosing can be changed. Best of luck to you and your son!

Jessica - posted on 08/29/2009

How was he diagnosed? With a survey/questionaire? Those are so subjective. If you dont' want your 2 year old on meds, then tell the Dr you are taking him off. Those meds are not saving his life, etc. Learn more about behavior management and being consistent and let him be TWO. They are supposed to have some fun. :) Good luck.

Pamela - posted on 08/29/2009

Get a 2nd opinion. Ask your doctor to refer you to a Psychiatrist who can evaluate the situation. There are more meds out there than just Ritalin. My son is on Concerta and he doesn't get in the catatonic zombie phase. He finds it helps him focus tremendously.

Darlene - posted on 08/29/2009

hello yes we have a son and was told he had adhd and put on tablets and turned out he did,nt have it at all he was sleep deprived and put on melatonin and started sleeping better and is a different child so don,t let doctors bully you into putting your child on drugs