ADHD and ODD

Juliecc913 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-04-2003, 02:04 PM

Today was our appointment for our four year old with the psychologist at the Children's Hospital. While the doctor still has two little tests he wants to do on him, he confirmed my thought that he has ADHD (impulsitivity) and ODD.

It was a very draining two hour session and while I am glad to have confirmed my "feeling" that there is something wrong with him; I am very sad that there is something wrong with him.

I didn't realize how alone in the "diagnosis" I felt. I've know for at least two years that something was wrong with him but nobody around me (except my teenage son) believed me. It was so good to hear the doctor say that I was right on target, that my expectations were reasonable and that he had a plan to help us reach my goals of: learning how to appropriate parent him, getting him to calm down and helping him to fit in socially.

We go back next week. I need a hug.

Caronamy · #2 (**permalink**) 03-04-2003, 02:19 PM

((((((

))))))

Consider yourself hugged!

nagymom · #3 (**permalink**) 03-04-2003, 03:31 PM

Julie my 7 year old dgd was diagnosed ADHD last year and is now on Concerta. We can't believe what a difference it has made in her learning and behavior and can definitely tell if she misses a dose--which is rare. She is a very bright little girl but could not focus. Now that she's on medication she's doing wonderfully! She too was tested thoroughly so we trust this diagnosis. We've since learned that ADD is often hereditary and I am firmly convinced that her dad (our ex-s-i-l) is an undiagnosed ADD. How sad that he has struggled all of his life and could have been helped with this!
Just remember there is NO shame in this diagnosis! I know at first that I was a little embarrassed for want of a better word but now realize that it in no way affects her inteligence and that the medication has in fact helped her excell.

I'm here to talk any time if you need it.

Jayne

Juliecc913 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-05-2003, 06:26 AM

Jayne, thank you so much for your post. I, of course, discussed this diagnosis with my DH and he (for the first time) admitted that he was probably ODD (not ready to admit to ADHD) but that was a biggie. He says he is willing to do whatever we need to to help our son and for that, I am grateful.

I will call on you for support if things get rough. Again thank you so much for responding.

Juliecc913 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2003, 02:55 PM

Caron, I could have sworn I wrote you a big thank you right after you posted the hug but it is not here! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Juliecc913 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-11-2003, 03:49 PM

Went back to the doctor today--DS behaved nearly perfectly (wouldn't you know it). The doctor gave me some good ideas on how to deal with him and we go back again next week. The school gave him an angelic report (the same school that sends him to the principals office frequently grrrr I know they are trying to avoid labeling him, probably covering their your know whats but grrrr).

Juliecc913 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-08-2003, 05:15 PM

Went to the the psychiatrist on the 1st and Rob acted like Rob in all his glory--I hate to say it but that was nice so she could see how he gets. We have started him on medication and I have seen a difference in him--he is calmer, more focused and more in control so that is great. I'm also reading up on parenting this special child. Anybody have any advice for me?

nagymom · #8 (**permalink**) 04-09-2003, 07:09 AM

Julie, What med is your son on? My dgd saw the doctor last week and he changed her med. The Concerta certainly works but had downsides. She's a tiny little thing and her appetite was almost non-existent. She sometimes had toruble sleeping too and I undetstand Concerta can be habit forming. It's a controlled substance so she had to see him every month for refills.

He changed her over to Strattera, 25 mg. She is a little more hyper on this but her appetite has increased substantially.

She also sleeps like a baby now too. We've alerted her teacher so she can watch too and let us know if she sees any drastic changes in behavior.

As far as parenting, these kids are perfectly normal outside the ADD so we set firm rules that she must follow just like her cousin. She needs as much affection as any kid but I don't hesitate to discipline if necessary. I'm happy to say we haven't skipped a beat with her. Her teacher can't believe her last teacher (another town) tried to imply she isn't intelligent. Grrrrrrr I get mad all over agaa when I think about it. She wanted to hold her back!! This is one bright child and we have no doubt it's that teacher who lacks intelligence. She has been teaching for years and she didn't recognize classic ADD?????

Good luck and keep us posted. I hope your son has a good teacher. This one is fabulous and we hope for just as good next year in 3rd grade.

Jayne

Juliecc913 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-16-2003, 04:36 PM

He is on Clonidine and I am still happy with how settled he is now. I agree about the firm rules--when I let him get a bit out of control he goes way out there but if I reign him in quickly we smooth back out. I have hope now that he can actually participate in a group activity like soccer or gymnastics which I can't believe I am able to say that!

Juliecc913 · #10 (**permalink**) 04-22-2004, 05:32 PM

Interesting to me that it has been a year since our diagnosis. We switched to Concerta six months ago and up until the last three or four weeks it has been wonderful. The doctor doubled his dosage today and we see no difference. Looks like we will have to move on to something else.

Does anyone else out there have a young child with ADHD? If so, what are you doing? How is it working?

Thanks.