ADHD In Young Teen - I'm Frustrated

My brother had ADD and maybe ADHD (they didn't really test that much back then). When he got to that age we were told the meds he was on could have the opposite effect. The chemical changes going on in their bodies at that time makes the interaction different. I would talk to his dr and see if that's a possibility.

Hi Suzanne:

As a mother, lawyer, and a person who was diagnosed with ADD at 34 years of age, this is what I would suggest for your son so he is not so ansty come the 11 am hour. This of course depends on what your routine at home is and how responsive he is. I am not an advocate of the drugs and I am hyper sensitive to Ritalin and can only take 2.5 mgs --just because one gets older does not mean the doseage should be increased as it sometimes can have the opposite effect and make ADHA children MORE hyper (I have a good friend's whose son had to go off of Concerta for this reason and it made him violent).

With that said, I would suggest that you get you son out of bed 30 mins earlier in the morning and have him go run or take a brisk walk (preferable with a member of the family), aerobics, jumping jacks and lights weights and sits ups, any exercise (or swim if you have a pool), before he gets ready for school in the morning. That way any execess energy is burned off and he is more on the "tired" side rather than the hyper side. I know that if I increase my exercise I am calmer and more focused and able to concentrate better overall.

I hope this was helpful.

L.

Foods that have artificial colors in it are believed to cause hyperactivity in children who are sensative to chemicals. Limit sugary stuff and chemicals as much as possible. Try to cook as our grandparents used to cook before there were frozen and boxed everything. And make sure that he is eating a little bit of protein at each meal to stabilize his blood surgar level.

Yes, food should definately help! Make sure he eats a good, healthy breakfast - a whole grain carb and a protein (and a fruit, too, if he'll eat it) - but definately a carb and a protein b/c it will hold his hunger longer. If his teacher will allow a snack, then send him with a snack. My son is also ADHD and he eats a gluten free, dairy free diet. I heard that sometimes dairy can contribute to bad behavior, so if your son eats dairy, maybe you would want to try dairy free (but it takes a good month before you might see results, so you need to be very serious about going dairy free - no slip ups (if at all possible) and stick with it for an entire month). Also, are you giving him high doses of omega 3 DHA and EPA fish oil? You cannot overdose on fish oil, so give him plenty of DHA and EPA. Buy a good quality brand (from a health food store - ask for help and they'll show you the best brands - Jarrow and Carlson are a couple of good ones). If he won't swallow the fish oil pills, puncture them and mix it with juice or whatever. Fish oil helps with concentration. I also just started my son on Protandim. Protandim is a supplement that contains green tea, turmeric and a couple other ingredients I can't remember. It was designed for age-reversal (oxidative stress), but helps with hundreds of other diseases - ADHD is one of them. Protandim rids the body of oxidative stress (toxins) and as a result makes you focus much better, since the toxins are out of your body (due to the high amounts of anti oxidants it gives your body). My chiropractor said it can take up to a few months to notice a difference, so I am hoping for good results! I recommend putting your son on Protandim, giving him a lot of EPA and DHA (if you already don't), and making sure he eats a healthy balanced diet (and possibly trying dairy free). You definately don't need to increase his meds. Good luck!

I teach special ed and have had students who take medication that experience just what you describe in your son. Right before lunch, they would start getting antsy. Your first thought is that maybe the meds need to be adjusted, but then we started noticing after lunch, the antsyness was gone. Try having him eat a small snack (I have found a little carbs, like crackers, work well) about a half hour before the time he would normally start to get fidgety.
Good luck!

he may need an adjustment on his meds because his body is changing. my friends children are both adhd and she refuses to put them on meds until they are old enough to decide they want to be on them she uses b12. maybe this can help your son along with what hes already taking. maybe he does need a snack or something heavier for breakfast. talk to his dr and see what the cause of this anstiness could be. good luck!

Hi,
You will have to work through the process of meds again. When they get into puberty it really can change quickly with the change in hormones. I had a student I was tutoring and he suddenly got to have problems about 11:00am ...his teacher didn't inform the mom and she thought the meds were just wearing off after school. Please do this. The boy I was working with was fine once he had his drugs adjusted and able to concentrate on schoolwork. He still has more than half the school year left and junior high school is difficult enough without falling behind because of ADHD. There are many new ones out that may work well. See the physician soon.
I will pray that the meds will work quickly and he will do better in school.
H.

I work with elementary school kids, but I would think your son would have an IEP. Rather than worrying about changing your son's meds, it would be great if together with the school and teachers, you and your son could come up with ideas that would help him handle his restlessness. I am sure your son is frustrated as well. Sometimes I let my students have snacks if they need it. If the teachers aren't helpful talk to others on site at school. Good luck.

Hi, Suzanne. My son (now 20) had ADHD also, diagnosed at the same age. Try removing red foods from his diet and see if that helps (even natural reds, like red delicious apples). Giving him caffeine may help too (hot chocolate with breakfast or maybe a Kudos granola bar for snack?). Watch him closely and if he seems to be having issues or personality changes, take him in. Although we were told it was less common when the child's been medicated from a young age, the hormone changes at puberty can cause personality issues and even suicidal thoughts, so just be aware and address any concerns with his physician.
Best of luck.

I read an interesting article a few years ago from a doctor who had done case studies and found ADD/ADHD linked to certain preservatives (among other things) in foods. He said to stay away from food dyes and petroleum-based preservatives such as BHT and BHQ (those are the only two I can remember), commonly found in cereals. The one cereal I can remember that he said was safe was Cheerios (only the original, some of the variations have the petroleum-based preservatives). Since learning of these, I have seen those products in so many cereals that I used to think were "healthy," including my former favorite cereral. I wish I could remember the full list of names for the petroleum-based preservatives, but you could probably find information on the internet.

I have also heard that an overall healthy diet, adequate sleep, and staying away from sugar are helpful. I am not speaking from experience. My kids are just pre-schoolers now, but I am tucking away all of this information now because I expect that I may face this in the future (my 3 year old is the most hyper kid I have ever known, and my husband believes he himself was probably ADD/ADHD as a kid and would have been drugged if they did that back then).

I hope you find something that helps and I wish you the best!

Hi Suzanne,

I would definitely try the mid-morning protien snack. If his behavior is that goofy that consistently at that time, it really does sound like he needs a snack.

The other thing I would recommend, as both a jr. high/high school teacher and a mom of two very high-energy (although not ADHD) sons, is to pop in and visit his classes (particularly the 11am one, when he seems to be at his worst). My youngest was in 2nd grade and his teacher complained constantly about my son's behavior. Frustrated beyond belief, I started to drop in to check things out for myself (unannounced, of course). Imagine my surprise to find out that, while an excellent teacher, this teacher's style didn't work for my son AT ALL. Her class rules, norms, everything, were the exact opposite of what my son needed to be successful.

As a classroom teacher, I generally give all my sons' teachers the benefit of the doubt. If I had not seen what I had seen with my own eyes, for a month of visits, I would not have believed that it was the class environment, not my kid. What I should've done was transferred my son to another class. I did not and have regretted it ever since. You may discover that the issue is less your son's ADHD and more of a classroom environment issue (not that the environment is bad, it just doesn't work for you son).

Does your son have an IEP or a behavior contract through the counseling office? While most people see these things as a negative, they can be an excellent tool to compel recalcitrant teachers to try different styles and techniques with your son, as well as letting your son know you're serious about good behavior.

Last but not least, 8th grade is just a squirrely year for everyone. I've never had an 8th grade class that wasn't climbing the walls right before lunch. This isn't to excuse your son's behavior, but a reminder that it could just be a phase he'll outgrow. Any way to get him into gym class right before lunch? <wink>

As for diet, I'm sure you already avoid high sugar breakfasts. With my high energy 5th grader, we focus on high-protien breakfasts with fruit. It's really made a difference.

Good luck!

Suzanne, I was wondering have you ever thought about researching homeopathic and natural remedies for your son instead of medicating him? Sugar, dyes, different food combinations and even toxins (in the environment and home) can truly make a difference in a child's behavior. But, please also remember that kids are ALIVE and have feelings and spirit and do not deserve to be labeled or medicated. I definitely know from personal experience psych medications do more harm than good and that, in fact, there are many natural solutions that can actually help with what your son is going through.

Please call the CITIZENS COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (CCHR). Their # is: (323) 467~4242. And, here's their website: http://www.cchr.org/. They can definitely help you!

I also highly recommend contacting Dr. Anita Pepi who is truly an amazing Chiropractor and Nutritionist and would definitely be able to help your son naturally.

Here's her data:

2950 Los Feliz Blvd. Suite 101
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 666~1088
http://www.drpepi.com

If she is too far for you, please let me know as I may know of an incredible nutritionist that is closer to you.

In addition, I suggest contacting the most amazing Occupational Therapist/ Life Coach that I know: Dani Sigal. She approaches her work from a holistic perspective, using fun child and family-centered approaches to support children in developing the skills and foundations they need in order to thrive. She can be reached at ###-###-#### or via e~mail at: ____@____.com.

I'd also recommend checking out 5 organizations validating why going the natural route is best for you and your son:
http://ablechild.org/
http://www.cchr.org/
http://www.fightforkids.org/
http://www.psychsearch.net/teenscreen.html
http://www.labelmesane.com/

You'll also find some amazing data regarding alternatives at: http://www.cchr.org/solutions_and_alternatives/

And, Suzanne, please watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xjx0gdL83I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRJN_NfyiH4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgMovNmtRF0&amp;feature=user
http://www.psychconflicts.org/
http://www.cchr.org/#/videos

AND

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73SRn1gdAdM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcvCtxaiOGg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58UZqr3fiZ

Please free to contact me at: (323) 906~2784 or via e~mail me at ____@____.com.

I'd love to help you and your son however I can.

With love,
L. (MAMA to 13 month old Dylan Orion.......29 September 2007) : )))

ADHD kids have low glutatione levels. There is a glutathione patch that works awesome for adhd!! His glutathione level can be increased by 300% in 24 hours which helps tremendously. Please go to Lifewave.com/kherihealth for more info. or to order.

Hi Suzanne,

My son too has ADHD and is in 9th grade.

It could be your sons age as he is reaching adolescence maybe his drugs need adjusting.

Also if he doesn't have an IEP...you may want the school to evaluate him to have one set up.

Anyway good luck.

My son is only 7 and we have been struggling with the ADHD thing too. I have found that food really really helps. Depending on the meds, my son won't feel the need to eat, but I make him have something anyway and his behavior improves. I have also found, when he isn't challenged or engaged the behaviors come out. Maybe your guy needs more challenge, maybe he has those teachers that we have all had that are so boring you could scream - teachers he didn't have last year when he did so well. I really feel that it is not always our child's fault and teachers use the diagnosis to hold our kids to some higher standard that they don't have for the other "normal" kids. The final thing that I have found that really works for my son is a reward at the end of the week. When he is not being motivated by the teacher, he knows if he brings home a green card, he gets a dime. Five dimes at the end of the week and he gets .50 at the snack bar - woohoo. Good luck and stay positive. That is our biggest challenge as parents.

Dear Suzanne,
Just a thought... but are you absolutely sure he is taking his medications? I had a student once who hid them and another who always took off his patch. Again, just a thought.
Love,
J.

I'm glad you are asking about food and if it would help. It very well might. Also adding DHA in to his diet if you aren't already. Most people do not eat enough fish to meet their omega 3 requirements. My kids take on a daily basis and have since 2 years old (they are 3.5 and 6 now) Nordic Naturals, Children's DHA. Your son would take Juniors. I buy them at Sprouts, Henry's and The Herb Cottage. I'm sure you can find them in a store near you. If not, visit www.askdrsears.com go to their store and purchase their omega supplement for kids. They have flavored oil and soft gels. You can also read what they have to say about the benefits of omega oils in kids who have ADHD.

As for food, every meal should have a protein, healthy carb and fruit/veggie. Again at the above site, they have a recipe for a smoothie that would get your son off to a good start for his school day. Otherwise, in our home, we often eat a whole grain waffle with peanut butter, strawberries, banana's or pears (really whatever fruit we have) and a side of yogurt or turkey bacon/turkey sausage or oatmeal instead of the waffle. Protein bars (our favorite for kids are Clif Z-Bars, my kids also like Luna bars) are fine in a pinch but shouldn't be fed as a meal replacement. Try to minimize processed food - healthy or not.

I know my son, although only 3.5 HAS to eat at least every 3 hours, so your son may just need some fuel around 11. It would be great if he could have a cheese stick and some apple slices at this time - would they allow that? Or since it is in between meals, a Zbar or similiar may work fine.

Best wishes,
M.

My twins had ADHD growing up. I made many mistakes with their diet. Here are some things I learned
Take all artificial food coloring out of their diet and no aspartame!
Have him checked out for heavy metal toxicity.
Check out my website www.victoryoveradhd.com
D. Merlin
Mother/author

I have a son who is a little older than your son and in the same boat, and within the last couple of years, he has really changed as well. I've come to think that it is puberty that is causing the majority of the changes. I think a combination of food and talking with the school about what can be done to help your son would be best. Yes, he probably needs his meds tweaked, but I find that if you aren't on board with the medication, why are you making your son go through with it? I'm sure he senses your ambivalence. Maybe you need to find a way without the medication, which admittedly is hard, and there are no easy answers. Is your son seeing a therapist? It could help because maybe he needs to just be aware of how he can adjust behaviors within himself and not just be on meds. Obviously, he knows what to do as he had been doing well. He just needs to know how to direct himself to get there.

Hi: You might check out the book "Say Goodbye to ADD and ADHD" by Dr. Devi Nambudripad. In the event you want to use this approach, my docor is NAET certified and I love him dearly. His name is Dr. David Karaba and he is with the East West Medical Group in Fullerton.

Best wishes,

M.

Suzanne,

Researchers are finding that sometimes ADHD, and some of the other mental health issues are more of an allergy to the chemicals we all use to keep our homes clean. Did you know that the most common chemical in our cleaning products is formaldihyde? Our children are paying for our dependence on chemicals in everything we do!

One way I have found to reduce the toxins in the environment is to use really "green" cleaning products, produced by our corporate partner for the last 23 years. Some ladies on our team are finding that by eliminating the chemicals in cleaners purchased at the local grocery store is helping their ADHD children. It is just a thought.

If you are interested in the products we have, you are welcome to check us out!

A.
http://www.WomensDreamTeam.com/Angel

Working at Home to Live a Healthy Life