My son is 7 years old and diagnosed with ADHD when he just turned 6. He is on medication which helps with the hyperactivity and the compulsiveness - for the most part. But the hardest thing is that he does not have normal socials skills so does not know how to relate and get along with other kids. Especially boys his own age. He tends to be overbearing and bossy or if he feels like no one's paying attention, he'll become annoying and rude. He does see a therapist once every other week (that's what insurance will cover). While she is very nice I feel like we're being reactive instead of proactive. He needs to be taught social skills/life skills. I found a great guy in Naperville but he isn't licensed so insurance wouldn't cover anything. Does anyone know of a licensed therapist that teaches ADHD kids how to interact with others? I have great insurance that would cover but they need to be licensed as I cannot afford the $100 per session fees that Life Coaches usually charge. Any ideas welcome - I live in the Naperville, IL area. Thanks - Jen
Thanks to everyone for the info so far, I am checking into several possible social groups. My son attends a private catholic school so that limits the social worker and 504 Plan. Although the Principal and teachers have been wonderful and are very willing to work with my son. They do collaborate with the public school just a few yards from them - the public schools have too many kids where English is the second language or barely at all. So, despite the fact that resources are limited for the private school, don't want to switch to public for fear of different issues.
Been there! My son and I have had wonderful experiences with Samaritan Interfaith Counceling (Naperville)and Heritage Professional Associates (Danada - Wheaton).
Good Luck, J.
I would call your school and see if you can get a hold of the social worker in the building. Usually they have a list of programs and places that you can go that will help with this kind of thing. I would also suggest that when school starts find out if the social worker in the building can see your son in a small group setting that will work on these skills. I know school doesn't start for another month, but that would be a good way to go once it does start. You could also call the special ed co-op that works with your district (the school would probably have the number) They are there all year round and would also have a bunch of people you could call.
Laura Basso, Lcpc. Best on Earth. Works with kids and adults, I tell you, I owe her everything.
She's in Naperville, licensed, and used to work with kids full time. She's the best.
Tell her C. sent you. :)
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I had a similar experience with my daughter and someone recommended Arbor Clinical Associates to me. We saw them for over a year and the therapists worked miracles. Also, they took my insurance which helped immensely.
Good luck!
Check out your school District.They might direct you.
Call SASED. I think they are in Naperville. NEDSRA I think is in Roselle. They can direct you and that might help.
Plus find out if the gentleman you are interested in works for an organization that IS licensed. Even if he's not there might be a way around it.
I have a brother who grew up ADHD and he learned to interact socially eventually from sports, activities, etc. Believe me no one wants to be left out. You eventually learn the rules of the social game. You are an awesome mom and I am sure this will play itself out. ADHD might not have anything to do with it.You are treating that but consider this: Perhaps it is just the insecurities of growing up. He is going to interact on a daily basis with many different people. If he is not interacting well there are a lot of people who will be in his life that will go to bat for him or let him know what the deal is. Just like with us. There are nice people and not so nice people. Perhaps as my mother said about all of us "He might be going through a stage". Although not to discourage you from spending a hundred dollars, but you might enjoy something else, too like a mini-vacation from all this. I have one more question-whose opinion is it that he can't interact well socially? If it's yours then go with your gut instinct. But if it's someone who simply doesn't have patience you might want to rethink this. Not everyone who is certified to do something is always 100 percent right.
Hi J., I know a fantastic therapist out of Oswego. Her name is Kristie Brendel, MSW, LCSW and she can be reached at ____@____.com
At the time we used her, her hours were limited because of a doctorate school schedule. That might have changed now. Good luck!
I don't have a therapist for you but I do have a helpful link-www.Newsletterempoweringparents.com Dr. Lehman and associates have lots of articles on helping parents and their kids deal and with ADHD.
Good Luck
P.
No new advice, just a mom who understands. My son is almost 6 and was just diagnosed with ADHD. He is a great kid, and is finally starting to socialize, but he has a hard time with boundaries. If you ever want to get your son together with someone with the same issues, let me know. It always makes a playdate more fun when the other family understands, and you don't have to apologize every 3 mintues!!
Hi J.!
I live in Lisle and my son is on the autistic spectrum and has sensory processing issues. Does your son get any intervention through his school? The LCSW and psychiatrist at his school need to help you with a plan to get his social skills up to par - especially if it is affecting him with his peers. While my son was in early intervention - we had a therapist from Little Friends which are either in Naperville or in Woodridge.
My son is also on the Feingold diet which has been very successful in clearing up his ezcema and with his compulsiveness and hyperactivity. Feingold.org is their website and a food list is provided if you join which identifies all foods (makes, brands, etc) that do NOT use synthetic dyes, preservatives, fillers and artificial flavorings in their food. Certain foods like grapes, apples, berries, tomatoes, peaches are high in salytic acid which is similar to aspirin and causes behavioral shifts in children. England has done extensive testing in this subject and found that even "normal" kids have behavioral issues when exposed to all these artifical things put in our foods. Do the research...certainly worth it.
Good luck!
S. in Lisle
J.:
My son was diagnosed with Asperger's and also struggles with social skills. We have been involved with several pragmatics groups to help with his issues. We have BCBS HMO and we are covered at a place called Milestones For Kids Success. We also attend Communicaton Clubhouse (both places have websites and are next door to each other) and many moms have indicated they accept their PPO. Both are located in Lombard just off of Finley Ave. and Butterfield Rd. I know this might be a drive.
A year ago we started meds with a pshychiatrist out of Edward Behavioral Health, Dr. Shannon Shi, who we love. Her office is on Mill St. just north of Naperville North H.S.
Hope this helps!
J.
