Do ADHD meds work for a child with SPD? It was my understanding that "stimulants" work for the ADHD brain to settle & focus the child; however, "stimulants" would simply stimulate a child with SPD. Any comments? Has anyone tried this with their child who struggles with SPD?
For a little back ground - my son was born 2 months premature in 2002. He was diagnosed with SPD at the age of 3, diagnosed with ASD at the age of 8, diagnosed with ADHD at 9. I was really reluctant to put him on any kind of medication for the longest time. But, after trying every other possible therapy and having it only work for a while - I was willing to give medication a shot to rule it out or not as a possible therapy for him.
My son has had a lot of sensory issues and is very easily distracted by any kind of stimuli, has a lot of focusing and writing issues. Essentially everything that goes into have all of the above disorders. He's on a very low time release dose of adderall and he is improving. He is better at not letting everything distract or bother him, and focuses a lot better too. His teachers and therapists have noticed a positive change as well Granted, he still has issues that pertain to being an Aspie, but we're working on that as well. We started the medication in December 2011. ADHD is a neurological problem where the chemicals in the synapses and neurotransmitters are not working at their optimum. What I have discovered with the medication, is that it helps the chemical imbalance out. Weigh out the pros and cons for yourself and your child.
Are there any parents that you know with children that have been or on the medication that you may be able to talk to as well? There is a local support group where I live that I'm able to bounce things off of. Perhaps there is one in your area or near by that you could join in as well.
if you haven't already read this book, Raising Your Spirited Child, it's a tremendous resource. great ideas, stories that can be related to, tips to try for different challenges, etc. my son as i wrote before struggles with many of the things you have all written here in this post. but i am finding other ways around it (at least for now, until i understand & he understands more) aside from medicating. good luck!
Jan 27, 2012 Rating
5 year old that they keep recommending meds by: Anonymous
my son is very inquisitive and has a large vocabulary. He is very outgoing with adults especially. he struggles with registering input and is VERY easily distracted. Like you I am extremely hesitant to start him on medication at this early age. I liked some of the suggestions that you gave about natural resources. also, we are trying to keep a food journal to see if certain foods impact him. Our doctor also recommended Fish Oil for our son and derma magnesium (since he hates the taste of sour magnesium). Keep the alternative ideas coming. For the mom who is struggling with the school make sure you put your requests in writing. They have a time-frame they must follow when a request is written from a parent. You are your child's best advocate and the more knowledgeable you are the better. I've also found that the more approachable & flexible I am the more success I have getting others to help and understand.
Jan 24, 2012 Rating
Thanks for your insight! by: Anonymous
Thank you for your comments. My 7 year old son is in 2nd grade, and I am concerned now about the social ramifications of his SPD. I am a teacher (9-12), and I see the benefits ADHD meds have on my older kids; however, I am very concerned about medicating such a young child. With that said, I am also very concerned about the social & emotional effects that SPD causes in the classroom setting. My child is now sitting alone in class, due to the fact that he distracts the other children, as well as being distracted by any & all things around him. All the other kids are sitting in groups of 4, but my child is alone. Isolated. Separated. I am currently dealing with the CST on this one, as I feel this is a teacher who is outcasting my child, which in turn gives an unspoken message to his classmates that he is different. SPD sucks. All the way around, the child with SPD struggles. I'm thinking maybe a very small dose of some ADHD med might benefit him in the classroom setting, which would then benefit his social life, and as a result, his self esteem.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
My son is now starting to be harassed (I dislike the work "bullied", but truth is, he is being bullied!) I believe the school & the teachers have had a role to play in this, by outcasting him in the classroom, and outcasting him in the playground. (Another story!) The non-verbal message the teachers send---each & every day---is that this kid is different. That then leads to different treatment from peers. What are your thoughts?!
Jan 22, 2012 Rating
RE by: Anonymous
i have a 6 year old son with mild spd and through the roof energy levels. :) my strong suggestion is to do some reading on medicating children at such early ages. we must not treat the symptoms only, we must know and understand the root and address that. it's crucial.
many medications change brain chemistry and have unwanted side effects as well. i think it would behoove many of us to wait it out, especially until our children are of an age that they can tell us more about what's going on for them.
there are many natural things that can be done in the way of helping children with spd, add, sleep issues, anxiety, etc.
for example, magnesium cream and epsom salt baths, weighted vests and blankets, there are amino acids that can be added to the diet which do help, yoga is an excellent way to help teach body awareness and self control, as is karate. here is a link to one product we used for my son: (http://www.painstresscenter.com/mall/Brainlink.html)
there are programs in many schools and online and through occupational therapist clinics that can help these gifted kiddos in ways that can be so positive in providing tools to help them be successful, happy and that can empower them. a few off the top of my head are:
oh and there are many more. :) good luck. you're not in this alone, there are many of us traveling this same journey trying to 'figure' things out. :)
Jan 21, 2012 Rating
ADD meds for a SPD kid by: Anne MacCracken
I am also researching this. My 4-year old son was diagnosed with ADHD and SPD several months ago. We have tried different medications. All had many side effects and the Dr wanted to add medications to cover the side effects. I am hesitant to add medications since my son is so young. I am now waiting to get into a different dr. to see if they have other suggestions. We have been working with a therapist who thinks that my son will benefit from ADHD meds without adding all the other medications for anxiety and sleep problems. We also see occupational and physical therapists.
. Lots of insight into that type of kid; written from the perspective of a 17 year old, who was diagnosed at the age of 5.
, it's a tremendous resource. great ideas, stories that can be related to, tips to try for different challenges, etc. my son as i wrote before struggles with many of the things you have all written here in this post. but i am finding other ways around it (at least for now, until i understand & he understands more) aside from medicating. good luck!
