Concerned and Confused!!!!

by Jeanna
(Richmond, IN)

I have a 15year old son who was diagnosed with ADHD @ 4 and 1/2. It was the constant, non-stop talking, running, jumping, inability to sit still, focus, hold a pencil, color, the usual. Low does ritalin made a huge difference and upon the start of school, we only utilized his medication for school only, not on weekends or summer in order for him to learn to deal with it without relying on medication.




Reading was almost an impossible task until about 2 years ago and handwriting is still a huge issue. I am finding out that there is a name for that "dysgraphia". He was able to maintain straight A's thru elementary school but always had his little querks. The socks, the clothes, still the constant running, jumping, taking risks without thinking, excessively loud talking and laughing and yet very little tolerance for others with a very quick to react temper.

He now only wears certain clothes, wears a hat or hooded sweatshirt hood most of the time, hibernates in his room, the grocery store sends him over the edge, "don't touch me" is the norm, hugs and kisses are rare and not comfortable, he still struggles with using scissors, holding his pencil to write, writing, focusing, still puts things in his mouth and chews on things that he should not and the list goes on.....

How do you tell and distinguish how much of this is ADHD, normal hormonal teen-age boy or SID. I look at it and think, am I over thinking it, am I making too much out of it or have I finally found answers to why and a way to help him?



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May 30, 2009
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differences betwn SPD and ADHD
by: Anonymous

Its impt to know that SPD coexists with ADHD and LD or is a dx in itself. Dr. Lucy Miller explains the differ. in her book, Sensational Kids. Many families of toddlers and younger children try SI therapy first for symptoms of inattention and impulsive movement in 3-6 y/o. If after 3 solid months of OT and a home sensory diet, the impulsivity continues- we suggest to the parent to talk with their Dr. about what they are seeing. SI therapy can help decrease anxiety and inattention in kids, but if the mechanism is different (prefrontal cortex VS. brainstem)there is something else going on.

It takes an experienced clinician to peel the onion in the symptoms we see in children.

Best wishes to all parents,
Marget

May 23, 2009
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Confused
by: Kim Sullivan

There are many things that affect a persons attention, stress, hormones, sensory issues, bilateral coordination problems, and the list goes on. He probably has all of it at once. The ADHD medications can help and hurt depending upon the dose and the medication. I am 41 and take a very low dose of focalin XR 5mg at 7am and 2pm. Everything has been great until my recent cubical change and I thought I would loose my mind. I ended up finding cubicalshield.com that I put over the top of my cube and my attention is back to normal. I also have started perimenapause and it makes the ADD worse so I began hormones--can't do this for teenage boy. I'm guessing it is all working together. It's good he has a supportive family to help him through.

May 23, 2009
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your son
by: Anonymous

I would take a look at the symptoms checklist on this site and see how many of those see has. It sounds to me like there could be sensory issues. At that point speak to your physician and see about getting some OT. Good luck!

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