 | I can relate to your situation. I too have a 4 year old son who was diagnosed with ADHD at 2. The years afterwards was difficult, simply because of the medication that my son needed to be on. Medication is difficult because it is a hit and miss thing. Ritalin did not work for my son. As he "came down" it was very hard for him. He too would get violent and kick and hit me. My next option was Adderall. It has worked. Coupled with an antidepressant that increases his appetite and helps him sleep works well. I have not had any problems with it. My son is growing normally, both pyshically and emotionally. We did try the Strattera on him and it did not work. Alot of parents are very skepikal of trying these types of drugs on their children, but I can tell you as I have other parents, that the children are the ones suffering, not the parent.The child will be an outcast in public school later on, because the help that is out there for the child such as medication is not being utilzed simply because the parent doesn't want their kid high on drugs. For the child, these types of medications are what balances their chemicals in the brain. The medication has helped my son focus. He has the ability to pay attention long enough to learn and play with other children and bond like he should be. And listen, espeically when told to be quiet in restuarants etc. or to clean up his mess rather than running around the room screaming.
With your situation, just from what you mentioned, I don't think the strattera is helping your son. With stimulant drugs you will see a difference right away. Many physchiatrists/psychologists do not specialize in children as young as mine or yours. I faced the same problem a few years ago, but I had to keep trying. There IS hope and I am sure that you will find one. Do you have insurance? Also, a counselor will be able to assist as well. I am from Houston and it took me a while to find the right therapist. Please don't give up hope. I would be happy to correspond with your through email to offer support, becasue I know what you are going through is difficult. I also have some suggestions on how to deal with these types of children and the techniques that I have learned have helped me as a parent, better understand how to deal with my son. tjmace@uh.edu |
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