What can I do this summer to help my ADHD son?

[Mosaicmind]

Samuel has been unofficially diagnosed by our pediatrician. His diagnosis is not part of his medical records as of right now. He is on no medication and I plan on keeping it that way. I have homeschooled him for three years: K, 1, and 2. I plan on continuing because of his ADHD and because he really likes it. Next year we will be doing 3rd grade work, he just turned 8 in March.

I would love for next school year to go smoother than this one, but I don't know where to start. I was thinking that maybe I could do some training this summer with him or behavior modification work that would help him. I am just at a loss for what I can do to help him.

[Kathy in MD]

The best thing you can do now is get a complete evaluation because there are several physical problems that exhibit every single or almost every symptom of ADHD. And these problems require very different treatments. Most general pediatricians aren't aware of them and therefore attach the label of ADHD too quickly. And a general pediatrician can't diagnose most of these problems. He doesn't have the equipement or the training.

Now a child can have any or all of these problems in conjunction with ADHD, but treating these problems can reduce the ADHD-type symptoms. Most of these problems are treated by therapy, not drugs. They are:

Sensory Processing Dysfuntion (or Sensory Integration Dysfunction) -- Read The Out-of-Sync Child by Kranowitz to make a *tenative* diagnosis. See an OT specializing in in SPDor SID to make a definitive diagnosis and obtain treatment.

Developmental vision problems -- These problems aren't uncovered in the typical 20 min eye exam. The typical eye exam is testing only for acuity. A developmental eye exam will also test for thing like tracking, binocular vision and the eyes ability to function well for more than a minute or two. You need to see a developmental optometrist for this problem.

Food allergies and sensitivities -- The best book for information is Is This Your Child? by Rupp

One problem I personally feel should be added to the above list is auditory processing problems.

I would recommend that you read the above books and have your ds tested for the areas you feel are appropriate. You might also see a developmental pediatrician, a generalist in children's developmental problems, for other possible problems, such as vitamin deficiencies, heavy metal poisoning and other miscellaneous problems. From experience, treating the real problem(s) makes life much easier, for all involved.

Added: I just noticed in your signature that your ADHD child is your hugger. Please pay extra attention to the Out-of-Sync Child. Children with SPD often crave deep pressure and hugs are a great way to get it.

[Cadam]

I would get him into a developmental Pediatrician for a full eval. There could be so many other things causing the ADHD symptoms and I would want to (actually I am) make sure I take care of any underlying problems. I recommend the book "kids in the syndrome mix". It is a quick overview of many syndromes that mimic each other.