vent/input

[pRoudmommy2014]

so i have a 5yo daughter that got dx w/ severe adhd, odd, & developmental delay.. plus, been told she shows signs of asd, but no official dx.. have not started meds yet, if at all.. that eval isn't til end of april, with yet another doc 😣 anyway, i'm looking at med alternatives as well.. bsms, change in diet, cbd, etc.. and am leaning more towards the alternative.. i just don't want to stifle my child or take the *kids name* out of my *kids name*.. behavior coaching, play therapy, horse therapy, gymnastics, etc plus the stuff i mentioned above is what i think is a good plan.... oh! items around house, books, etc could help too 😀 if anyone has any thoughts or advice, please comment or message

[Pennywink]

Probably positive parenting programs and behavioral accommodations at school and at home (see Smart But Scattered by Peg Dawson) are going to be the most helpful apart from medication. We haven't found any benefit from diet changes or supplements. The only other thing that comes close for us is consistent early bedtimes / lots of sleep.

We were also very nervous to try medication - so I understand! But once we found the right medication, it helped my son 100% without stifling or altering his personality at all. if your child is already suffering from ODD as well, I would do a lot of research from credible, scientific, peer reviewed sources before completely rejecting the use of medication.

Best wishes in helping your child!

[pRoudmommy2014 in reply to Pennywink]

thank you!

[Onthemove1971]

We use counseling, 504 plan to help with school and medications. All 3 help alot.

Just curious about your concerns with medication? Depending on the child and the type and dose. It should not change their core personality, only help them decrease their symptoms.

We are here for you to support and guide you along this journey.

Take care,

[pRoudmommy2014 in reply to Onthemove1971]

i'm worried that she'll become dependent upon the medication.. or numb to the world.. you know? take my little girl out of my little girl

[pRoudmommy2014 in reply to Onthemove1971]

thanks for the support!

[Onthemove1971 in reply to pRoudmommy2014]

Just so you know most stimulant medications wear off in 4 hours. Your worry is the same one we all had and then we found the correct dose, type and timing and what happens is their core personality is there it just helps them to think before talking or acting. Things like excessive talking and goofiness all go away. But they still have their personality.

I have heard if the dose is to high they are more tired, which could appear numb to the world.

The other wonderful thing about trying medication is if it is not right for you guys ( when you give it adequate time) you can stop.

We all want what is best for our children and having been through it I know for us medication is one of the reasons he is so successful.

Please let us know if you have any more questions we are here for you no matter what tools you choose to use to help your child.

Big hug for all the stress and worry. Many of us have been there.

[pRoudmommy2014 in reply to Onthemove1971]

the goofiness is part of who she is.. i've also been lookin for helpful tools around the house but can't seem to find any

[Onthemove1971 in reply to pRoudmommy2014]

The bad goodness not the fun playful type. The immature playfulness which is really not good for social interaction with other kids and adults.

Does that make sense?

[pRoudmommy2014 in reply to Onthemove1971]

yes

[MaudQ]

We have found talk therapy and OT to be extremely helpful along with medication. I would say it took us about two years to decide to start the stimulant for ADHD - although we started her anti anxiety medication much sooner. Everyone has their own path with meds - we certainly took our time making every decision. The one thing I will say is that our daughter’s personality came back after we got the medication right. People talk a lot about personality changes - but we saw the exact opposite. She was more like how she was when she was littler, before she went into crisis. And she started smiling and laughing again. Glad you found this group - there is lots of useful advice and support here. Hope some of this helps.

[pRoudmommy2014 in reply to MaudQ]

talk therapy? thank you!

[pRoudmommy2014 in reply to MaudQ]

what is talk therapy?

[MaudQ in reply to pRoudmommy2014]

Talk therapy is psychotherapy - when you meet with a counselor to talk about your feelings.

[pRoudmommy2014 in reply to MaudQ]

oh.. that wouldn't work with a 5yo, i don't think