8yr boy adhd struggles

[P1ntle]

Hello: my 8yr old son dx with adhd April. No meds but we’re struggling & trying to deal with temper tantrums & behaviors. Tried a child psychologist via zoom - was no good. Just looking for some advice support dealing with daily struggles. Txs

[ADHD_DAD]

Hi. Psychologists cannot prescribe medications. My suggestion is a child psychiatrist (which is a medical doctor) or pediatric neurology. Not sure where you live, but most people (at least in the east) live within 2 hours of a medical university hospital which will have plenty of both. Management of ADHD is usually described as a 3 legged stool: 1. Medications, 2. Lifestyle modifications at home and 3. Reasonable accommodations at school. All need to be modified from time to time and as your child ages. Your child certainly doesn't want to be that way and I am sure that he perceives your displeasure with his temper tantrums. I am sure he wants to please you but he is not able as a result of his untreated disability. What a relief it will be for him (and for you) when he gets the help he needs. If you are unable to locate the appropriate specialists in your area, respond with your general location (but not an address; best to stay anonymous and protect your child's privacy) and I will help you locate someone. No reason to put this off. Again, depending upon your location, many pediatric neurologists are less busy than usual because people aren't bringing their kids in due to covid risk. Good luck to you. You will find people very willing to help here and most have experienced what you are experiencing and can understand your concerns and struggles. Be well.

[Cjkchamp]

Our psychiatrist recommended broad spectrum micronutrients. There are two companies, Hardy Nutritionals and True Hope. They worked for our son and addressed the behavior issues we were experiencing. They are worth looking into.

[overwhelmedBG]

Did the psychologist work with you or both you and your son? I've been working with one via zoom for six months but she only sees me (although she does know my son from working with us a few years before). She asks for data in terms of his behaviour that I send prior to our meetings. During the meetings we discuss strategies for me to use with him and then she sends a summary and resources after. We have been working on temper tantrums (for which there are also workbooks that we use as well) as well as getting him to pause before speaking. My son is on meds as well as the broad spectrum micronutrients but I have to admit that using the behaviour interventions the psychologist provides (not to mention the support for me as a parent) have made a big difference in our home. Hope this helps and good luck!

[MommaRae]

Search for motivators and make a chart for points he can earn toward things he wants. We found a great ADHD specialist and did family counseling. It's not easy and takes work and discipline to maintain but your kiddo is worth it

[mplaz]

If you can find a behavioral therapist they can do some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help your son understand the thoughts behind his actions. Takes a lot of time and patience. Positive reinforcement works best with ADHD kids so reward good behavior to encourage it to happen mor often. Let your son pick his reward.

Just want to echo what ADHD_DAD said above re: 3-legged stool. Each one of these legs can only go so far on their own to help your son. One is better than none, but all 3 are best. I’m sorry you are going through this!

[scooter0304]

Echo what others have said. We took our 8-yo daughter to a pediatric neurologist who specializes in ADHD this past summer. She has been on Focalin since then, and we’ve made changes at home to help her with executive functioning and motivation. Both have had a positive impact on her ability to regulate her emotions. We were initially resistant to medication, by the way, but the positives for her when taking it are evident. Good luck to you!

[Klmamma]

My son is 6. We don't do meds. Parent training and cognitive behavioral therapy have made him a whole new person I've the last 18 months. We do via zoom now, but he had already bonded with her in person.

[P1ntle]

Thank you everyone for your support and ideas. I tried therapist but only met via zoom and we did not connect with him. I will search CBT therapy hoping they can meet in person and then behavior charts as first step.

[RudyBlue]

Totally agree with multi-prong approach. And even within each approach, no single tactic fits every child. If the therapist isn’t connecting with your child, try a different one. Same with medications and accommodations. It can be trial and error but hang in there, keep trying, and things should improve.