By the time my son entered Kindergarten, I knew that something was not right. The only time that I was not frustrated by his constantly changing moods and angry outbursts, was when he was at school or asleep. He fought me all the way to the bus stop, even though he loved his class. His teacher would often call me to discuss the possibility of getting him assessed. My mom, who never had boys, often expressed her concern for his rage and destructive tendencies. Finally, in the first grade, the doctor would allow me to have him assessed. Unfortunately, the doctor did not take the time to run all of the necessary tests. Since I did not do enough research to know any better, I allowed him to be diagnosed ADHD, just based on observation. I could just kick myself now, as I look back on it. I should have demanded a brain scan, blood tests, allergy tests, psychological testing, mineral deficiency tests, etc… I just trusted the doctor to know what he was doing. Big mistake.

Daniel started taking Focalin XR, last year. It was effective in keeping him focused at school. It made little difference at home, however. He still struggled with impulsiveness, anger and keeping still long enough to do homework. After doing a lot of research and learning that being on medication could create a dependence that could lead to later illegal substance abuse, I got scared. We took Daniel off of the medication and are seeking alternative routes to treating his ADHD symptoms. I’ve found, during my numerous hours of research, that ADHD is not a certain condition. It us merely a label that doctors slap on any child or adult with like symptoms, in order to sell more drugs. There are many methods of treating ADHD symptoms, that do not require medication. I’m not saying that all children who suffer from the same symptoms as my son, do not qualify to be diagnosed ADHD. I’m only suggesting that more parents take proactive measures in finding out whether or not their child’s symptoms are related to allergies, mineral deficiencies, or other outside factors. It would save more kids from the danger of being misdiagnosed and put on a drug that can hurt them later on in life.

Post from: Blisstree

Jumping To ADHD Conclusions

I have realized, during our struggle to help our son have the problem free life he deserves, how easy it is to judge others. I look back on times that I was out in public and saw a child having one hell of a tantrum and thinking it was due to lack of discipline. I’ve talked with moms, previous to Daniel’s diagnosis, and wondered why the heck they would subject themselves to the stress and labor of trying to control diet, modify behavior and do things naturally, when medicine was readily available to treat their child’s condition. Only after we have been forced to walk a mile in their shoes, do I fully understand their plight, the reasons behind some children’s behavior and the willingness of mothers to take on such exhausting labors.

Wow! What an epiphany this journey has been and will continue to be. I am mentally, emotionally and physically worn down to a thread. I have never been so stressed out in my life. I watch my son have withdraws and try to adjust to our new way of eating and living, with a sharp pain in my heart. I know that it isn’t easy for him. As hard as it is on me to try and guide him through and aid his recovery, it has to be torture on him to live through. My heart breaks for him, every time he fights the urge to lash out. I feel so  guilty when he has anxiety attacks and I suspect it is the result of his body adjusting to the lack of medication. If this isn’t hell, I don’t ever want to go there. I can’t imagine anything worse than watching my child suffer. My heart goes out to all of the parents who do the same, everyday. I will try to never pass judgment on another parent who sits helplessly while their child rages out of control. I will try to show compassion to parents who do things unconventionally. I will do my best to mentally walk that mile in the shoes of another, before I assume anything. It is very different to be the wearer of those shoes…uncomfortable, too tight, causing emotional blistering.

Post from: Blisstree

Trying It On For Size