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Newcastle, OntarioI've said before that Attention Deficit is a big issue with our family, but we didn't find out until adulthood. Our 3 year old grandson is exhibiting major ADD symptoms already, and I wondered if anyone knows of any good books or resource material that would help.
hugs,
Brenda
Country BearsHi Brenda,
My son, who's 8, suffers with severe ADHD, every day brings many challenges 
as I've no doubt you are aware. I scoured the World Wibe Web a lot to find different info, and his doctors provide us with a wealth of booklets and info, even stuff I can take to school to give to the teachers so they have a better understanding of why he does what he does. They lend me books that I can sit with him and these help him understand more too. It may be worth asking the doctor if there is any literature available where you are, I'm sure there would be.
Sending you and your little one good wishes, and if I think of anything else, I'll let you know!! :hug: :hug:
Newcastle, OntarioThanks Clare! I'll have to go browsing on the web and see what books are available. I just thought maybe there was a good one that someone knew about.
Corson just turned three, but it's been obvious for a long time that he has issues. He is VERY hyperactive and is a real challenge, but he also has big problems with crowds and is very sensitive to noise etc. We took him to the mall at Xmas and he was so upset - he just kept saying "too many people, mummy". We had to leave. My daughter tried to take him to Charlotte's Web on Thursday afternoon, and she couldn't even get him inside - "too loud mummy, too dark". Both crowds and noise are a common issue in our family, but we need some good tips on how to help him.
hugs,
Brenda
Country BearsHi Brenda,
How funny, I was just online looking for some for you!! 
I do know of a good book called 'Understanding ADHD' and it's written by Dr Christopher Greene, he wrote 'Toddler Taming' too, a great book I bought when Josh was smaller. I have to be honest I haven't got the ADHD book by him, but the health professionals do recommend it here. I also found another link online - http://add.about.com/cs/addthebasics/tp/tpgeneral.htm I thought this gave a lot of choice.
Josh also gets very anxious by loud noise, always has done, although he's not as bad as he was, so I hope Corson too perhaps grows out of that. Josh also gets very scared by other things that don't bother his older sister, and it's odd because he acts such a tough cookie but is really such a scardy cat in certain situations!! 
I hope these are of some help, and I'll of course let you know of any I come across which I think would be of help too. Thinking of you all. :hug: :hug:
Newcastle, OntarioThanks so much Clare. I'll check out the info you posted. I have a lot of good books on the subject, but none dealing with children this young. We didn't find out that out daughter had ADD until she was in her twenties and she married a fellow with it as well. She was also VERY noise sensitive. I used to take her to the neighbours when I vacuumed the house. The other big issue is sleep patterns. We have his huge line of night owls in our family from my granddad down to me and our son, and now it looks like Corson is stepping into line. He literally takes a minimum of two hours to go to sleep at night - he doesn't cry, he just talks and sings etc. It will be a problem when he starts school.
I feel so badly for him, because I know exactly what it's like - I can't shut down my brain at bed time. I take half a gravol at night to help, but we don't want to start him on anthing at this young age. Now it looks like my daughter and her hubby are going to separate, which is a good thing for them really, but will be very hard on Corson. There will definitely be repercussions with his behaviour and I would like more insight into handling him. Is your son on any medication? I have ritalin, but use it sparingly, when I know I am going into a stressful situation, and it does help. Do either you are you husband have ADD? It usually gets passed on and boy did it ever with us.
hugs,
Brenda
Posts: 280Hi Brenda. Have you read the book "Driven to Distraction"? It's written by Edward Hallowell and John Ratey and covers recognizing and coping with ADD from childhood through adulthood. It is just a wealth of information and very easy to read. I actually have a copy of it that I'd be happy to send you in the mail. Fortunately, what we thought was ADD in our son turned out to be something else entirely, but the book still helped us. I'll go look and see what else I might have in my file cabinet on ADD since I NEVER throw anything out. I just know that someday, there will be a need for it. Perhaps this once, I am right. The jars, trims, unusual bottle caps, etc., that I can't throw out may prove to never be used or be of any help to anyone. Oh well, keeping and sorting that stuff is probably what has kept me sane. Ha!
Let me know - I'd be happy to send the book to you.
Hugs,
Luann
Newcastle, OntarioLuann,
Yep, I have the book "Drivin to Distraction" and several others and they are good books. I guess as much as anything, I'm looking for solid tips to deal specifically with a three year old that is extremely bright but very eccentric, VERY hyper and has a wicked temper. He has gone from almost refusing to speak at all, to being able to speak in very long complex sentences in an incredibly short time. He does seem be verbalize his feelings well now, which helps a lot, but I'm sure his parents impending split will affect him a lot, and I will be babysitting more as well. I'd just like to have some strategies to help him. He also seems affected a lot by food additives and sugar.
Sorry, I didn't mean to ramble on - thanks VERY much for the offer of the book. I will go back and re-read it
hugs,
Brenda
Patsy Lake BearsBrenda I have two grandsons who have ADHD + ODD and she has had some luck with Sue Dengates book Fed Up. The youngest one who is now 10 responded to it very well there was a marked improvement in his behaviour at home and school. The eldest one was too old to get him to change his eating habits by the time she got the book.
Hi Brenda
Dr Phil has had programs on this and the book he recommends is The ADD Answer: How to Help Your Child Now by Dr Frank Lawlis who is often a guest on his program. The book covers such topics as Nutrtion, Biofeedback, Medication and advice for parents to name a few. If you go to his website and go to the archives and type in ADD the information will come up and then you can decide if the book is worth purchasing.
Hope this helps
Hugs
Gail
Newcastle, OntarioThanks Gail and Gail LOL! I am going to have a look at both books on line. I think I will definitley get the Fed Up book - it sounds like a good place to start.
hugs,
Brenda
Country BearsHi Brenda,
I had a hell of a trip, in fact it took seven years until the medics would take me seriously about Josh. In the end the school had to become involved for them to listen. It's so wrong, I am his mother, I know my child! He does take Ritalin, and since he was diagnosed and given this medication, he has come on in leaps and bounds at school, we're so pleased. On the other hand though, apparently children aren't allowed this medication until they are seven over here, so we would have had to have waited anyway.
I really feel for you all, especially with the difficult times ahead, but at least you have knowledge of the condition, that is going to be such a help. Neither my husband nor I have ADHD to our knowledge, so have had to learn a lot!!
Anyway, I won't bore you anymore, I can go on for hours and you'll fall asleep!! :crackup: :crackup:
I hope you find some advice, and you know where I am, I'd love to hear from you anytime :hug: :hug:
BrisbaneI guess as much as anything, I'm looking for solid tips to deal specifically with a three year old that is extremely bright but very eccentric, VERY hyper and has a wicked temper. He has gone from almost refusing to speak at all, to being able to speak in very long complex sentences in an incredibly short time.
Goodness me Brenda, Your description of your grandson sounds exactly like one of my sons was at that age!!!...We have found that the very best thing for him was consistancy and routine...as long as he could predict what was going to happen hhe was able to cope...that said shopping centres and crowds etc were no go areas for the longest time, now at 7 he is more able to cope as long as we can tell him how long we are going to be there and what we are going to do!!! He copes well at school too because he thrives on the routines and discipline they have set up...he love it when he knows what is going to happen but doesn't cope very well with sudden unexpected changes...we are working on that one!!!
All my children have trouble getting to sleep at night (often a problem when kids are very bright, so the doctor tells me) and again having a routine has helped to make this managable (prepares them for sleep so to speak) and believe it or not really early nights seem to help.
I am sure the split with his parents will have an effect, but hopefully this can be minimised if they stick to regular routines etc... Good luck I don't envy you!!! :hug:
Newcastle, OntarioThanks Clare and Sarah Jane - I know we are in for a rough go and that's fine. I'm in for the long hall.
Clare, they actually will start ritalin at three years of age here, which I think is ridiculous. There wee brains are still growing so much and none of us want to go the medication route, if there is any alternative. I'm really glad your son did get the medication and is has helped him.
Sarah Jane, sleep patterns are a huge problem with me as well. Our grandson looks a lot like my husband and we just thought his personality would be similar, but he is actually more like my family. I had to laugh when you were describing your son being okay as long as he knows what to expect - THAT'S ME! We went to New York in 2001 and got turned around looking for Central Park. Hubby wanted to walk till we found it, as we were in the vicinty. I barely kept it together and had to ask for directions. The man could have said 10 miles, and that would have been fine with me, just as long as I knew how far we had to go. So, I'm hoping he has some of our traits, as at least I understand them! LOL! It's really hard as both his mum and dad work at jobs that have non-consistent schedules. If my daughter works till closing one night and then early the next day, it can be almost two days until he sees her, and that is definitley a problem, but she makes good money and she will need the money to help her keep the house etc. It's a no win situation, and I'm glad we moved closer. We could see this coming. Anyway, I always end up rambling. Take care and thanks for the insight.
P.S. I just sniped the book Patsy recommended on Ebay "Fed up With ADHD" I don't like sniping, but the book is out of print and I want it.
hugs,
Brenda
Country BearsHi Brenda,
Wow that is young for medication, my heart goes every time I have to give Josh his, I get really upset 
so if you ever get any answers which work for you, I would love to know. Yes sleep is a major issue here too, in fact it is currently nearing 10pm here and Josh will be awake for another few hours yet, and will probably trash the bedroom and flood the bathroom in the meantime - oh boy!! 
Newcastle, OntarioWow, Clare, you definitely have my sympathy. Corson always takes at least two hours to get to sleep. When our son was a baby, he would sleep well from 7-11 p.m. and then wake up for the night and be ready for sleep again at daylight. We lived in an apartment and hubby had to work in the morning, so I had to stay up with him to keep the noise down. It was awful.
Once we moved into our own house and he was a bit older and I was merciless. We put a child gate across the door at night to keep him in his room and said if he woke up, he could shut his door, turn on his light and play QUIETLY. I'd calmly say that If he woke us up, I'd turn out the light and he had to go back to bed. After a few times, he knew I meant it and was happy to play alone, quietly. Once he got to school, it was a problem, though. I couildn't begin to count the times I kept him home as he was too tired for school. If I discover any info that works, I will definitely let you know.
hugs,
Brenda
Boy reading about Brenda, Sarahjanes and Clare's problems with ADHD sure makes me realize just how l lucky I was to have so called normal kids!!! All the best to all of you in this journey from childhood to adulthood
Hugs
Gail :hug: :hug: :hug:
BrisbaneBoy reading about Brenda, Sarahjanes and Clare's problems with ADHD sure makes me realize just how l lucky I was to have so called normal kids!!! All the best to all of you in this journey from childhood to adulthood
We have been really lucky with our son and have been able to manage any difficult behaviour without having to use medication...and as he gets older and more able to communicate and understand how the world works he has become easier to manage, he just relates to the world a different way from most kids, I don't think he has actual ADHD and my heart goes ou to all of you who are stuggling with this. :hug:
I am also extremely lucky that I am blessed with a wonderful husband who seems to have a natural talent for dealing with my son if he is being difficult...(maybe because he is similar in nature!!!)
Newcastle, OntarioThanks for the hugs, Gail. I believe we will need them LOL!
Sarah Jane, all the behaviours are difficult to deal with, no matter what they are called. I'm just glad I'm armed with as much info as I have now - I just wish I'd known it all when my kids were young as it would have made life so much easier. I know I was stunned when I found out how many different types of ADD there actually are. It will be a long journey, but we'll get there in the end. Thanks so much for all the posts and information.
hugs, :hug: :hug:
Brenda
Wild Thyme OriginalsHi Brenda! Well, I have :
Beyond ADD by Thom Hartmann
Beyond Ritalin by Garber, Garber, and Spizman
Answers to Distraction by Hallowell & Ratey
All about Attention Deficit Disorder by Phelan
on my shelf at home..... let me know if you'd like me to mail out and or all of these. We also went through this with my oldest who is now almost 14. We started noticing that there were things that were definitely "different" about him when he was about a year old. In Kindergarten his teacher suggested that we have him evaluated for ADD/ADHD. He easily fit into almost all of the definitions for diagnosis. Then in second grade (about age 7) he had a teacher that suggested that he see the school psychologist for a bit of extra help in coping. Well, he psychologist did extensive testing on our little guy and as it turns out, he had a genius level IQ as well... something in the neighborhood of 140+ They suggested that he participate in the school's gifted education program. The funny thing is, when we filled out the questionnaires and paperwork regarding his characteristics and development .... many of the red flags for ADD are also red flags for giftedness! :doh: 
Certainly, not all people with extremely high IQ's are ADD and not all folks with ADD are gifted, but it's a path that we are very glad that we pursued with Baxter.
Let me know if you'd like any of the books I have, I'm going to the post office later this week, and would be happy to send them to you if you don't already have them on your shelf Brenda.
Corson is so lucky to have a Grandma like you... looking out for him and loving him to bits!!!! :hug: 
:hug:
Kim Basta
MerBear OriginalsTwo of my children were diagnosed with ADD, fortunately without the hyperactivity. I fought with the school for years to have them identified - finally had to go to a psychologist (after my daughter burned down the house) to have them diagnosed and the school refused to accept the findings cause if they did they would have to give them special consideration 
My daughter got through high school with the aid of ritalin and also college. She's now 32 and doing fairly well. My son didn't take well to ritalin (made him too aggressive) and he had a rough time during his teens and didn't graduate 
but is doing better now.
I think ADD runs in my family - I'm fairly sure I have it and I think one of my sisters. I can also see it in a couple of my nephews on my side and my husband's nephew has ADHD. Consistency is very important for these children.
Marion
Newcastle, OntarioThanks Kim and Marion for sharing your stories. I agree with the consistency route. Corson is better when he knows what to expect. I think that a large percentage of artistic people have ADD. Once I knew what to look for, I used to have fun watching the other exhibitors at the large craft show I did for 25 years, in Ottawa. It was pretty easy to tell which ones were ADD.
Kim, you have given me a glimmer of hope with Baxter's story. We are looking forward to having Corson evaluated as soon as he is old enough, to get professional insight. He has only just turned three. He is obviously extremely bright and loves anything to do with art. He can draw all the geometric shapes and name them, loves anything to do with the stars and moon, and his favourite toy right now is the globe we have. He wants to know all the countries and likes to point out where our son is overseas. He really has only started speaking in the last few months, but now is learning French, which is is dad's first language. His general knowledge of everything just stuns us. Even though his parents are splitting up, they have talked about funding private school for him, if he is bored at public school. He needs a lot of stimulation.
Thanks so much for your generous offer. I have a lot of books on the subject, but I'm curious out two of the books you have that I've never heard of - Beyond ADD by Thom Hartman and Beyond Ritalin by Garber, Garber and Spitzman. I'd love to read them. I could send you the shipping costs by Paypal. I'll send you my address in a PM.
hugs,
Brenda
BrisbaneBrenda I just wanted to say that Corson is very lucky to have you as a grandma, and it sounds like his parents are motivated to help him too, that makes such a difference to these children...Just knowing they are understood helps them to cope.... :hug: :hug: :hug:
