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My sister told me that all the sugar in the jarred spaghetti sauce I used was the reason my two ADHD kids were impulsive and high energy. She's a very smart woman, but that comment was one of the stupidest things I've ever heard.

I'd have to agree with that!!

Ignore family and do what's best for your kids is always the best course.

Especially when they have no idea what they are talking about.

That worked great for dd when she was younger, but I quickly discovered as soon as she became bored with it, we had to switch "rewards". By 4th grade it didn't work at all.

She has lost a little weight, and is thinner for her age, but still very tall. She takes a fairly low dose of Strattera (18 in the morning and 18 at night) and it does the trick.

As she has matured, the most important thing is to keep her hooked into HER interests. I allow her to explore and encourage what she is focused on.

She also has sensory issues, she is sensory seeking. Lots of touching walls, food, fabrics, picks plants, picks clothing, picks her skin (also OCD).

I had an IEP meeting this morning, and overall she is doing well Straight A's

Both my DSs and fWH have ADD, or ADHD depending on who you ask. None of them took/take the same medications, needed/need the same modifications or therapy, or reacted the same way. All are extremely intelligent, none had long term effects from Ritalin.

What works for your child now may not work later. You MUST continually advocate for him in school. Some teachers will be wonderful, some will be awful-blaming poor parenting and spaghetti sauce.

ADD individuals have many STRENGTHS that are often overlooked in the effort to get them to sit still. And frankly, they often do need meds to learn, their brains just move Too fast. But they are creative and innovative and a great asset.

[This message edited by scaredyKat at 5:01 PM, October 16th (Wednesday)]

I wanted to note that my son also has an undiagnosed symptom, since he was a toddler. Tags, stitching, hems, pockets - in shirts, pants, underwear - make him crazy. All of his shirts have to have the tags cut out (still do at 19). If the seam in a pair of jeans is "weird" it bothers him and he may not wear them again. I am not sure what constitutes weird -

He was and is also very social and very charming. BUT he also had no problem with me leaving him at school, at day care at the park.. he could have done without me.

As for friends, he did have a hard time making friends - but he has the most of the core group from middle school up and a couple from K.

My ped told us that ADD and ADHD children have a hard time making friends because most of them act out and because MOST of them are very aware that their behavior is not normal or is over the top - and it makes them the "needy" kids looking for friends. Which can lead to a lot of trouble.

We have tried

Ritalin

Concerta

Adderal

and we are now on Vyvanse.

He was told to take it only during the week (unless driving) due to the weight loss.

Thank you all again for all the words and support. I have ex's support (he was Dx with ADHD during his childhood) and the support of my SO. SO has been a rock for me lately and I honestly don't know what I'd do if he decided to skedaddle. Between DS, work, and grad school, my plate is pretty full.

My research is showing me some interesting things. I'll share it when I get it all compiled.

Thanks again! Keeping fingers crossed that day 2 of behvior modification went as well as day 1!

Glad to hear behavior mod is working. Don't get disappointed if its not enough. It takes tons of consistentcy an any change in routine will most likely make it harder for her.

We did a reward chart at home and school for years and the positive reinforcement is much more effective than punishments.