We enrolled our child in Learning RX which is a program that utilizes the metronome in all of his brain exercises. It has helped his reading, and memory.

Quote

Quote:

Mark@3dlearner said: We have found that the Interactive Metronome is very effective at improving attention, self-control and motor planning

Then we found that when we did Brain Gym Exercises first the results improved

Then we added Biofeedback and calming exercises to the equation and got the best results

All these tools can be used with or without medication

I read with interest these references but I have no idea what metronome or the brain gym are?

Quote

Google it to get info. We feel Interactive Metronome helped our daughter learn to ride a bike.

Quote

has anyone experienced their child having night terrors after being on meds.

Quote

Bgingerich,

Your post caught my attention. Although we have not personally had that experience, I know a friend whose son had the exact same reaction to stimulant meds. She hadn't been able to find a solution to her son's problems. I recommended she take her son to our doctor who was very knowledgable about ADHD and other neurological problems. I suspected there was something else going on. It turned out that he had child onset bipolar disorder. Night terrors are common with child onset bipolar disorder and stimulant medication makes the bipolar problem worse (if the underlying bipolar disorder is not being treated). The meds can also trigger child onset bipolar disorder if the individual is predisposed to developing the disorder.

My nephew was also diagnosed with child onset bipolar disorder at age 8, after not having success with medication for ADHD. (He is now 18, continues to be on meds and is doing fine). A high percentage of those with child onset bipolar disorder have ADHD as well. Unfortunately, most doctors and psychiatrists are not that familiar with child onset bipolar disorder. The symptoms are different from those normally seen in adults with bipolar disorder. I suggest you check out the book, "The Bipolar Child" by Demetri Papolos, M.D. and Janice Papolos. There is a lot of good information in that book and it discusses the similarites and differences between ADHD and child onset bipolar disorder. If nothing else, you will be able to rule out the possibility. And if it sounds like a possiblity to you then you need to find a professional who is knowledgeable regarding the disorder.

You need to be proactive and educate yourself, as you are the one who knows your child best. Many times parents go through numerous doctors and psychologists before finding out what is wrong with their child or why they are not responding well to any medication. If you are educated about the different possibilities, you can save yourself a lot of time, money and heartache, as my sister and the friend I mentioned went through. You should be able to get the book through your library as I did. I got the 2006 edition.

I've gotta run now but I wish you the best with your child and situation.

Elaine

Quote