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Is Anger a characteristic of ADHD?

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Thread : Is Anger a characteristic of ADHD?
18 Apr 2008 @ 4:19 PM
NicksMom	Join Date: Fri 18th Apr 2008 Threads: 1 Posts: 1
Is Anger a characteristic of ADHD? My son, 17 years old, recently was suspended from school for threatening a classmate in auto tech class. He threatened him with a crow bar and said he would kill the boy and his family. The boys in his class that day had harrassed and provoked my son all day long. The teacher (who knows Nick is ADHD with an I.E.P.) was no where in site when the altercation occurred. If he had been there he would have known what to do. He is actually Nick's mentor! Instead the boys just kept provoking Nick until he just had a meltdown. The administration has now recommended that my son be expelled. At a school meeting this week with his case manager, Special Ed director and the principal they were all against me. We were there to determine if Nick's ADHD caused him to be so angry and lash out. They all said absolutely not. They said he knew exactly what he was doing and had planned it carefully!!! I was so alone and lost in that meeting because I know that anger and frustration IS a characteristic of ADHD. They have great trouble controlling their emotions. Nick does see a counselor for anger management. He hasn't had an episode since New Year's Eve! So it's a chronic problem for him. He does know how to control his anger MOST of the time. I wasn't condoning Nick's behavior at all that day. He made some very poor decisions that day. But he's being punished with his suspension. He has been very sad during this time. He regrets what he did but now he'll be puniched even more if they expel him. He has worked so hard this year to pass all his classes. He's done exceptionally well. Now this happened and the school is giving up on him. I'll have to appear before the school board and superintendent soon and I'd like to be able to defend my son there. I don't think expulsion will help him at all. They all think Nick is a threat to the student body now. If you knew Nick you would know he wouldn't ever hurt anyone. He's never been in trouble, never done drugs, doesn't drink alcohol. He's in the Key Club, does volunteer work with me on the PTSA. He has a heart of gold. But now just because he made that mistake he's been labeled as a threat. I can't sleep at night since this happened because I know what a good boy he is. It also makes me so mad that none of those boys were reprimanded for antagonizing Nick. In fact, after the fact when Nick was instructed to sit on the work bench until school was out all those boys walked past him egging him on and teasing him. I haven't cried this much in my whole life I don't think. So...can anyone out there give me advice how to prove to the school board and superintentent and all his school teachers and administrators that Nick's anger was somewhat caused by his ADHD? He's a good kid who really tried to do well. Or am I totally off base? Thank you very much, Diane Quote

Thread : Is Anger a characteristic of ADHD?

18 Apr 2008 @ 4:19 PM

NicksMom

Join Date: Fri 18th Apr 2008
Threads: 1 Posts: 1

Is Anger a characteristic of ADHD?

My son, 17 years old, recently was suspended from school for threatening a classmate in auto tech class. He threatened him with a crow bar and said he would kill the boy and his family. The boys in his class that day had harrassed and provoked my son all day long. The teacher (who knows Nick is ADHD with an I.E.P.) was no where in site when the altercation occurred. If he had been there he would have known what to do. He is actually Nick's mentor! Instead the boys just kept provoking Nick until he just had a meltdown.

The administration has now recommended that my son be expelled. At a school meeting this week with his case manager, Special Ed director and the principal they were all against me. We were there to determine if Nick's ADHD caused him to be so angry and lash out. They all said absolutely not. They said he knew exactly what he was doing and had planned it carefully!!! I was so alone and lost in that meeting because I know that anger and frustration IS a characteristic of ADHD. They have great trouble controlling their emotions. Nick does see a counselor for anger management. He hasn't had an episode since New Year's Eve! So it's a chronic problem for him. He does know how to control his anger MOST of the time.

I wasn't condoning Nick's behavior at all that day. He made some very poor decisions that day. But he's being punished with his suspension. He has been very sad during this time. He regrets what he did but now he'll be puniched even more if they expel him. He has worked so hard this year to pass all his classes. He's done exceptionally well. Now this happened and the school is giving up on him.

I'll have to appear before the school board and superintendent soon and I'd like to be able to defend my son there. I don't think expulsion will help him at all. They all think Nick is a threat to the student body now. If you knew Nick you would know he wouldn't ever hurt anyone. He's never been in trouble, never done drugs, doesn't drink alcohol. He's in the Key Club, does volunteer work with me on the PTSA. He has a heart of gold. But now just because he made that mistake he's been labeled as a threat. I can't sleep at night since this happened because I know what a good boy he is.

It also makes me so mad that none of those boys were reprimanded for antagonizing Nick. In fact, after the fact when Nick was instructed to sit on the work bench until school was out all those boys walked past him egging him on and teasing him. I haven't cried this much in my whole life I don't think.

So...can anyone out there give me advice how to prove to the school board and superintentent and all his school teachers and administrators that Nick's anger was somewhat caused by his ADHD? He's a good kid who really tried to do well. Or am I totally off base?

Thank you very much, Diane

Quote

18 Apr 2008 @ 9:59 PM Reply # 1
Elaine20	Join Date: Sat 10th Nov 2007 Threads: 2 Posts: 114
Anger and ADHD Anger can be a component of ADHD. They get frustrated more easily and can become angry quicker. Impulsivity adds to the problem. But anger can come from other things as well so it may be hard to determine. Does your son take medication for his ADHD? When my son's therapist asked him if he noticed a difference when he was on his ADHD medication, he told her that he's not as angry when he's on the medication. I had noticed the same thing as well with him and with my husband who also takes medication for his ADHD. There is a book called, "Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults" by Dr. Thomas E. Brown. He talks a lot about the emotional aspect of ADHD, including anger. Unfortunately, I lent the book to someone so I can't refer to it. I just found an email for him. contact@drthomasebrown.com His website is drthomasebrown.com Perhaps you could email him and ask him questions about anger and ADHD. Good luck, Elaine Quote

18 Apr 2008 @ 9:59 PM Reply # 1

Elaine20

Join Date: Sat 10th Nov 2007
Threads: 2 Posts: 114

Anger and ADHD

Anger can be a component of ADHD. They get frustrated more easily and can become angry quicker. Impulsivity adds to the problem. But anger can come from other things as well so it may be hard to determine. Does your son take medication for his ADHD? When my son's therapist asked him if he noticed a difference when he was on his ADHD medication, he told her that he's not as angry when he's on the medication. I had noticed the same thing as well with him and with my husband who also takes medication for his ADHD. There is a book called, "Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults" by Dr. Thomas E. Brown. He talks a lot about the emotional aspect of ADHD, including anger. Unfortunately, I lent the book to someone so I can't refer to it. I just found an email for him. contact@drthomasebrown.com His website is drthomasebrown.com Perhaps you could email him and ask him questions about anger and ADHD.

Good luck, Elaine

Quote

21 Apr 2008 @ 8:01 AM Reply # 2
NicksMom	Join Date: Fri 18th Apr 2008 Threads: 1 Posts: 1
Anger and ADHD Hi Elaine: Thank you for the book suggestion. I will look for a copy. And Nick takes Concerta. He used to take Ritalin but he's a big guy now (about 6'1", 220lbs) so his doctor changed it. Thanks again. Diane Quote

21 Apr 2008 @ 8:01 AM Reply # 2

NicksMom

Join Date: Fri 18th Apr 2008
Threads: 1 Posts: 1

Anger and ADHD

Hi Elaine:

Thank you for the book suggestion. I will look for a copy. And Nick takes Concerta. He used to take Ritalin but he's a big guy now (about 6'1", 220lbs) so his doctor changed it. Thanks again.

Diane

Quote

23 Apr 2008 @ 4:22 PM Reply # 3
Tori	Join Date: Wed 23rd Apr 2008 Threads: Posts:
Anger and ADHD Diane, This probably is not the answer you're looking for but... We are raising a grandson with similar issues. He's a really sweet, tender-hearted child, but also very sensitive. He is often targeted because other children know he can be provoked into tears or anger if they keep at him long enough. I have gone to his teacher and principal on more than one occassion about the way situations are mishandled. His doctor and I keep at the school, but it doesn't seem to help that much. I subscribe to a special needs advocacy newsletter from wrightslaw.com. I have also taken one of the advocacy workshops. I have found the information and books they offer invaluable. They really explain what your child rights are in clear, understandable terms. However, it's alot to take on. I work full time and sadly, advocating for child seems to also be a full time job. His doctor has now strongly suggested that we hire an advocate. A professional advocate is knowledgeable about the laws, how your school district generally deals with situations, what options are available, and has a better chance of negotiating a more positive outcome for your son. We've hesitated to do this because of financial concerns. After hearing about the lawsuits avoided and the ones the district has lost when an advocate was involved, I can see how this could be a solution for us. If finances are a concern, I think there are some nonprofit organizations that can help you. I haven't had the opportunity to check this yet. Start with wrightslaw.com and see if they can be of help. Quote Last edited by Tori : 23 Apr 2008 @ 4:23 PM. Reason:

23 Apr 2008 @ 4:22 PM Reply # 3

Tori

Join Date: Wed 23rd Apr 2008
Threads: Posts:

Anger and ADHD

Diane, This probably is not the answer you're looking for but... We are raising a grandson with similar issues. He's a really sweet, tender-hearted child, but also very sensitive. He is often targeted because other children know he can be provoked into tears or anger if they keep at him long enough. I have gone to his teacher and principal on more than one occassion about the way situations are mishandled. His doctor and I keep at the school, but it doesn't seem to help that much. I subscribe to a special needs advocacy newsletter from wrightslaw.com. I have also taken one of the advocacy workshops. I have found the information and books they offer invaluable. They really explain what your child rights are in clear, understandable terms. However, it's alot to take on. I work full time and sadly, advocating for child seems to also be a full time job. His doctor has now strongly suggested that we hire an advocate. A professional advocate is knowledgeable about the laws, how your school district generally deals with situations, what options are available, and has a better chance of negotiating a more positive outcome for your son. We've hesitated to do this because of financial concerns. After hearing about the lawsuits avoided and the ones the district has lost when an advocate was involved, I can see how this could be a solution for us. If finances are a concern, I think there are some nonprofit organizations that can help you. I haven't had the opportunity to check this yet. Start with wrightslaw.com and see if they can be of help.

Quote

Last edited by Tori : 23 Apr 2008 @ 4:23 PM. Reason:

30 Apr 2008 @ 2:07 PM Reply # 4
Teresa	Join Date: Wed 30th Apr 2008 Threads: Posts:
Get an Attorney!! Hi, Diane I have a 12 yr old also with add, and he also get's harrassed in school by other children. I get so angry that these schools get special federal funding for our children with either ADD/ ADHD w/ learning disability's. And don't want to give them a fair ground. It's like their tainted. I think you should get an attorney, and get together with other parents of children in your community. Not just the High school. Parents in the district, so that they can see what might be in the works for them. Get with them, get statements from people that know your son. To petition for him. Try to get support from your church, pastors, members to write letters. Make a roar of noise and attention. Call the local news if you have too. But don't fail your son by accepting this with your arms crossed. I feel for you but FIGHT like HELL for your son!! I'll be praying for you. Please let us know. Quote

30 Apr 2008 @ 2:07 PM Reply # 4

Teresa

Join Date: Wed 30th Apr 2008
Threads: Posts:

Get an Attorney!!

Hi, Diane I have a 12 yr old also with add, and he also get's harrassed in school by other children. I get so angry that these schools get special federal funding for our children with either ADD/ ADHD w/ learning disability's. And don't want to give them a fair ground. It's like their tainted. I think you should get an attorney, and get together with other parents of children in your community. Not just the High school. Parents in the district, so that they can see what might be in the works for them. Get with them, get statements from people that know your son. To petition for him. Try to get support from your church, pastors, members to write letters. Make a roar of noise and attention. Call the local news if you have too. But don't fail your son by accepting this with your arms crossed. I feel for you but FIGHT like HELL for your son!! I'll be praying for you. Please let us know.

Quote

1 May 2008 @ 9:02 PM Reply # 5
DaphneAB	Join Date: Thu 1st May 2008 Threads: Posts:
You are not alone Hi Diane, I don't have any answers. I too, am just trying to deal with my son and his ADD. He also got into trouble at school and has been suspend. The teasing and ridicule has been going on for years. He is so sweet and smart. It hurts so much to know you have so little control on what happens to them at school. I don't blame my son for lashing out at these kids. How much are you supposed to take before you snap? Im not saying it was right either. My son has times when his anger gets the best of him, but it takes alot to trigger it. He is taking Concertta and has been using it for years now. Its helped him stay calmer and helps him to keep his anger controlled. I am upset with the school system because I cant even get the other child's side on this issue, due to student confidentiality rules. How do we help them when so many rules prevent it? Diane, I just wanted to say you are not alone. I fight the fight with you. I wish you luck and strength. Daphne Quote

1 May 2008 @ 9:02 PM Reply # 5

DaphneAB

Join Date: Thu 1st May 2008
Threads: Posts:

You are not alone

Hi Diane,

I don't have any answers. I too, am just trying to deal with my son and his ADD. He also got into trouble at school and has been suspend. The teasing and ridicule has been going on for years. He is so sweet and smart. It hurts so much to know you have so little control on what happens to them at school. I don't blame my son for lashing out at these kids. How much are you supposed to take before you snap? Im not saying it was right either.

My son has times when his anger gets the best of him, but it takes alot to trigger it. He is taking Concertta and has been using it for years now. Its helped him stay calmer and helps him to keep his anger controlled. I am upset with the school system because I cant even get the other child's side on this issue, due to student confidentiality rules. How do we help them when so many rules prevent it? Diane, I just wanted to say you are not alone. I fight the fight with you. I wish you luck and strength. Daphne

Quote

3 May 2008 @ 7:50 AM Reply # 6
MasonsMom	Join Date: Sun 13th Jan 2008 Threads: 1 Posts: 1
Bipolar Hi Diane, I am dealing with anger issues with my son. He is 7 yrs old with ADHD. Tuesday we went to the Cleveland Clinic and had an evaluation. I don't know about anyone else, but I have been to several drs who would just look at him and say he has ADHD and then give me a prescription. He was not responding well to the stimulants and I noticed he angered easily and actually was quite emotional all around. We are looking at the possibility of bipolar disorder with ADHD. Scarey as it sounds, the dr said that could explain the anger issues. He sais sometimes ADHD is diagnosed but it actually is bipolar. I just wanted to mention this because of what I am going through. So maybe others will make sure they follow their heart and keep looking for the answer to make out children feel better. Good Luck to you. Quote

3 May 2008 @ 7:50 AM Reply # 6

MasonsMom

Join Date: Sun 13th Jan 2008
Threads: 1 Posts: 1

Bipolar

Hi Diane, I am dealing with anger issues with my son. He is 7 yrs old with ADHD. Tuesday we went to the Cleveland Clinic and had an evaluation. I don't know about anyone else, but I have been to several drs who would just look at him and say he has ADHD and then give me a prescription. He was not responding well to the stimulants and I noticed he angered easily and actually was quite emotional all around. We are looking at the possibility of bipolar disorder with ADHD. Scarey as it sounds, the dr said that could explain the anger issues. He sais sometimes ADHD is diagnosed but it actually is bipolar. I just wanted to mention this because of what I am going through. So maybe others will make sure they follow their heart and keep looking for the answer to make out children feel better. Good Luck to you.

Quote

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