Hi,

Having lived with ADD for 47 years, I have learned through much trial and error,, as well as advise, reading, etc. that diet is absolutely directly connected to attentiveness/lack thereof. You/your husband, and most importantly, your son will notice an immediate difference in your sons attention span, if all refined sugar, is removed from his diet, as well as other refined foods i.e. white flour, white bread, white rice. Also, artificial preservatives/additives,, and food coloring, can/will negatively impact mental/physical performance. Fast foods, high in empty calories, saturated/trans fats, salt and sugar, all have a negative effect on performance in every way. A diet high in carbohydrates ie pasta, bread, products with sugar, causes us to feel hungry and crave more sugar, as well as can diminish mental performance. Diets containing red meat, greatly tax the body (can take up to 18 hrs to digest red meat), leaving us very tired. Also, not a good idea to combine protein with starch, carbohydrates, ie red meat and potatoes or rice or pasta.

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Well, I wish I had an answer for you but, I KNOW how you feel. My 8 year old and 7 year old stepsons are the same way. Though it is getting better I am constantly afraid of going out in public with them. You never know what they are going to do. One thing I have to suggest is that you get some time away from your son. I know that this has been VERY difficult for me to do too but, if you are worn out and irritated it just makes things worse. First of all diet can help and if not what have you hurt by trying. That did not work for us because we have really picky eaters and that was just one more battle we did not want to deal with. As far as medicine goes you have to be patient unfortunately there is not a miracle pill that makes then instantly the perfect child. What helped us is that we found a doctor who understands and listens to US. We are with them everyday we know what is working and what is not. For one of our sons the stimulants made him worse. The medicine he is on now after weeks of torture I realized it was making him sleepy, so I switched to giving it it him at bedtime. What a difference. Now he still has his moments but, they are fewer than they used to be. Most of all don't give up! I kept a behavior journal and tracked what was going on during the days of the worse behavior. Did he not get any sleep? Was it a busy day? Take that with you to the doctor. Fortunately mine enjoy school and most of the time they behave fairly well at school. We work closely with their teachers. When the new school year starts we talk to them right off the bat. Warn them about the behavior problems. Yes we still get phone calls from school--but I will be honest if I did not get that break from them I would go crazy! I hope this at least makes you feel you are not alone at least.

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Hi lundzoo:

Welcome to the ADDitude forums - you've come to right place for ideas and support from other parents with ADHD kids. The other posters here have some great tips re: nutrition, and I've picked out some additional ADDitude resources that I think might give you some new ideas about discipline, medication, sleep and general life with an ADD son...

6 Ways to Fend Off Isolation as an ADHD Parent: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/3595.html

Shuteye Strategies for ADHD Children: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1490.html

Can Diet Ease ADHD Symptoms? Nutrition As an Alternative Treatment: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/859.html

Smart Ways to Discipline Children with ADHD: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/771.html

Behavior Therapy for Children with ADHD: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1563.html

Using Chores to Teach Better Behavior to ADHD Children: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/2995.html

ADHD Medications 101: Stimulant Strategies: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/718.html

More about Ritalin: http://www.additudemag.com/search/keyword/Ritalin.html

If you find that you have specific questions that aren't getting answered, just reply here and I'll help find more specific articles to help - we have really vast resources; the trick is often just honing in on what you need... In the meantime, I hope this helps!

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My daughter has been diagnosed since 2nd grade and we are now entering high school. We have tried several different meds over the years until we found the one that worked for her. Could it be possible that they need to try a different medication? We have been on ritalin, then concerta, then strattera until finally we have found relief on the adderall. She has been on this med for several years now and other than occasional doseage increases due to weight changes and growth she has done wonderful! Good luck and don't give up :-)

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My son was diagnosed with ADD (inattentive type) when he was 5. He is now 15. We found that we had to try several different meds until we found the one that worked best for him. We are currently using Daytrana patches and they are wonderful. We've tried the diet thing but didn't see any difference. The biggest changes came when he hit puberty. It was at that point that he was able to recognize what he was doing or not doing for himself and it wasn't just me telling him. Once he had recognition of it, he has since been more able to learn to adjust to living with it and changing how he deals with it. Our family motto is "Everyone can get from point A to point B, we just take the scenic route"! Good luck, be positive and ENJOY your child.

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