Hi.

I'm sorry the school is being so pushy. I believe that it's against the law for a school to promote medication. You might want to mention that to your child's teacher!

What worked for us was a diet change and supplements guided by a DAN! doctor. (It stands for Defeat Autism Now, but the doctors believe that all of these illnesses from ADD to allergies, autism, etc. are caused by environmental toxins.) The doctors we went to were at the NeuroSensory Center of Eastern PA (www.keystonensc.com). They even took insurance. My son is doing great now!

Hope this helps.

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Whether you're using ADHD medications to treat symptoms or not, I would recommend researching alternative ADHD treatments like fish oil, high-protein diets, and behavior therapy to help your child.

Here is a great, free eBook from ADDitude about Alternative ADHD Treatment that I would highly recommend.

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My son, he is 7; got an ADHD diagnostic last October. His teacher was somehow pushy about the issue and we got a bit scared just thinking "what if she is right..." I took the step about getting him evaluated not because his attention span. (I guess all young kids are some how very distracted) It was mainly because he used to have (Just at home) very explosive reactions when he was upset or frustrated about not big issues. Having this kind of reactions and a short attention span he was falling right into place for an ADHD diagnostic. Right away they offered me the option of medication. I refused it. I was not happy with the whole idea. I started to educate myself about ADHD and alternative treatments. I read Dr. Monastra's book (great and and very resourceful book) It suggest that before trying medication, parents need to make sure that the behavior and ADHD symptoms are not due to a different cause. In our case, we went to see a Naturopathic practitioner because I was trying to explore homeopthy as an alternative. The first thing thing that my son got was an allergy test. The result showed that he is VERY allergic to wheat, gluten and eggs. I started changing his diet and after few weeks ,the behavioral changes were AMAZING. His focus at school improved and he is not having those explosive tantrums that made cry so many nights. He is less intense and more average when he is upset. Don' give up and follow your own gut!

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How sad that the schools think they are in charge of kids. Makes me mad...

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We have tried several meds but felt guilty and terrible about doing it. The school calls daily about my 8 year old's behavior. Yesterday we started a drastic diet change and today i went shopping for all organic foods. I'm sitting here yelling as i type about getting his homework done. I wish he'd quit making those noises. We ordered some herbal remedies and they should be here tomorrow. Dont let anyone pressure you into giving him the meds if you dont feel it in your heart. I'm frustrated sad and pissed off that he wont mind....anyways good luck to you!

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I do not know when this all began, but the educations system seems to have taken an aggressive stance on ADHD medications. Teachers and administrators must be receiving some type of incentive from the pharmaceutical industry. We create an army of mindless robots, instead of challenging why every student must leanr the same way. I thought the education system promotes diversity. They certainly do not promote diversity in methodology.

You take a huge chance medicating people younger than 16 with Schedule II stimulants. Parents must research what constitutes a Schedule II rating before alloeing thier childre ot take speed that is more powerful than the pills I was around in college.

Moreover, how do these doctors know what dosage to prescribe for a child? They do not, which means children become guinea pigs for the pharmaceutical industry.

www.adhd-information-exchange.com

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Tammy, You are not alone :) I've always been weary of medicine even for a headache. I'd rather treat it naturally. For me, our precious earth never fails as a great resource for ailments. There are now holistic discoveries, that even modern medicine can't compete with. I believe the purpose of medicine should be a means to an end. In other words, if you are taking mediciation there should be a point when you know you'll stop needing it. When you have to take it the rest of your life to stabelize something, there begins another problem. I have an article that uncovers a link between ADHD and vitamin B12. If you have a moment, please read at: http://www.ideamarketers.com/?The_ADHD/B-12_connectiona_closer_look&articleid=688924&from=PROFILE

Please stay strong and don't give in to the pill pushers. Mother's instinct is usually right.

My best to your and your family, Luis "Wellness Crusader "

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