Your comment that your grandson knows his behavior is wrong, but he just can't seem to help himself, is a sign of ADHD impulsiveness. Children with ADHD often act before they think, because they are unable to control their initial response to a situation. When their ability to "self-regulate” is compromised, they can’t modify their behavior with future consequences in mind.

Here are a few articles that might help reign in some of that impulsive behavior:

Parenting ADHD Children: Secrets to Better Discipline

Expert Advice for Reigning in Impulsive Behavior

Impulse Control: Helping ADHD Students Manage Their Behavior

I hope this helps. Dena

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We took my 5 year old son (now 6) to a behavioral therapyst when he was first diagnosed with ADHD. We wanted to look at options besides meds and she reccomended a low to no sugar/high protein diet. It seemed to help with the ups and downs but he was still having behavioral issues.

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my son is allergic to some foods that make him manic including red dye. We also avoid msg and artificial sweetners. We avoid the urge to live on fast food its loaded with chemicals and preservatives. Hope this helps.

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I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend changing all ADHD diets! That was the 1st thing we did 13 months ago for our son b/c we were so against medication. Within 1 week we saw huge changes although the Dr. said to give it at least a month. It had a calming affect over him and he was much more manageable. He also acts before he thinks very very often hence the ADHD. 1st diet restriction we took was a complete gluten free diet. Gluten is a wheat protien, it's also labeled as malt, barley, wheat flour, wheat anything is a no no and caramel color. it's hard at first but once you get the hang of it it's much easier and is huge for my child. We also went low sugar, no high fructose corn syrup at all and no dyes or preservatives. Pretty much a very healthy diet. You can find all gluten free breads, crackers, cereals etc at your local health food stores and also online. We do organic as much as we can afford as well and go high protien as much as possible too so he doesn't crash from the carb highs/lows. I highly recommend it. he is on meds now but a very low dosage and I know the diet change has helped keep him on a low dosage. Even on the meds if he eats gluten or a lot of sugars we see a huge difference, NOT GOOD.

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See this guide to ADHD diets: http://www.add-treatment.com/adhd-diet.html

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My son is 9 and ADHD. Two years ago he was diagnosed and he is not in meds (yet). His naturopathic Dr. tested him thru a blood work to check on any allergies. He came very intolerant to gluten and egss. Once we changed his diet, his behavior improved a lot. We still have to deal on a daily basis with his ADHD and impulsivity, but his outburts and anger episodes are less intense. Is not easy for him to be on this diet, he wants to eat whatever the other kids eat but if he eats gluten it is more likely that we'll pay a high price for that. He could have a meltdown at any moment.

For me cooking meals gluten and eggs free has been a challenge but I do the best I can. He is getting to the point that is more understandable about the diet. He also doesn't get too much sugar or dyes on his diet. We believe that is helping him to be more on ease. I hope this info helps.

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