Hi there,

I'm so sorry to hear about everything you're going through. It shows what a great parent you are to come here and ask for help! You're trying to do everything you can to help your child, and the following articles may be helpful to you:

It sounds like you're dealing with a variety of common ADHD issues. The following page has tons of resources on ADHD sleep problems

Here are some articles related to your child's issues getting ready in the morning:

Help Your ADHD Kid Get Dressed

How to Dress for (Getting-Out-the-Door) Success

and here's our mom blogger's humorous take on her daughter's issues getting ready

We also have great resources for ADHD meltdowns

anger management for ADHD children

and further resources on violent and defiant children.

All the best to you and your family,

Mary

Web Editor

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My 6 year old son is also on daytrana patch. We were told it takes 3 hours for it to wear off once removed. He then becomes very hyperactive for a while (at least an hour or two) with severely pressured speech, constant movement and inability to stick with an activity, choice of meal etc.). We have to factor in this unwinding "up" time into his routine before bed. We then also give him a lot of extra quiet time, awake in bed. We read to him (Treasure Island), and then give him several easier books to read to himself. After about an hour he eventually gets tired and often falls asleep on his own. My son used to go for occupational therapy/swim which would wipe him out afterward. I wonder if the patch were removed earlier and if you tried something like swim if it would also allow him to get his energy out more. My problem is I'm usually too tired to take him anywhere, whether it be the park for run around time (which he doesn't love) or a community center.

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In response to angry outbursts when venturing outside, I was told the following: Establish 3 rules of expected behavior before going out and state what the reward will be for compliance. Then, repeat this information multiple times before either leaving or arriving. Also, to prevent boredom, give jobs at the destination. So, for example, if you are going to the supermarket, list 3 rules: 1) use appropriate voice level 2) stay in the same aisle as me 3) you can ask me for only 1 -2 items and you must accept an answer (if I say no to it, you accept it) If you do all of this, I'm going to buy you one special candy/treat (single serving) of your choice there. If you do not, you'll get a time out, and will lose x or y (5 minutes of computer time, etc.).

Also, give jobs to do (We need toilet paper and paper towels, can you help me find them?) and give a reward for extra help (if you help me shop, you'll earn 15 minutes of extra playtime, or reading time with me). IF you've never done this, practice in a place that's small, where they know you and your son, and you don't really need to shop, just to train him in this method. When I've followed this plan, it worked well.

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