Location: firmly planted in the postmodern pastoral economy
Posts: 13,008
My son has PDD-NOS, a mild form of autism, but if you looked at him a few months ago, you would have first noticed how hyperactive he is. He was *driven* - running around, nonstop, climbing, going going going...just basically a little running, climbing, jumping machine...couldn't focus for a second. Unless of course it was something he loved to do, and then he'd sit and focus for hours. (He is 3.5 yo by the way.)
We did classical homeopathy with a certified, well-respected homeopath at the end of December. The change in the past five months has been remarkable. He is a lot calmer, more centered, and far less hyperactive. He is only "hyper" now in very stimluating situations like library storytime.
The other thing we did that seemed to address the hyperactivity directly is we got a trampoline. He jumps on it at least a couple of times a day for about 10-15 minutes each time.
For the developmental delays and the hyperactivity, we also eliminated gluten (wheat and some other grains) and casein (milk protein). This has also made a very, very noticeable difference in his hyperactivity, but also in things like not being spaced out, using language, being "present," not being giddy, and a few other more autistic-type behaviors.
Hope this helps a little! I'm very interested to hear if others have other ideas...I am always open to new ones. I just wanted to share the things we have found that worked well.
__________________ Be realistic: Plan for a miracle. ~Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
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Location: somewhere between complete exhaustion and utter euphoria
Posts: 5,883
I recommend the Myth of ADD by T. Armstrong, Ritalin-Free Kids and The ADD Book by Dr. Sears. Also, Children with Starving Brains. All are very good. They give lots of info on both sides of the issue, treatment options (allopathic, homeopathic and dietary among others), behavior intervention, etc.
Beth is an active child with a vivid imagination and need for hands-on work. These books helped me realize she is not ADD/ADHD but that she does not fit the definition of a "model" child, especially in school. They helped me develop methods for her at school and at home. We have modified her diet but for other reasons.
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Michelle
-- Mom to Beth, 11 and Sam, 8
Location: When I dare to be powerful -- to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.
Posts: 9,502
My son is ADHD and he has sucsessfully been treated for five months now with two table spoons of Flax Oil every day... I know that many will say that ADD does not exsist... but when my son starts asking for something that will keep him in control, and cries and says he wants to die for accidentially breaking something because he was just not paying attention or he was moving too fast... well it really does exsist here. I agree that things like too much tv, and a public school "sit and listen" enviroment will really make it worse, but many children deal with those things and do not develop ADD. When his teacher (whom is good and I do trust her... she has never been hasty or mean with opinions of him) said that we should check into some cousiling for him I knew what was wrong... the same things were happening at home. So I read up, and I also took some Homeopathic ADD classes. This is where I came up with the flax. I had put it in his food MANY times and the seeds in nearly ALL the baking things I make, but it did not seem to help... but the oil really does. He is not drugged, or spacy... just more on the ground... he learns easier, he remembers peoples names (you have NO idea how long that has been an issue), he is better able to slow down when you ask him too, and above all HE knows he is doing better and his selfesteem is twice as high!
Anyway... it may be that Alex has watched too much tv... but I always have been a play outside mama so I doubt it... it may be that he is just a boy, but for this mama, the homeopathic ADD remedies have been the best thing this year that I could do for the wellbeing of my son.
Love Val
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Val; Living the dream we have been working towards for over 5 years.
Mama to Alex, Cyan, and Logan. Wife to my very best friend.
On the heals of your post, Val, I purchased some Flax oil for Joshie. He honestly can't focus on something for more than a few minutes. I'm pulling my hair out.
My question is...how do you give it to him. The smell almost made me gag. I doubt he's going to willingly take it. I'm just not sure how to give it to him.
Location: When I dare to be powerful -- to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.
Posts: 9,502
Alex just takes it... he knows it makes him feel better... there are ones that taste better than others... I will try and find the flavored brand and post it on here... I would call and ask a Homeopath if they know of one. At first I gave Alex dark chocolate after he took it... but now he just takes it strait.
I got a call from a counsiler at Alex's school today talking about the difference in him and how he was doing. WOW was she positive about this "treatment". The only time I started to get deffencive was when she was talking about doing a test every few months to see if he is getting better, or worse, or what. I said "I am not interested in having him monitered like that. If I am able to keep the communication open with his teachers, than that is all we need. I need to consider that this may be the "best" we get... this may just be Alex... and I refuse to disapline him or drug him if he can stay "on the ground" as much as he has for the last 6 months. I would hate to see some other treatment make him loose that intoxicating spark of his energy, and I am not willing to go there." I have to admit that I was VERY VERY proud to be able to say all that, and be able to put boundries on just how much I was willing to make my son change for the school system. I did also tell her that we were very happy to be in Madison and that I was really happy with his teacher, and the way she was able to talk to me and him in a non-judgemental or grudgekeeping way. Anyway... I just wanted to share what a success this has been for me and my son. There were other things that because he was so all over the place that I did not see about his personality before and this has helped ME to be more aware of those things as well... he needs to be on time... being late to ANYTHING makes him preform 1/4 as well. He needs to eat LOTS of protien. This helps with everything. He needs greens everyday... I think one of the things that goes along with ADHD is that their little bodies burn off calories and nutrients faster than normal.
Sorry so long... I am very happy with our success and the way my son's school has recognised it.
Love Val ~ who is giddy and totally in love with her son.
Location: When I dare to be powerful -- to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.
Posts: 9,502
It seems that most omega-3 fatty acids would help and there are cherry flavored cod liver oil that may work as well. Flax is the least expensive in my area, but I may get it online now that I have found some of these...
Val, you rock!!! I'm so proud of the way you stood up for your son regarding having him monitored. I read to my dh what you said to the counselor and he thinks you rock too.
Josh is just really spunky!!! He's a model child in the classroom but wild as heck at home. I'm going to give it to both my boys as I know it won't hurt and will help them.
My son hasn't been diagnosed with Adhd but he did/does have problems with impulse control, focusing, high activity levels.
We bought a mini trampet from Walmart and some ceiling rings from IKEA and he uses them to burn off extra energy. He also takes fish oil daily (I heard the balance of oils was more helpful than flax seed) and his problems have decreased immensely this year.
Location: In the fine line between reality and sanity!
Posts: 783
I completely agree with the treatment suggestions of hte other mamas. The only thing that you must be careful with is the fish oils. It is possible to overdose and they can be quite toxic! Be sure to watch the manufacturers recommendations for dosing as it will vary from brand to brand. Omega oils also come in blend of the 3-6-9 variety. More spectrum gives better coverage. Udo's Choice comes in liquid and capsule (pretty big though) It is the best IMO.
My kiddo take the Omega Bright brand which are tiny tiny chewable liquid capsules that taste and smell just like Strawberries!
I will get the ordering info at home as I am at work right now.
Karen
and Sam, 8 
Val, you rock!!! I'm so proud of the way you stood up for your son regarding having him monitored. I read to my dh what you said to the counselor and he thinks you rock too.
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