ADHD or just badly behaved?

[mifta]

My three year old son is very active, screams and shouts and is, generally, difficult to manage both emotionally and physically. I often find myself in tears when trying to cope with his behaviour, which I know is not good!! But I do ignore it when out in public and at home! I have an 8 year old daughter who is very well behaved, although we did have a problem at age 5 when she was diagnosed with a pragmatic language issue (not pragmatic language disorder). I would like some advise as to when I should approach my GP about my son as I am concerned he will be labelled unneccessarily! Thanks!!!!

[Gathorne]

I would try different ways of treating his behaviour before I went to see a doctor. I find "Toddler Taming" by Dr Green great for dealing with my 3 year old.

You may also want to look at his diet - it's not always the obvious sugary drinks or chocolate that set off bad behaviour. Preservatives and food colouring can do it too. It may be worth keeping a diary of his behaviour to see if there's a pattern. Having said that, if you're finding it hard to cope don't be afraid to ask for help because your happiness is most important, and makes a difficult job easier to manage.

[maggie01]

You could try keeping a sticker chart. Every time he does something good or nice he gets a sticker and puts it on his chart. Its surprising how much they like to see they are doing something good Perhaps you could agree how many stickers he should be able to earn before he gets a little reward. I know it sounds like bribery but its worth a try.

[tigerthecat]

Just asking... there isn't any autistic spectrum disorder in either family is there? I'd be going to see my GP to get a referral to see a specialist, just to check, better safe than sorry. My experience of labelling is the earlier the better for all concerned.

[Otrere]

Have to agree, "Toddler Taming" by Dr Green is a fantastic book.

If you are really worried though, why not take him to the GP now so that you know what you are dealing with - a child with lots of energy for life or a child with ADHD??

[mifta]

Thanks for all of your advice.

[Rubyrose]

I would try a few methods before taking him to the GP. Maybe you could see if 'SuperNanny' has a website as she might put tips on it. I will check for you. My boyfriend works at a school for boys with ADHD. I will ask him for some advice but he is asleep right now.

[Rubyrose]

http://abc.go.com/primetime/supernanny/

http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/S/supernanny/ might find some tips on getting kids to behave.

[sophieb]

If you feel there is something wrong with tour child or his behaviour is really getting you down keep asking at your GP. I knew from when my son was about 9 months old that there was something up but kept getting told that i was just being over-protective. When he was 5 he was diagnosed with Developmental Co-ordination Disorder(DCD) which is a combination of dyslexia, dispraxia, ADHD and Asperger's. He was at his worst when he was about 3 and I now realise it was mostly frustration.He is now 8 and apart from the odd day he is great now. My daughter is 10 and i have never had any bother with her. The biggest change happened when I took all additives and E numbers out of his diet. We now eat only organic(expensive and extreme) but it is worth it to see the result.

[rebajayne]

Hi

You sound very familiar to my situation with my 4 year old boy, He started just after 3 and is only starting to really calm down, ive been to the docs for advice and checks on ADHD but he basically laughed at me saying parents seem to want there kid to have this disorder to explain there behavior, (not very pleased to say the least).

I have cut all sugar out of his food and its unbelivable how much different it makes, for example i went bowling and gave him a fruit shoot becasue thats all they had expect water for kids, he went mad, jumping everywhere, then i went a seperate time but took a small bottle of Tropicana fresh orange, and he was fine, there is nothing in it expect Oranges.

If you need to chat or any more help my email is rebajayne at sharpspeed.fsnet.co.uk.