I am looking for a support group for teens with behavorial problems specifically AD/HD. about 2 years ago my son was clinically diagnosed with AD/HD. I had suspected for many years but was not comfortable medicating him at a young age but when he was 6 weeks in his freshmen year of highschool and failing just about every class I had to do something. He started taking Adderall which works very well as far as his concentration in class but his inability to control his emotions especially his anger is much greater. I know that it is primarily the medication causing his outbursts but at this point in his schooling he has to stay on the medication. I don't want my son failing out of school he has too much potential. We unfortunately don't have the money to send him to therapy. The medication itself is all that we can afford. I have searched for groups in my area (Roselle, Schaumburg,Bloomingdale) but haven't found anything. I am getting some help in his school but not much. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
I would suggest you contact someone at Alexian Bros Behavioral Health in Hoffman Estates to see if they know of any support groups. Also, as far as counseling, you might want to check into the Kenneth Young center in Elk Grove Their fees are income based. They may also have a lead on a support group.
Good luck.
Hi D.,
Try to locate your local chapter of CHADD, which is a
national organization that supports families and those
dealing with ADHD. They can hopefully direct you to a
support group for your son. They also have meetings for
parents on a monthly basis.
Also, if you haven't already, speak to the doctor about
trying alternate medications. They are not all the same!
Both my sons are on ADHD meds, and it is a trial and error
process. Each person can respond differently. Some medications
do make kids more irritable, while others do not have the
same side effects. You may find a med that helps your son
perform in school without as much negative side effects.
Good luck!!
There is a new treatment for ADHD that is very effective. It's called neuro-biofeedback. I would recommend 'Googling' that word to find out more. It's not a drug, but a therapy done over time by a neurologist to re-train the brain waves. It's similar to retaining your heart with bio-feedback. I know there's a doctor at Health First in Schaumberg that does this. I also think there is one in Barrington, and in Geneva. Good luck! It can be improved!!
D.,
My nephew had been diagnosed with ADHD and oppositional defiance disorder. In looking for some help for my sister and her husband I found the following www.chadd.org and check out:
http://www.disabilityrights.org/guide3.htm. or this link for some postential helpful information. http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/help/il.htm
M. K
Wow D.~
I'm curious how much research have you done on ADHD? ADHD is not a "behavioral problem" nor is the Adderall the cause of your sons outbursts. Your son has been living with individuals that dont understand him. Nor does it sound like they have done the research to understand him. Adderall doesn't cause your son to be vilent it actually calms an individual with adhd. I would definitely start with educating yourself on ADHD and a place to start would be with a book called"Driven to Distraction" you can easily get it at barnes and noble it also is less than the cost of your sons monthly adderall. If your son is important to you the cost of finding help for him should be limitless. As his mom its your job to find out why he's getting upset and he may not know. It might be the fact that he's 16 and he's taking medicine that helps him to a point but for the past 10 years of school is gone and everything he needed to learn in thse 10 years has already surpassed him and all of a sudden he can see clearer because that what adderral allows for him. But it doesn't teach him everything he missed in a classroom that is built by one persons "norm". Do you realize that the owner of Virgin records etc. has ADD? Did you realize that the individual that just won 8 gold medals for swimming has ADHD? Michael Phelps!
Your son has so many advantages that the normal child does with having ADHD. Kids are much more emotional and in tune with the feelings of people around them. Once you read driven to distraction and then delivered from distraction you will help your child 100%. As a coach I also have a lot of kids on our swim team with adhd. Maybe look into sports since that also helps kids.
Good luck!
Hi D.!
The best line of attack with ADD and ADHD is diet. Many of these issues stem from food intolerances and reactions to the synthetic additives, colorings and preservatives put in foods nowadays.
My son is autistic and he has been on the Feingold diet since April. (Feingold.org) I've also added a good vitamin supplement and Omega 3-6-9. He is more grounded, less hyper and less angry. Plus it cleared up his eczema in 9 days. It was a little overwhelming at first following the food list but once I got a good foundation for foods, snacks, etc...much easier to follow.
Good luck!
S. in Lisle
Hi D.~
I don't know if you are comfortable with trying a natural alternative to your son's medication?
I would love to talk with you more on this.
Please contact me at:
J.
