My daughter wasn't diagnosed until she was in the 2nd grade (long story, but suffice it to say, I tried to figure out how to have her tested LONG before that!) 

We did the Adderall once but it didn't last long enough for her so she's on the Ritalin slow release 3x per day. 

Your son is very fortunate that you were willing to take him in so that you could help him.  It will make a HUGE difference when he gets into school and even now, if he's in a daycare/preschool situation!

S.

My son was also on ridlin (sp) It helped him focous and pay attention.

What a relief to me b/c he was a hellin

hehe.. love him to death he is now 12 about to be 13 and he of course has grown out of it. He kept telling me that is made him fell funny. So just listen to him if he tell you that and look for something else to put him on.

I't will make you feel bad the first couple of weeks it did me .. b/c he just sits there and spaces off. I haven't had any exp. with the med. you are  going to put him on. But good Luck I hope everything works out..

yes he is in daycare right now. but, it is so strange.. he is pretty good when he is in daycare, but when he is outside of that environment he is just totally opposite. he gets way out of control.

 Watch him and see how he reacts to it one of the girls who rides with us her daughter is on it and she had to try several before finding one that work for her. The first one made her very depressed and tired and made her feel weird. Know though you would never know she ever had ADD/ADHD with what she takes.

Make sure they don't get sugar!

Unless it's fruit. It makes the ADD/ADHD worse.

Hi I have "ADD" and was diagnosed with it in elementry.. I tried several different medications thru out school and my senior year, I found Adderall.. It is a wonderful mediction and I have been taking it for 7 years now.. To me it was the only mediction that allowed me to feel comfortable.. I know that different meds affect people differently, but Adderall has worked for me, good luck.. Dan

Also I get so tired of hearing this...Sugar effect everyone with ADD and ADHD differently...

You know your son you will notice a difference.. trust me.. don't panic.

Sorry this is what I have been told.

A BIG AMEN to that! 

Even though he's in daycare, it affects how he deals with other children and how he perceives them dealing with him.  My daughter got to the point where she couldn't get along, was always fighting with *someone* and this would result in her not wanting to go to school.  It's more than just how the adults are affected.

I wanted to comment about some of your comments.  I, too am ADHD and because my father did not believe in it, my childhood was very abusive.  I refuse to continue that tradition (and I'm not saying you're advocating it but discipline alone cannot eliminate the problem).  My daughter was not diagnosed until 2nd grade and so we went through many, many daycare providers because they could not handle her.  She was very emotional and would way overreact to everything (that is just one of our challenges that the medication helped with tremendously).  If I knew about it when she was 3, I definitely would have acted sooner.

I watched a video from our phsycologist about the actual brain function and bloodflow and I don't see how a child could  "control" it without outside assistance, whether it's diet, constant stimulation, or medication.  One of the ways to help is definitely structure but that, in itself, cannot do it alone either.

You see that is Jaron's problem now is that he fights with people now and he is just out of control. This is how bad it is.... He is 3 yrs old and weighs only 30lbs. Now to me there is something seriously wrong with that picture. I asked the doctor if that was because of his prematurity.. she said No! it is because he is burning soooo many calories from the way that he is. I really don't want to put him on medication but, I see I don't have any other choices or options.

We worked and worked for 8 months after Aubrey was diagnosed ADD and Dislexic.

We finally gave in and put him on 5mg of Aderall and it improved over night, then after 4 months or so it seemed to be not as effective, which is normal. He upped it to 10mg daily and we have been cruising for 3 months now in much better shape.

We have our days, for sure where we have to put the books down and go tie the goat for an hour. Then when we come back it's good again.

Our 5 yr old is on Strattera.  It's a non-stimulant, and it is WONDERFUL!!!  He was a hellion!  He did gain a little weight when he first got on it, but he lost it w/n a month. 

Here's a thought,

At daycare the day is structured extremeley (sp) and he does well there. That tells me you need extreme structure at home. They need to go by a rigorous schedule and stick to it.

I am a master student in Criminal Justice and I've spent years reading about ADD and how it is linked to criminal behavior and how it affects our children. I've read close to every book out there on the condition.

In my opinion ADD is not a bad thing, it is just something to be dealt with. Many, many of our most creative individuals throughout history have had ADD or would be diagnosed as such if they were here today, such as Thomas Edison. Most ADD people are very creative and very busy. They are either overachievers or under, hardly many in the middle. Many people go on to get wonderful educations and great jobs because they found a way to survive within their own "craziness" if you will.

I am adult ADD without meds. I have found ways of coping but it's not for everyone. The structure of the Army was wonderful for me. The structure of college has done wonders for me and I am able to multi-task, in fact, I love to multi-task.

Yes, sugar and diet DO affect ADD/ADHD, however, it cannot be controlled solely through diet alone.

In my personal opinion 3 is too young for drugs, period. One of my best friends is Adult ADD and her son has been on it for years and he is about 7 now, so that is MY opinion, you have to do what is right for YOUR child. She is on Adderal and it has worked wonders for her. I am not sure what her son is on, but she keeps him on a strict schedule as well as watches his diet and makes him take meds.

Our children are the guinea pigs for these drug companies and you don't know and they don't know the long term affects. Personally I try everything else and then try meds if they fail.

Whatever you do, stay positive and look at the good side of it. Go to the library and read everything you can on it, one of my faves is THE EDISON GENE.

Good Luck, there are also online support forums just for this.

PS

My four year old is only thirty pounds, so at 3 and 30 I think that's about right, but I'm not your doctor either.

Please keep in mind that sometimes giving a patient drugs is the easiet thing to do.

Also, what we all consider "hyper" now was not the case a mere fifty years ago, but there are extremes and only you can know that.

That's not always the case.  My G-son was the kid from Hell from the time he could crawl!!  Until he was tested and medicated for ADHD, (at age 8) you name it, he did it!!  My G-son is also on time-release Ritilan 3 x day.  AND, he eat's pancakes, with load's of syrup, cookies, doughnut's, candy.  Doesn't change him a bit.  G-son in now 14, and has a whole new set of problem's!  Pubety!! 

I did not go into detail about disapline as respect for the original poster and to not start a 'your saying Im a bad parent" (which Im not as I dont know thier situation and Im no expert) debate.  What I meant by dispaline is that parents sometimes can not be consistant with what they do, threatening and not following threw, letting even the 'little things go', not getting after them right away, or even jumping to quickly which leads to verbal abuse. No one is perfect but with hyper active kids sometimes "oh honey dont do that" isn't good enough.  I was raised in an enviorment where I was verbally abused.  I could not do anything right even though I got straight A's all the way threw school and was an over all good kid (never drank,smoke, went to parties because I had a good head on my shoulders)...so I know where you come from and am not advocating this happen and if that does happen that is the parents fault that needs to be dealt with  not sticking the child on a medication. If the child does something that makes you mad enough then you should tell them, "momma/daddy doesn't appreciate you doing that(insert what they did wrong) and she/he needs a moment to think about what your punishment should be".  This will keep from making a rash decision yet still make them understand they did something wrong right away.  People sometimes dont talk to kids like real people.  This drives me nutts!!  Its proven that even as a infant that kids should be talked to like a normal person. Kids are to 'babied' now days which IMO leads to alot of the bad behaviors which doctors are diagnosing as ADD/ADHD (not saying they all are but to many are) Im not an expert but stick with my opinion that 3yrs old is to young especially if this child has limited speech.  My son is 25 months and talks but has been very slow to develope speech.  As an infant had a bad time with his ears which resulted in tubes at 12 months. He's a very busy little boy, gets into everything he can and I have to be very firm with him or Id have quite a mess on my hands.  He understand every word I say though and knows if I have to raise my voice momma means it. But its also frustrating for us both as I dont understand everything he says and he gets quite upset with me for not understanding and I get upset because I dont understand what he wants sometimes. We go back next month for both a hearing and speech testing. If this 3yo isnt talking well I dont see how a doctor can give a clear evaluation on anything other then getting the child's ears and speech testing before ANYTHING! I stress again this is JMO!

Add to that that sometimes even the parents' expectations are not consistent (i.e., sometimes you can climb on the counter, sometimes you can't.  Even if the only difference is that you can climb on the counter when mom tells you to and not when it's your idea can be confusing.). 

Whoa, this made my antenna go up.  I am a Speech Pathologist who works in the education system.  I deal with these kiddos on a daily basis.  Is your child ADD- Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADHD- Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder...these are not the same.  There are many medications that can help your child.  You may have to try several, and you need to give them time to work....be sure that you keep very good behavior records for your physician.  Many times, we forget quite a lot when we actually arrive in the doctor's office.  There are also an number of things that you can do as a parent to help your child.  Be consistent with behavior boundaries; these children have a hard time "seeing" the gray areas, it is better to be yes or no with issues.  A schedule is also very important.  You may want to create a visual schedule with times and pictures of activities that will happen throughout the day.  You can put these in his room, on your refrigerator door, or in the living room. 

Now the issue of his speech.  If this child is already three years of age, your local school district can help.  Federal law states that the local school district must serve the children from age 3 to 22.  Early Childhood Intervention services (federal program), serves children 1 month to 3 years of age. After they turn 3, you local school is responsible.  You should contact your local school district principal or special education director and tell them that you are concerned with the development or lack of development of speech in your child.  They may employ their own Speech Pathologist or contract.  These services are at no charge to the parent.  I have found that when parents are concerned, most of the time, they are right.  It sounds like your child needs an evaluation to assess speech development.  Please don't wait until they are ready to start school before you act on this.  I currently have 4 children on my caseload that are 3-4 years of age and only come to therapy twice weekly.  If you have any questions, please email me and I can give you more information. 

I would love to be updated from time to time!

You can only do what you feel is right at the time for your family. You live with him, and you're the mamma, so you know best what may help him. And if it doesn't do what you need it to do, you can always stop.

Good luck with your baby.....

Hookemup, well said!

I, too, am a speech pathologist and an early childhood special ed teacher. I work with infants, toddlers and preschoolers as well as elementary students. Horsedreamers, you may want to get a second opinion on the ADD diagnosis if you haven't already. I know a boy who was diagnosed with ADD in 1st grade only to be rediagnosed in 5th grade as having Asperger's Syndrome (Autism). Those two disabilities can appear very similiar. The poor guy went through Hell at school with his teachers and other kids. He parents were accussed of having poor parenting skills. He even tried to hang himself while at a residential facility in the 5th grade. I would also recommend the speech evaluation. Where I live, we have a hard time getting doctors to diagnose kids with ADD/ADHD before the age of 4, but even that's extremely rare. Good luck to you.

As a teacher I can't diagnose your child with ADD or ADHD. I'm prevented by law, school district rules, etc. As a teacher I can tell you my concerns, what I see in the classroom, academic and social behavior.  I can recommend that you have your child screened by a psychologist --if you ask me ---I can't bring the subject up.  I can't recommend a doctor to you either--just tell you to use a pediatric psychologist.  I have taught kids that were on meds and those whose parents chose behavior modification.  For behavior modification to work it has to be done consistantly at home and at school.  That can be tough for both parties-- parents and teachers.  It could be why society pushes to medicate--it is the easy route.  With the "No Child Left Behind" act it is going to get even uglier.  Teachers and parents are all going to be trying to figure out why "Johnny" isn't learning like he should.  The finger pointing will begin and ADD/ADHD will be a common culprit.  

Isnt that just sad Arkie.  I beleive he has/had good intentions for the "no child left behind" but because all children learn at a different rate its going to be a horrible outcome. Thats what the purpose of individulized lesson plans are for.  Especially in the Pre-K threw K grades when it is the most important.  Oh its just going to be a mess!!!

I taught for a short time so I'm no expert, but the "no child left behind" was more of a joke than anything in our school. I had fifth graders who couldn't read at a 1st grade level, but support services had been cut so much (it was a for-profit school) that there were no tutors for after school, there were no services and the parents were NOT involved. The kids moved all the time and it was impossible for their records to keep up with them, their sense of trust and security in adults was nil and they flat couldn't read. It was a scary and sad situation and there was no way that one teacher was going to teach 11 out of 30 to suddenly read at a fifth grade level. They were "LEFT BEHIND" a long time ago and I blame the parents more than any school.

I didn't read all of what has been written already, but one thing that I can suggest is a very structered environment.  What gets you in trouble at noon today gets you in trouble at noon tomorrow... don't slack on the discipline and never withhold the reinforcement!!!!!

I am not saying you are a good or bad parent.  There are great parents who are inconsistent and have wonderful children.  But when disorders come into play, you just have to remember so much more to be consistant and have a structered environment.  Good luck!!!!!!

Well, this is just to update a little bit. I have had Jaron on his meds for 3 days now. Today was his first day in day care while on the medication. They said that he was much more calmer than normal.

You know I have been reading what all you have been saying. Some of you comments I agree with and some I question a little bit. I am extremely greatful that you are talking to me about this!! I appreciate the comments because it makes me think about different possible options.

SmokinBandits...I'm sorry, but I really take offense at this and believe your comment of "Sorry teachers" was totally uncalled for.  I was one of those "sorry teachers" for over 30 years....I still teach part time after retirement because I love it and the children.  I am so sick of everything getting blamed on the teachers.....People expect us to be mothers, fathers, spiritual advisors, disciplinarians, mentors , ad infinitum and then they want to tell us how sorry we are for not doing all these jobs correctly.  I don't know how many times I have called parents because I was concerned about how their child was doing and was pretty much told to mind my own business. Society and laws have completely tied our hands about what we can do to control children in the classroom....if we try discipline, we get sued.  The parents won't discipline them either. Usually drugs are prescribed as a last resort.  They have to learn somehow, because the schools will get shut down if we don't teach everyone everything they need to know.....Just remember....before you flame teachers again...if you can read this or even respond to it....Thank a teacher.

Appreciate the clarification, horsedreamers!  Guess I'm a little touchy...and as a teacher of many children who needed meds, but the parents hesitated because they were afraid of a stigma....let me say...most of the children were SOOO grateful when they finally got the meds (I taught 7/8 graders) because FINALLY they were able to sit still and concentrate and they weren't getting in trouble all the time for something they couldn't help.  It's heartbreaking to watch some of these kids deal with staff that is not aware of their problems...a lot of what they do is totally out of their control.  Once they get the right meds, they are more in control.  And the good thing is, most of them seem to grow out of it, so it really just helps them in their formative years. I figure I had it as a child and no one knew what it was...I can remember teachers threatening to tie me in my chair when I was in elementary school....the good thing is that when I was in about the 3rd grade, they put me on Benadryl daily for my severe allergies and that slowed me down enough to keep me out of trouble most of the time!  Anyway, don't feel guilty if you feel you have to put him on meds...it's no stigma and many times the kids will thank you later.  No I'm not advocating miracle pills, but I do feel we should take advantage of how much more we know now than we used to...I think in the old days these kids just eventually ended up dropping out...now we can help them be successful.

I wish you good luck with whatever you decide...pray about it and He will help you make the right decision!

God bless.

I'm wondering when we will let "school" catch up with the kids instead of making the kids take drugs. Our school system is BORING. It is set up for the teachers and administrators and working parents, not the kids.

Could any of you go back to sitting in one chair for 45 min to an hour listening to someone lecture or give out memorization homework and not squirm, gaze off into space or cause trouble? Not me.

And I also think that as Americans we need to wake up and smell the teacher coffee, they are underpaid, overworked and their hands TRULY are tied. I was told that *I* am responsible for a kid until they GET HOME ! Uh, how is that?

The principle told me that the teacher is responsible for that child until that child reaches home? OK....

We were in a low income, high crime area and one day I walked a child home because she was scared, can't do that. I had parents cursing at me and kids who were lonely and bitter at fifth grade.

Teaching is not for everyone and the amount of responsibility we put on them is ridiculous. Our state reps don't even have that kind of responsibility.

Anyway, just a vent !

Agree with you again Smiley. Iv been in school for a couple years now (just about finished) for my degree in Early Childhood.  Iv second guessed myself several times as its a VERY hard job and I wasn't sure if I was really up for that big of a challange.  My ultimate goal was to teach K-1st grade but think I will stick with the little ones for now.

I have a 25 month old little boy who is 34.5lbs and 36" tall and a handful...  He was 8lbs 11oz at birth and has continued to stay in the 90th % for both weight and height.  Does he way EXACTLY 30 lbs????  Even at exactly 30lbs that is within the normal range for a 3yo.  Any child under the age of 3, one-pound makes alot of difference.  As in 32lbs is ALOT different then 30lbs in this age range.  Unlike us where 1-2 lbs isnt a big deal it is for them.  Just as ounces with newborns.

I see alot of posts compair medicating a 3yo to medicating their older 3rd-8th graders saying it's 'theres nothing wrong' with medicating.  You cannot do this.  There is a big difference mentally, physcially and emotionally in those kids compaired to a 3yo. 

I would still strongly suggest a 2nd and even 3rd opinion on this child.  I also strongly suggest to get the ears and speech evaluated.  Originally poster (no offense please) seems to be a little anxious to just get the medication in her little guy without any other 'opinions' from a professional.(as many others have also suggested)  Behavior comes from more places then just a mental ailment and the root of the behavior should be found before anything.

Personally Im horrified that the doctor of this child would be so quick to stick a 3yo on a medication without a proper evaluation of what I listed above (speech and hearing).  Dislexia, Scatopic and other learning disorders could be in play here to.  But may still be to young for testing in those. 

Structure IS A MUST like I said in my first post!!!!  If you dont have one it may be best to come up with one.  And yes my son is on a schedule.  Of course we are all human and somedays it can vary as much as up to 30 mins but he is up, eating and down for bed at the same times everyday Monday-Sunday.  And if his schedule is thrown off he will be the first to let you know he doesn't like that.