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babalooba
23-02-2010, 01:55
Im not sure if there is a specific section for this or if I am posting in the right area??
My son is currently 4 years old, turning 5 in May and starts prep in 2 weeks. Over the past year to year and a half I have noticed that my son isn't exactly like the majority of children (I am able to compare as I work in early childhood- pre prep). Over the past 6 months the behaviour has been difficult to handle to the point where its hard to take him out of the house. Recently I took 6 weeks off work to visit my DP overseas and bought Babalooba with me. In this time I was able to really observe his behaviour, I met many of DP's family members for the first time who all said the same thing about DS, that he was a good kid but a major handful. I first considered ADD due to his hyperactivity but didn't think that it could be it due to the fact that he CAN concentrate when he is doing something that he likes. I didn't know a lot about the signs of ADD but did some research while I was there and was stunned! Its was like reading information that was specifically written for DS. He shows all the signs listed of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It was a relief to think that maybe my child wasn't just a "naughty child" that he has been labeled at daycare and people in the past. So we have an appointment for him to see the GP next week. My questions to other parents with children who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD are-
What does the diagnosis process consist of?
He starts prep in 2 weeks, should I let the school know that I suspect he has ADD?
I read that a change in diet and the way you parent a child with ADD can make a huge difference, should I put into effect these changes now or wait for a diagnosis? (even if he isn't diagnosed with ADD he shows ADD like behaviours)
What foods should he avoid?
I have read as much as I can read but it would be wonderful to be able to hear from parents who have done it and know what works and what doesn't.
Dealing with this has been very difficult as I am a single parent with an extremely unsupportive FOB and a DP that lives in the USA

smileygirl
23-02-2010, 10:47
the best place to start is

http://www.fedup.com.au

My son has been on the failsafe diet for close to 4 years and he is truely a different child...many people I know have had the same results...and not only are their kids doing better now....they are actually excelling!

It can be hard to start with...and there may be a little resistance and even some withdrawal symptoms (behaviours getting worse for about the first week).

My suggestion is to sit down with the site or get the book from the library and commit to doing the elimination diet for 1 month. Pick out recipes and meal plans and stuff before you start (it is actually easier with just the 2 of you....i was single when i did it), make a plan for parties, check your calendar and do it at a relatively quiet time.

Keep diary notes during the month.

If he is considerably better....then look at doing it full time. For me, the massive change in DS and how much easier life is ...makes up for "difficulty" of keeping the diet going.

Good luck....def try the diet before you let anyone add chemicals to your lil man:yes:

babalooba
24-02-2010, 03:28
Thankyou so much for your reply :)
I will go and take a look at the site now. I def want to try everything I can- diet, behavioral therapy etc before I would even consider medicating.
Thanks again
ETA- I took a quick look at the site and its great, though was totally shocked to read just how many products contain artificial colours like yoghurt and cheese.

monkeytoes
25-02-2010, 13:03
My 3.5yr DD is also a handful and different from her peers.
Argumentative, doesn't follow instructions, pushes/hits/snatches toys off younger sister. She turns every little thing into a huge drama. Like refusing to wash hands after the toilet, refusing to pack away toys, refuses to get dressed, get hair brushed etc. She wanders off at the shops, runs onto the road, deliberately touches things when asked not to (like hot/sharp things!). She is a real daydreamer and has troubles concentratring on things.

I agree with Smileygirl about the fedup website. I have recently bought a book from that website that has loads of good easy recipes in it. I am preparing to start DD on the failsafe elimination diet on Monday. It's my younger DD's birthday this week so we'll wait until the birthday celebrations are over!

When you read the book you'll see that there are so many things that can cause behaviour problems in kids. Even healthy foods because some kids are intolerant to certain chemicals that are found in foods such as fruit. I have seen my DD go hyper after eating sultanas and apples.

:fingerscrossed:Hopefully we are on the right path to correct her behaviours.