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Medication question if your child has ODD and ADHD
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<blockquote data-quote="buddy" data-source="post: 573461" data-attributes="member: 12886"><p>Hi Jane. I love what everyone here has to say. I wish I had you all when I first started with Q on the whole medication journey. </p><p></p><p>To me, it really depends on what is driving the ODD and frustratingly, it is often a combination of issues.</p><p></p><p>So, if not being able to slow thinking down enough to make more considered choices is part of the issue (definately my son's issue) then the adhd medication can be really helpful because he does not just do what he wants the instant he wants it as much of the time on the adhd stimulant. BUT when he is on too much it for sure causes him to be more crabby and more ODD-like and for sure more aggressive so using the lowest possible effective dose of course is the goal!</p><p></p><p>My son for sure, 100% could qualify for an ODD plus ADHD diagnosis but he is also autistic and has a brain injury. But using those labels (odd especially) works against him so much. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has as symptoms for many, ODD like behavior, and adhd symptoms, as well as anxiety and without using that umbrella label (like Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)), people WILL treat him as if he is making more of a choice just to be stubborn and rude. I wish that wasn't so because it is not fair to those that are struggling with those disorders (and not on the spectrum). But, I have seen it so many times and it is super frustrating. I have tried to advocate for students but still people just really respond differently (not everyone of course, but administration in schools and general ed. teachers are often in that group) so just mho to try to describe symptoms and behaviors rather than using those terms if you have the option to do so. Everyone has a different take on this, so if this fits for you great but if not just ignore me....lol.</p><p></p><p>I noticed you said you have to give directions over and over and I can so relate to that! I am wondering if you have ever used visual organizers and task boards to help take some of the auditory directions out of the loop. </p><p></p><p>If you have a check list or velcro laminated symbols/pics on a board that he can take down as each step of a task is done (or a flip book or however works for your family) it often helps a child with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) organize and get a task done. Verbal directions often do not process well and even if they can verbally echo the direction a million times, it doesn't process into action. </p><p></p><p>That took a ton of stress out of our lives and I have seen it work in schools and other families too. Not all though, so it of course depends on your own child's learning style. </p><p></p><p>Figuring out if things like language/auditory processing issues, visual processing, memory etc. are a part of a child's not following directions (which sure as heck looks like oppositional and defiant behavior because they can't say to you, but mom, I am not processing all of the words or I am forgetting half of the direction or I am not able to deal with all the noise while I am trying to think....etc.....) is a BIG part of figuring out if medications will be the answer. And to complicate things, medications can help him concentrate enough to use methods that help with all of those other issues OR they can make things worse of course if they are not the right medications or right doses.</p><p></p><p>SO, the trick is to keep really detailed notes. If you start a new intervention of any kind, medications or visual supports, or behavior plans, etc...do it ONE at a time. Keep notes on how things are going and then you can start intervention number two. </p><p></p><p>My best to you, I have to say medications are what make my son able to live in the community, but not without a ton of other supports. Your son sounds much higher functioning but Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and it requires specialized methods to help a child to follow directions and live in a less anxious state. You are just beginning the journey and it will change over time. He is so lucky to have a family who is working so hard on his behalf! I am sure you will do very well.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="buddy, post: 573461, member: 12886"] Hi Jane. I love what everyone here has to say. I wish I had you all when I first started with Q on the whole medication journey. To me, it really depends on what is driving the ODD and frustratingly, it is often a combination of issues. So, if not being able to slow thinking down enough to make more considered choices is part of the issue (definately my son's issue) then the adhd medication can be really helpful because he does not just do what he wants the instant he wants it as much of the time on the adhd stimulant. BUT when he is on too much it for sure causes him to be more crabby and more ODD-like and for sure more aggressive so using the lowest possible effective dose of course is the goal! My son for sure, 100% could qualify for an ODD plus ADHD diagnosis but he is also autistic and has a brain injury. But using those labels (odd especially) works against him so much. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has as symptoms for many, ODD like behavior, and adhd symptoms, as well as anxiety and without using that umbrella label (like Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)), people WILL treat him as if he is making more of a choice just to be stubborn and rude. I wish that wasn't so because it is not fair to those that are struggling with those disorders (and not on the spectrum). But, I have seen it so many times and it is super frustrating. I have tried to advocate for students but still people just really respond differently (not everyone of course, but administration in schools and general ed. teachers are often in that group) so just mho to try to describe symptoms and behaviors rather than using those terms if you have the option to do so. Everyone has a different take on this, so if this fits for you great but if not just ignore me....lol. I noticed you said you have to give directions over and over and I can so relate to that! I am wondering if you have ever used visual organizers and task boards to help take some of the auditory directions out of the loop. If you have a check list or velcro laminated symbols/pics on a board that he can take down as each step of a task is done (or a flip book or however works for your family) it often helps a child with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) organize and get a task done. Verbal directions often do not process well and even if they can verbally echo the direction a million times, it doesn't process into action. That took a ton of stress out of our lives and I have seen it work in schools and other families too. Not all though, so it of course depends on your own child's learning style. Figuring out if things like language/auditory processing issues, visual processing, memory etc. are a part of a child's not following directions (which sure as heck looks like oppositional and defiant behavior because they can't say to you, but mom, I am not processing all of the words or I am forgetting half of the direction or I am not able to deal with all the noise while I am trying to think....etc.....) is a BIG part of figuring out if medications will be the answer. And to complicate things, medications can help him concentrate enough to use methods that help with all of those other issues OR they can make things worse of course if they are not the right medications or right doses. SO, the trick is to keep really detailed notes. If you start a new intervention of any kind, medications or visual supports, or behavior plans, etc...do it ONE at a time. Keep notes on how things are going and then you can start intervention number two. My best to you, I have to say medications are what make my son able to live in the community, but not without a ton of other supports. Your son sounds much higher functioning but Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and it requires specialized methods to help a child to follow directions and live in a less anxious state. You are just beginning the journey and it will change over time. He is so lucky to have a family who is working so hard on his behalf! I am sure you will do very well. [/QUOTE]
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