mythreegifts
New Member
I really appreicate this board. I have been coming to the site over the past couple of months, reading and looking for answers. I need some advice. I have an 11 yr old son who is having some problems. He was "normal" baby and toddler. I always felt he was very demanding as far as attention goes. He was always acting silly or saying things that were silly to get reactions. He learned to talk very early and could carry on conversation way above his age. We were told at preschool that "he was very smart". He made it through kindergarden with little problems - the main problem being that he couldn't learn to read. Reading was a big struggle. He couldn't sound out the words and couldn't remember a word from one page to another. When he started 1st grade, the teacher told us she thought he had a Learning Disability (LD). We started the process throught the school system and had him evaluated by our pediatrician and a psychologist. The psy diagnosis him with ADHD. He started him on Ritalin. It made him like a zombie. We even tried the smallest dose possible..same effect. From 1st grade to summer before 6th grade, we tried all the usual ADHD medications. All either made him a zombie or made him more agressive. My son has always had an aggressive nature and an impulsive mouth. He is always the loudest and most aggressive child in the group. No matter what we tell him to do, the first thing out of his mouth is "no". He always has to get the last word in. He always has something to say about everything and acts like he knows everything about everything. He started the 6th grade this yr and I felt like he might need medications this year. I took him to a pneuro who said he might be BiPolar (BP), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), ADHD, ODD and started him on Trileptal, Wellbutrin, Tenex and Trazadone. I did see an improvement with his impulsiveness and being calmer. But, it didn't seem to help the focusing, orgainzation with the ADHD. He suggested we add Risperadol. That's were I stopped and took a big breath. I am not against medications, but I was having trouble justifying 5 medications without a definite diagnosis. I took him to see a psychiatrist 2 weeks ago and he thought BiPolar (BP) was probably not the correct diagnosis but suggest a psy evaluation and reduction in medications until we get a more def diagnosis. He thought he might be Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) or have some sensory issues. He doesn't like tags, collars, clothes that fit. At night doing homework, he acts like he has trouble comprehending the simpliest things. He gets easily frustrated. Acts like he can't understand 2+2 sometimes and then other times he can do simple algebra problems. Reading is on and off good/bad. Spelling is terrible. Sometimes can't read or even spell the word "the", "was", etc. He requires us to sit near him the entire time doing homework prompting him and helping him. If you get onto about it, he has a melt down and cries like a 2 year old. I'm so confused with him. He can carry on a conversation with you as if he was 30, but sometimes can't do the simpliest of things. Does this sound like BiPolar (BP)? or could this be asperger? sensory issue? Sorry for being so long. Thanks for letting me vent. I just want to sit in the corner and cry sometimes.