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Overwhelmed by ODD and AD/HD in difficult child
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<blockquote data-quote="WearyWoman" data-source="post: 372207"><p>Hi there,</p><p> </p><p>You posted a response to my thread about similar problems. I first want to reach out to you to let you know you're not alone - obviously, given all of the wonderful folks in the same boat on this forum. I wish I had all the answers. I don't. But, having been on this road a while, I will share some things I've learned that I wish I had known sooner:</p><p> </p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">ODD is typically only a description of behaviors, not a diagnosis itself. It often results from overlapping disorders, including ADHD, autism, and mood disorders.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A child with ADHD and ODD symptoms who also fails to understand social situations and relationships may have a form of autism.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Autism includes a spectrum of disorders, ranging from mild to severe. Children with speech/language, behavioral, and social difficulties should be formally evaluated for autism disorders.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Children on the autism spectrum may experience severe rages and tantrums.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Children with these challenges often have difficulty self regulating their behaviors and moods. Traditional parenting usually fails.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The Explosive Child book is very helpful.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">An evaluation by a neuropsychologist or multi-disciplinary team is crucial.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">An IEP with the school system is a lifesaver.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Medications that help with underlying ADHD, mood disorders, etc., may be beneficial for ODD behaviors as well.</li> </ul><p>I hope this is helpful to you. We knew our son had symptoms of ADHD/ODD when he was very young, as well as a speech disorder. However, we didn't learn that he had Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) - not otherwise specified (a type of autism spectrum disorder) until he was 6. The autism spectrum disorder has opened the doors toward understanding the root of his behavior problems, and he's now receiving therapy for it. It is helping, but we're still struggling with his severe ADHD and uncooperative behaviors.</p><p> </p><p>Our pediatrician recommended trying Intuniv, as she's seen great success with some kids who have ADHD/ODD problems. She said many have been able to discontinue their stimulants and just take Intuniv. It's a blood pressure medication that has mood stabilizing effects in children. It's not a controlled substance, like the stimulants and doesn't have the negative side effects of stimulants. We're cautiously optimistic, as it takes a month or so to titrate the dosage properly.</p><p> </p><p>Once you fully understand the causes of your son's behavior problems, you'll be able to address his needs. If you haven't had an evaluation done, seek out a qualified professional. Also consider whether your son may have any symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, such as sensory sensitivity, stereotyped interests, difficulties making friends/understanding social situations, anxiety about social situations, speech problems, etc. Our son is not obviously autistic to many people, so that caused a delay in diagnosis. After getting an evaluation, you can investigate medication and therapy options, as well as an IEP with the school system. Try to get your hubby on board, as consistency is very important.</p><p> </p><p>Remember that your child has a disability and that his behaviors are not just normal childhood naughtiness. You'll find a lot of support here.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="WearyWoman, post: 372207"] Hi there, You posted a response to my thread about similar problems. I first want to reach out to you to let you know you're not alone - obviously, given all of the wonderful folks in the same boat on this forum. I wish I had all the answers. I don't. But, having been on this road a while, I will share some things I've learned that I wish I had known sooner: [LIST] [*]ODD is typically only a description of behaviors, not a diagnosis itself. It often results from overlapping disorders, including ADHD, autism, and mood disorders. [*]A child with ADHD and ODD symptoms who also fails to understand social situations and relationships may have a form of autism. [*]Autism includes a spectrum of disorders, ranging from mild to severe. Children with speech/language, behavioral, and social difficulties should be formally evaluated for autism disorders. [*]Children on the autism spectrum may experience severe rages and tantrums. [*]Children with these challenges often have difficulty self regulating their behaviors and moods. Traditional parenting usually fails. [*]The Explosive Child book is very helpful. [*]An evaluation by a neuropsychologist or multi-disciplinary team is crucial. [*]An IEP with the school system is a lifesaver. [*]Medications that help with underlying ADHD, mood disorders, etc., may be beneficial for ODD behaviors as well. [/LIST]I hope this is helpful to you. We knew our son had symptoms of ADHD/ODD when he was very young, as well as a speech disorder. However, we didn't learn that he had Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) - not otherwise specified (a type of autism spectrum disorder) until he was 6. The autism spectrum disorder has opened the doors toward understanding the root of his behavior problems, and he's now receiving therapy for it. It is helping, but we're still struggling with his severe ADHD and uncooperative behaviors. Our pediatrician recommended trying Intuniv, as she's seen great success with some kids who have ADHD/ODD problems. She said many have been able to discontinue their stimulants and just take Intuniv. It's a blood pressure medication that has mood stabilizing effects in children. It's not a controlled substance, like the stimulants and doesn't have the negative side effects of stimulants. We're cautiously optimistic, as it takes a month or so to titrate the dosage properly. Once you fully understand the causes of your son's behavior problems, you'll be able to address his needs. If you haven't had an evaluation done, seek out a qualified professional. Also consider whether your son may have any symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, such as sensory sensitivity, stereotyped interests, difficulties making friends/understanding social situations, anxiety about social situations, speech problems, etc. Our son is not obviously autistic to many people, so that caused a delay in diagnosis. After getting an evaluation, you can investigate medication and therapy options, as well as an IEP with the school system. Try to get your hubby on board, as consistency is very important. Remember that your child has a disability and that his behaviors are not just normal childhood naughtiness. You'll find a lot of support here. [/QUOTE]
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