No advise, but I may saying the exact same words later today. I have been doing a lot of research and really believe my 10 year old son has the impulsive ADHD. We take him to see our family doctor today.

Well hang in there, it's a tough road, but we had no choice...our son who is 5 years old, threatened to kill me 3 weeks ago, it's awful.

It could - can't hurt - but your child has a chemical imbalance in his brain. To me it would be no different than not giving a child with Type 1 diabeties insulin. You have to remember they know something is different with them - they see it just as you do. They hear you talk to them. They just can not process things the way a person without ADHD/ADD the medication HELPS with this. My son is 9 started medication when he was 3. So yes I know how hard it is. The first medication or dose may not be correct you have to keep trying. They do not want to be the way they are either.

In reading everything I could get my hands on lately, they have stressed protein - suggesting 15-20 ounces for breakfast and again for lunch.

ADHD at its core is a neurological disorder. My son was diagnosed a few years back, I cannot tell you the advice I got from avoiding red dye to sugar intake. Remember ADHD is the the constant desire to move or be distracted. This can interfere with developing coping skills and controlling everything from their emotions to their little mouths! LOL so my advice to you is get on the meds, watch and see if a psychologist who is specialized in ADHD is needed and never settle if the the counselor isn't working not all are created equal! Develop a sense of humor because you will need it! And always remember your child may have certain challenges but also has many gifts! Good Luck

Changing diet can always help, not always with the ADHD symptoms, but with ADHD meds there sometimes comes trouble sleeping, etc and a change in diet like no caffiene, low sugar intake, higher proteins and fibers can decrease sleeping problems and by experience will aid in the effectiveness of the meds.

Hi - we were just at the dr. this morning. My son is 5 and has had a few evaluations and then the reports from the teachers - the conclusion is that he does have ADHD. The dr. did write a prescription for a low dose of Ritalin but told us that we shouldn't medicate unless both parents are comfortable - my husband is not and said he wasn't. He asked what other options we could do - she told him behavioral therapy (but we've tried it with little success); she said many try diet changes but if it's truly ADHD a diet change will not magically change the behaviors - she said that a good diet is always a good thing but to help with the ADHD symptoms diet changes will really not 'fix' anything.

As someone who likely has ADHD, let me add my perspective. Interestingly, I'm a parent but twice my kids reminded me I have ADHD.
I recall in first grade and thereafter teachers saying I had difficulty following directions, and lost many gloves, jackets, etc.

First, I can't buy into the neurological problem analysis. Note, what we call ADHD is normal in many ways today. Imagine talking to someone and they could not look you in the eye, and fiddled with something, trying to various things when you were trying to hold a conversation. That is texting today. 20 years ago, it would be abnormal behavior.
The average teenager apparently texts over 500 times a month.

Thus, there are serious questions about drugs and medication. I would recommend the following.

1. Develop organizational skills Teach him how to keep things in the same place, write down dates, and plan ahead.

2. Recognize limited attention and make your point ADHD is peculiarly a male issue, with boys and men 5-10 times more likely to have it.
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