9 yr old with ODD and ADHD

[katiekat]

I know how hard it is to get a DX and to get help for your child. It was nearly impossible for me to find a psychiatrist that saw children and took our insurance. Right now my son goes to an Intensive Outpatient Program 3 nights a week and the only way I found out about that was through a friend of my dads-pure luck. They provided him with a psych. and they are sending him to a social skills class when he is discharged from the program. I tried to find a s.s. class on my own when I heard about it from someone on this site(I didnt even know this existed) but had no luck. It has been over a year since I started looking for some help and it is just now slowly trickling in. The school refuses to evaluate him and the psych. is helping with that by writing some letters. It is so frustrating but you have to keep pushing for what your son needs and eventually you will find it.

[jj]

Momof3,

Like Misty said, don't worry about the long posts. And usually the more said the more we understand and can help better.

I just want you to know that I am probably the only member (that I know of) who isn't dealing directly with an ADHD child. I am a concerned Auntie. My niece is ADHD and either ODD or Bipolar. I also had custody of my grand niece who had Learning Disabilities. So I don't live with these issues day in and day out but my heart breaks for my sister and her daughter. They still are going through such rough times.

One thing you will find out is that we have a great prayer team on this site and I'm sure everyone has already added your husband and your whole family on their prayer list. Hugs to you.

[ladydemon1976]

:'(my son is also 9 and has adhd/odd and i can't seem to do anything with him. he won't go to school, sleep, listen or anything. he was in school until this past april and then after an incident at school and on the bus, he refused 2 go. we have had 2 call the police repeatedly because of his fits and attitude, had him in counciling, therapy,etc. nothing works. we have had his meds changed 2 times with no success, had him in a behavorial facility for 3 weeks, that also was a bust. we can't even play with him without going off the deep end and him saying that we're beating him or mean to him.
we have had social svcs. and the police called because of his actions and attitudes. my husband has taken care of them this summer while i work. and it has drove him over the edge. he has alienated himself from everyone due to his actions, he;s afraid of the dark, will not let either 1 of us out of his sight, and his 4 yr. old sister is following in his footsteps. my marriage is strained, i hardly sleep, can't concentrate on work and i'm slowly going crazy.
i've tried everything that has been suggested with no luck....i'm frustrated and out of options. maybe a fresh outlook or a kind work from a parent that's going through the same might make me feel a little less alone. any suggestion would be appreciated. thanx.

[charliegirl]

Lady,

Welcome to our site. Many of us here have gone through it to some extent, some more than others. You aren't alone.

My nephew was like that. He just graduated from high school this year and is now someone his parents are very proud of. He is going on to further his education this fall. I love him to pieces.

Hang in there! Feel free to come vent and ask for any help or advice we can give you. The members here are wonderful.

One thing my brother learned and is using with his younger kids is that they have to have very clear, very consistent rules with immediate consequences and frequent rewards (which can be an arm around the shoulder and an I'm proud of you for that). Also, finding the right meds is key so please don't give up.

You can do this and we will be right here with you as much as you need us.

[katiekat]

Welcome! While my son's behavior hasn't warranted a call to the police or social services I do experience much of what your going through. We are still searching for a solution ourselves as therapy and medication are making no difference at all. My marriage is being affected and my eleven year old wants to move out because he cannot tolerate being around Sean. His behavior is so out of control no one wants to be around him. He has no friends, I lost so many babysitters I had to quit my job, and he was constantly in trouble at school. And I think he has driven me completely insane. So you are not alone and we are all here to help and support you any way we can.

[jj]

Lady,

I'm just wondering how confident you are in the DX of ADHD. I know you posted in the ADHD & ODD thread so is the DX ODD as well? I ask that because if you aren't confident in the DX you may want to go back to square one and find a neuro/psych who specializes in childrens disorders and get a complete evaluation, if you haven't already. It is possible that the treatment is all wrong if the DX isn't right. Just a thought.