In the Meantime...HELP!

[katiekat]

We are currently exploring meds. that are safe for Sean to take with the combined efforts of the ped. the psych. and the cardiologist. It's not looking real hopeful right now and it is going to take some time.
In the meantime things are not going well with his behavior. They are the same at home and I actually just got off the phone with his bio. mom. She was asking me how I handle him as his weekend there was very hard on her. I will give her credit she really is trying but he IS hard to handle. She says he just doesnt listen to her and constantly beats up on her 2 yr old. I told her it's the same way here so I have little advice to offer...
Some have asked me if he is in behavioral therapy? He goes to the psychiatrist but is this something different? I mean she really just talks to him. I dont know exactly what a behavioral psychologist does.(I think thats what it's called) or where to find one.

[misty]

Behavioral Therapy is what John was posting about in the adult ADHD board.

In kids they implement & teach behavior modification. Heres a site I found which explains things as well as gives some great ideas:

add.about.com/od/behavioraltherapy/Behavioral_Therapy.htm

I'm looking for a site that will help you locate a behavior therapist in you area. So far I haven't found one, but I will keep looking!

[crazyhouse]

I know the therapist you are talking about but... I swear they dont exist!!! Jake Psych Dr. asked if he was seeing one and I said no (I thought she would say well this person is really great) but she didn't!

I tried looking up therapists in my insurance coverage book, but they didn't exist there either! So I am at a stand still on that subject but, my sons behavior could really use a therapist sometimes! I hope someone finds a site that has a nice long list of them.

[jfla]

On one of the links at the site misty suggested is a good description of perspective and positive attitude and response. I think it is quite good and might give you something to try while a behavior program is figured out.
add.about.com/cs/discipline/a/behavior.htm

After reading this article, I am reminded about how habitual reinforcing small steps of positive behavior can become. At 18, I still do it without thinking.

The article also mentions information overload... which in turn reminded me of times when my son was non compliant when he was quite young. I think that sometimes there is too much auditory information coming in. A guiding hand can offer physical directions which can be simpler, calming and very direct. Taking someone by the hand or on the shoulder helps led them into the act of compliance sometimes.

Good Luck

[charliegirl]

www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_treatments_coping.htm#Professional_help_types_child_ADHD_ADD

There is a list of professional directories at the bottom of that page which should help you in your search for a CB therapist.



CHADD also has a professional directory www.chadd.org/Content/CHADD/Support/ProfessionalDirectory/default.htm

[notellin]

I'm also not sure they exist. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is not behavior therapy. And when you call them up, you discover that what they've listed as a speciality is not really so. They think behavior therapy is therapy to modify your behavior in general. They don't seem to seperate behavior therapy for ADHD as anything different. And they know that CBT is something different but don't acknowledge until pressed. I could find no such animal on my insurance plan so I started by son with an MFCC who listed ADHD and behavior therapy as two of his specialities, and works mostly with children. He's got my son doing this sandbox therapy business. It's not doing a thing, we are just going through the motions. My son likes to dig in sand, and he like's the therapist's "cool toys." The whole thing seems pretty silly to me because my son is happy. So what the heck is he working out in the sandbox?

katiekat--keep me posted on those meds. I'm curious about what they come up with. My ped and cardiologist have consistently taken a hands-off approach on the subject, and say there are other things that should be done, and discourage me. They just ignored my inquiries when I asked about talking a specialist about it.

[katiekat]

I did find on my ins. website a list of psychologists and masters level clinicians(whatever they are) who have both children and CBT listed as their specialties. From my experience I'm sure none of them will be accepting new patients.
Notellin-thanks for the heads up because now when I start my calls today I will be asking for details on what exactly their CBT consists of. My kid can play in the sandbox for free! As far at the meds go I'll keep you posted. Next week we have an appt. for an EKG and I'd like to talk to the cardio. and get her opinion. Then the psych. needs the results before we can go any further. If you don't mind me asking what type of heart condition does your son have?

[notellin]

He was born with pulmonary atresia. Now he's got mild leaking at the tricuspid and pulmonary valves, and a right ventricle that's too small and not pulling it's weight. Right ventricular constriction, I think. If he starts getting tired again, they plan on replumbing his heart. I just found out that the ADHD clinic at my local children's hospital has a complex medication unit, and I saw that one of the doctor's specializes in non-stimulants. And they do individualized medication assessments. I might just look into it in case my son falls apart with 4th grade academics.

[katiekat]

Several of the meds Sean's psych. suggested were non-stims but when I researched them myself they said they could effect heart-rate,blood pressure etc. It's scary. You have to be so careful.
I too am beginning to believe these people who specialize in CBT therapy don't exist. I talked to one who supposedly specializes in this and also kids. The conversation went something like this:
Dr: So how can I help you?(sounds very pleasant and interested)
Me: Well its actually my son.(I descibe the situation,which is too long for me to type) .
Dr: Uh huh. (Looong silence)
Me: I'm curious about this CBT-I see it's listed as one of your specialities.
Dr: Uh huh,well I won't be able to see your son every week, Im very busy.
Me: Well how does it work? What does it consist of?
Dr:Actually I wont need to see your son at all. I'll just teach you how to be consistent and come up with a behavior plan.
Me: Um okaaaay, well
Dr: Sorry to cut you short but I have a patient who just walked in I'll call you back bye. CLICK.
Off to a great start.

[jj]

Well for pete sakes! So I'll be curious if he does call you back not that you really want him to but it may be worth a listen?? How frustrating for you!