Possibilities

After a particularily bad few days with Tristan, Jonathan and I were laying in bed talking and feeling very discouraged.  We have known there is something "off" with Tristan since he was born, his severe colic and behavior issues...  While there is no official diagnosis, Ive been doing research and talking with my neighbor and friend who has HER Tristan that has ADHD- age 14 and there are just too many commonalities.

My initial thought is ADHD is probably accurate...symptoms and behaviors include:

problems adapting

sleep disturbances

daily or hourly mood swings

tendency to disturb other children

temper tantrums

low tolerance for stress

frustrated quickly

inibility to sit for any length of time

impulsive, daring behavior

clumsiness

talking too much....to name a couple....

All of the symptons listed for this disorder Tristan has.  Now I know that Im not a doctor, and we will have him be seen by a professional, but I feel that there are things that I can do now.  There are supplements that have been shown to have positive effects as well as dietary recommendations for children with this disorder.  Im hoping that our friends and family will read this and understand what we will be doing in our home and support us in our quest.

Some diet suggestions are these:

Bread/cereal/crackers that contain only rice and oats

Tuna/Salmon

High protein diets

ONLY complex carbs- fresh fruts/veggies/beans/whole grains

limit dairy

NO SUGAR in any form( no fruit snacks, cookies, granola bars, graham crackers, cakes, candy etc)

NO: bacon, catsup, chocolate, corn, ham, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, luncheon meat, pork, sausage, wheat

Lifestyle:

Limit TV, Video Games - lots of physical activity

In one of the books I saw the following:

Parents of childing with ADD or ADHD often have a very difficult time dealing with the behavioral problems of their children.  Its helpful to remember that children with this issue is dealing with a physiological disability.  Although they desire to please and want to be good, their minds go in and out of overload with control.  They can feel overwhelmed, ashamed and can develop low self esteem.  These children need a great deal of love, support, and encouragement from everyone around them, but most of all- from their parents.

I know im searching for answers with regards to Tristan- but as his mother, Im desperate for help, understanding, support, and finding answers or options that will help our family.