My son was diagnosed with ADD sometime last year. To be honest, in the beginning I thought 'Yeah OK, whatever'. However, because I am not one to rule anything out treatment was explored. We tried Concerta, Strattera, and a holistic approach. We took him to an endocrinologist because we heard that the signs he was showing might be because of a hormonal (thyroid) dysfunction. All ended with no real answer. For several months after that we let things be what they were and actually thought things were improving. Lately we've been dealing with anxiety, excessive fear, and insecurity. So I started looking back into the ADD and found out that that anxiety, fear, etc are part of the ADD in a small percentage of children. And just recently we got a progress report about his inability to stay awake in class, excessive talking when he is awake, and not doing his class work. He needs help and I need help in order to help him. His pediatrician is a good one, but I don't feel he's right to help us with this. In the past when I would try to talk to him about certain concerns regarding side affects of medicine his answers we almost always vague, at one point he chuckled at a legitimate concern. When he did do further testing (ekg) upon my request it was obvious that is was done to appease me and with no real interest in what those results might help us to know.

Long story short (too late); We live in the Houston area; does any one know of a pediatrician that can help us? Someone who specializes in ADD or at least has a vast knowledge and concern for appropriate treatment on a per child basis?

Hi, I live in the Houston area, and would have to recommend the Texas Children's Learning Center. My son was diagnosed there. Unfortunately, it's kind of far, (we live in Spring Branch) and have not gone back. They are really thorough. THey have group therapy by age, and I'm going to try to get my 10 yr old into a session. As far as medication, I think they can help you there. In think a psych is the best way to go as far as meds.

Ann

There's a good possibility your child has a comorbid mood disorder. If this is the case, the usual stimulant treatments might work once his mood is under control.

You might consider taking him to a child psychiatrist, neurologist, or psychologist. The learning center can deal with ADHD, but they might not recognize a different condition.

Good luck!

Cannot stay awake during the daytime in school?

Do you know that "Excessive Daytime Sleepiness" is the #1 sign of a Sleep Disorder.

Many ADDers have sleep disorders. (RLS, PLMD, sleep apnea, delayed sleep phase, etc)

Thank you for the responses, these are all things definitely worth looking into.

Emma,

Bravo.

I've said this before, as it continues to be true, sleep disorders in kids are probably THE single most overlooked problem area there is.

Granted, that statement is anecdotal, however, sleep disorders are typically the very LAST thing that gets considered;usually after everything else has been ruled out.

McT, I certainly agree that it should always be considered.

Emma -- I DO NOT HAVE A SLEEP DISORDER!