You are not alone! The scenario you described is so prevalent these days. We began the ADHD (and various other diagnoses) journey when my son was about 3. I understand what you're saying about labels, etc. I really did not want my child identified that way. There is so much more to him than that! But in the end, the "label" helped me understand him better and helped me to know how I needed to modify my own behavior to help him succeed. We tried SO many different things over the years: ABA, OT, Speech, Social Skills groups, neurologist evals, behavioral pych evals, neuro-psych evals...blech... None of it seemed to "help". I had a lot of information, but no clear direction on what to do. I did discover that (typically) whatever area of speciality a particular evaluator was skilled in was (coincidentally) just what my son needed. :confused: So we ended up taking a break from everything. I think some maturity and some time to process everything really helped us. During our break, I found out and read about neuro-feedback. (See The Open Focus Brain by Dr. Les Fehmi and/or Biofeedback for the Brain by Paul Swingle). It seemed very interesting and promising to me, but I was not aware of any providers in our area. It just so happened, after one more of those conversations with an enrichment activity teacher about how my son "just couldn't sit still....interrupted too often...voice volume was too loud...etc..." that I was given the name of another doctor. I almost didn't follow up on it, but in the end I did and was glad I did. Neuro-feedback is not a silver bullet, but we have seen improvement. It is a slow process, but I was happy to pursue this over medication. It greatly improved our understanding of exactly what was happening in his brain and shed light on why certain behaviors were present. (We had a QEEG study completed before beginning NF). We also had an IGG food sensitivity panel run and were surprised to find a gluten sensitivity (there were no symtoms) also factored in to the mix. So, we are now GF too and I do think this has been beneficial. My son used to get headaches often and have frequent hypoglycemic episodes, both of which have greatly improved with GF. I agree with the other responders too that Omega-3's probiotics and for us B-vitamins have also helped. Sorry, I could go on and on, but in a nutshell, there is a lot available out there to help you and your child. It might just take some time to decide which path to take. I wish you the best as you pursue this! Kai

Thanks so much Karen! :001_smile:

Thanks Polly. Funny, people would join the forum and not know Jesse Wise or Susan Bauer are...:confused: Personally, I don't like the idea that anyone "owns" a forum of ideas, but I understand what you were trying to say. :001_smile:

We use ASOW for 2 children who are 2 1/2 years apart. I only buy one text book and one workbook. I copy the workbook pages as needed. That seems to work well for us. ASOW is a fantastic history curriculum - my kids absolutely love it! If you are able, I would recommend getting the Audio CDs. We love listenting to Jim Weiss tell the stories. It also gives mom some time to prepare for what comes next! :001_smile:

:iagree: I would also expect that children would be taught about salvation at a bible camp. If nothing else, it opens us the opportunity for the child to have a discussion about it with their parents.

WWE has been a great help to both my children. I don't worry too much about how they narrate, but just focus on the fact that they are narrating. It has really improved my ds' comprehension. :001_smile:

Where can I get the tests? I have been using the IP as the "test", but I'd like to take a look at the actual tests. If you've used them, are they worth it?

Homeschooling is awesome! :001_smile:

:iagree:

Clearly. Just trying to be supportive of her "direction".

Dietary changes can make a huge difference! We recently went GF and it has been a positive change. We are also doing neuro-feedback which has been very positive. Good luck!

God never gives us more than we can handle. Be at peace and know that He cares for you! :grouphug:

This is so hilarious! Thanks for sharing!

I am from HI, so mango pie would have to be my favorite! My aunt used to make them all the time. They are the best!:D

This is great info. I am going to recommend to a friend! Thanks!

We like to listen to the Jim Weiss recordings on long trips. The kids love them and it makes them use their imaginations!

My ds had many, many ear infections from 7 mos - 2 1/2 years. He was put on antibiotics nearly every time. I later discovered that many times an ear infection is viral, not bacterial, but without a sample of the fluid it is impossible to know for sure. So antibiotics are the "abundance of caution" approach. Though now, because of antibiotic resistance, I believe the AAP uses a "wait and see" approach for children over 3 years (?). But, it's hard to see your child in pain, especially if there is something you can "do" about it! Knowing what I know now, I wish I would have declined antibiotics, at least some of the times they were suggested. There were times he really needed them and the antibiotics did help. I just don't think he needed them every time. We are still trying to rebuild a properly balanced intestinal flora today....nearly 7 years later!

Excellent advice. Keep the forum pure! :001_smile:

Awesome. Thanks!

Is there a good natural jello? One with no artifical colors?

I know what you mean. It is hard when you are constantly giving and not getting yourself "filled up" regularly for the next round. Prayer has really helped me in this regard. Even if I have to get up earlier than everyone else, it helps me just to sit quietly and look out the window and pray. Some quiet, meditative music might be good too. I recently found solo piano worship CDs that are really nice. The pianist is David Nevue.

We did the same Igg testing...eliminating gluten has helped to reduce headaches and hypoglycemic issues. Supplements have helped too. We could never get our kids to take an EFA supplement, but Barlean's Omega Swirl has been awesome!

Thanks! That is an awesome list. We love Magic School Bus!

Memorizing anything is a boost to the brain. We love Classical Conversations. Lots of great memory work there.

We absolutely LOVE Story of the World. We did Ancients when my daughter was in K. We mainly just listened. Her older brother did more of the mapwork/etc. that is in the workbook. This year we did ASOW II and it was just as good. They get a lot out of it by just listening to the stories. They may not get it all now, but you'll see they make the connections that will become apparent later.