Hi Rebecca:

Welcome to ADDConnect. I’m sorry to hear you haven’t received the support and information you need from your son’s doctor. But I’m encouraged that you’ve found us and reached out.

http://www.additudemag.com has several comprehensive articles about ODD and ADHD that I would recommend as a starting place…

ADHD and ODD: Parenting Your Defiant Child

About ODD—this one has a ton of great comments from parents as well

ODD and ADHD—this one recommends a book titled “The Explosive Child” by Ross W. Greene, PhD

Violent, Defiant Children and Teens: Parent-Training Programs That Help Change Behavior

If you have any specific questions about treatment or behavior, just let us know and we can recommend some additional resources.

Best of luck!

It can be exhausting, time-consuming and extremely frustrating just READING about ADHD.  I, for one, am much better at DVDs, group conversation or smaller research information as found here - not a whole book.  First of all, how old is your son?  Second, find another Dr.  One that is trained in ADHD.  Check CHADD’s website in your area.  Find a hospital that has a center for ADHD and take him there.  DO NOT wait on anyone.  YOU take the bull by the horns and take care of it - no matter what it takes.  Did whoever diagnose him prescribe medication?  If not, you need to get him on meds.  This condition is a neurobiological condition based in the brain.  The neurotransmitters don’t produce enough specific hormones for attention, focus, etc.  My 13 year old son has been on medication since was 5 1/2 years old.  He is an A student because the medication allows him to focus and absorb information for retention.  If your brain is running like a freight train it absorbs nothing and the cycle keeps going.  Please let me know what happens.  I’ll try and connect on facebook.

Hello Rebecca, your story sounds a lot like mine. My twin boys were diagnosed with adhd with odd as an underlying condition. I had the same problems you did. Both of my boys were combative when they did not get their way and would hit me also, as well as destroy things and put holes in the walls and the door to their room. They started on the meds three weeks ago and it seems to be working. I would suggest that you find a good doctor. Then get your son on the medication. Believe me it will help a lot. You will also need a referral from your doctor for your son to have therapy with a psychologist. You will also have to get accomodations for him with the school.  All of this may seem overwelming, but it can be done.  Educate yourself on the laws that are in place. Go to http://www.wrightslaw.com and read up on this. The site also has local information for your area, as you may need an advocate to help you later on.  It has been overwelming for me, but I am dealing with it.  I had to find another daycare for the kids because the daycare they were going to did not want to be bothered with children who have adhd. So I had to find one that was adhd friendly. My boys are 7 years old and it has really been a battle but it can be done. I can add you to my facebook if you would like to talk about this further.  Be encouraged and take advantage of this website. ADDconnect has helped me tremendously.  Good Luck!

Hi Rebecca: I also forgot, my name on facebook is lee ann garrett-brooks. If you have any questions for me I will be glad to help.