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7yr old (step)-son has ADHD+FAS+???

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

I am married to a wonderful man-he has an adorable 7 year old son whom I have known for 2 years. He was born with fetal alcohol syndrome. I knew he had ADHD and after a doctor’s examination; was diagnosed so. The problem now- he goes to extremes- either wild laughter when there is nothing at all funny and there is really no call for it or crying the blues even when there is no reason and the minute before he was happy and fine. He also has self destructive behaviors as he picks sores on himself…and he didn’t do this before he started on medication therapy, yet when we took him off the medications-the self abuse (picking sores) continued. He started to actually even have ‘tics’…..he would continously wipe his face….and even jerk his head akwardly….this I have been able to stop after months of working with him vigorously….it has been exhausting. Please, if anyone has had any of the same experiences let me know. Or if anyone can offer any suggestions let me know. Thanks, Margaret

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 08/05/2001 - 10:29 AM

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It’s sadly true that medication for ADD/ADHD can sometimes bring out tics in a child that, just as you say, do not go away when medication is withdrawn. That he or you is able to control these tics is quite impressive.

You might want though to consider seeing a pediatric neurologist. Have you visited the FAS sites online and are there FAS support groups in your area? Having parented two ld children of my own, I know having others to talk with who are facing the same challenges can be helpful.

This child is fortunate to have such a caring mother in his life.

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