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Exposing Psychology, Exalting Christ |
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| How do you handle a hyperactive son without psychiatric medications?
Question: I have a four-year-old son who was diagnosed with ADHD. My doctor does not want to put him on medications, but suggested we both go to counseling to help him to handle his hyperactivity. My son is very smart. He is in preschool and knows all his letters, numbers, and has an excellent memory. His learning level is very advanced and his communication and comprehension is like that of a 6 year old. He gets along very well with older children, 6 and above. But he is very active. There are times when it takes us an hour or more to accomplish a task and to get him to focus. He blurts things out and does not have a sense of control. I can tell him to be quiet over and over, but it is as if he hears me but it doesn't compute, and his mouth keeps going. Sometimes, when I watch him, it is as if a switch is not catching, and I can see in his eyes when he looks at me while he is repeating the same sentence over and over that he wants to stop but keeps going. I don't know if this makes any sense. Even before he was put on the [asthma] medication he had problems sleeping. I can put him to bed at 8 p.m. but he will not fall asleep until 11:30 p.m., and refuses to fall asleep until I go to bed. If he wakes up in the middle of the night it is as if he had a nap and he will be up for 2-3 more hours, and this is after a busy day of getting up at 6:30 am, school and coming home around 6 p.m. I don't know where he gets all this energy! I am a single parent, have two jobs, my son and I live with my parents, who aren't Christians but who are caregivers for my son while I am at work. I have tried to move out, but I cannot afford it with my pay. And now seeing a counselor under my medical insurance, who will charge a copay? I do not want secular advice on how to handle this. I love my son and am willing to do anything it takes to help him. I don't know how to help him with this behavior problem, and I am trying to cut down on my debts so I can finally be at home more often and have a place of our own. Please, any advice and suggestions who I can talk to? Internet, 11/7/05
Answer: We really feel for you in this situation, and are so glad you contacted us. We're also thankful for your pastor who referred you to us. There are fewer and fewer pastors these days who take a stand against the false diagnoses and false solutions of psychology and psychiatry! First off, you should know that ADHD is an invention of the psychiatry industry. 40 years ago, there was no such thing as ADHD. Psychiatry invented the disease based on a list of subjective behaviors grouped together and voted into existence as a label. Now, millions have the disease without a shred of proof that the disease even exists. The false diagnosis of ADHD is a huge problem because it almost always leads to costly, God-denying counseling and dangerous drugging, even though there is no proof that ADHD is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain; no objective, scientific, medical test for ADHD in a patient; and no proof that ADHD drugs like Ritalin are safe or effective (see http://www.ahrp.org/infomail/05/09/13a.php), but many cases of adverse effects--violent or suicidal behavior, liver damage, permanent brain damage, stunted growth, heart failure, etc. You can read about the tragic deaths of hundreds of children that were caused directly by Ritalin, such as the death of 14-year-old Matthew Smith, at http://www.ritalindeath.com. Also see this neurologist's informative website on ADHD: http://www.adhdfraud.org.Your son's behavior could be caused by many things. We don't know the full situation beyond what you've told us, so we'll just list a few possible, potential causes:
Also, keep in mind that a lot of his behaviors are just normal childhood experiences. For example, you say, "There are times when it takes us an hour or more to accomplish a task and to get him to focus. He blurts things out and does not have a sense of control." This is not at all abnormal for young children, although psychologists (even Christian ones) insist that it is. Children need discipline and boundaries, even if it means hounding them for an hour to accomplish a task like cleaning their room or finishing their drink or dinner. This takes A LOT of work (we are parents of toddlers ourselves), but the behavior will eventually improve. The Bible promises this: "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." Proverbs 22:15 "The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother." Proverbs 29:15 "Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul." Proverbs 29:17 You say, "I can tell him to be quiet over and over, but it is as if he hears me but it doesn't compute, and his mouth keeps going." Are you showing that his disobedience has consequences? Try timeouts and other disciplinary measures when he disobeys you. At the same time, use positive rewards for good behavior, and when your son obeys you. This really works! Of course, some behaviors could be a direct result of a physical problem, but a true medical doctor who runs objective medical tests should be consulted - not a mental health professional who does nothing but observe outward behavior. We wouldn't recommend wasting your money on a counselor (Christian or secular), who would most likely give your son a lifelong label and a perpetual prescription. You have a difficult situation with being a single mom with 2 jobs. We have prayed for you, that God would provide you with more finances and more time with your son.
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