Re: Caffeine ? re: adhd/apraxia/spd

[Guest guest]

we haven't incidentally noticed improved focusing with caffine, in fact if her

older teenage sis ter is drinking a coke we tolod her she is too young and has

to wait until she's 17! she knows we're teasing,but still gets no more than a

sip-- I mqay try the coffe.BUT I had a fresca which she drank and her

coordination and gross motor skills became more organized and better after--we

were at a park.I wanted to give it to her again but never did because of the

chemicals-aspertime? Maybe it wasn't the caffeine in the diet coke ,but the Diet

stuff? Cheryl

> > >

> > > Cheryl:

> > >

> > > I feel for you! Our son is in kindergarten this year and we were having

similar issues. We did some testing with our chiropractor for natural

inbalances. We have put him on some supplements to help. Like you we didn't

want to go the medicated route - as the benefits were outweighed by the

negatives. If you are interested in this type of alternative route you can

visit his site and read up on it. I am sure you could even contact him and ask

questions about how he handles these types of cases. I know from personal

experience that it has helped Ethan tremendously. Our site address is listed at

the bottom of this page. I have a note about that section of his site on my

welcome page and on the chiropractic care page. I can tell you that unlike

most, I know my chiropractor very well because he is my uncle. He has gotten

very involved in Ethan's therapy and research about things we can do. The help

he has given us is awesome! He is a wonderful

> > > resource - he wants to do things for Ethan that will help not hinder.

> > >

> > > Best of luck to you.

> > >

> > >

> > > Ethan's Mom

> > >

> > > Helping Parents of Children with Apraxia~

> > > www.ethanslifewithapraxia.com

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ________________________________

> > > From: capetalker <capetalker@>

> > >

> > > Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 5:41:57 AM

> > > Subject: [ ] rytalin,or alternative for add/apraxic?

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Our daughter is ending kindergarten and now still dealing with moderate

global apraxia we have been dealing with attention problems which is impacting

progress in learning and progress in therapy. Every person that works with her

indicates her inability to focus/easy ditractability. The dr. of course wants to

try rytalin. Our nutritionist just suggested actyl -choline and a product called

synaptin which is supposed to be calmingto use with acytyl choline. The side

effect of the acytyl choline he said is possible irritabilty, but he said if the

choline works it is likely the rytalin would work--It's been our fear for the

entire school year to try the rytalin in that the side effects would be awful,

and that we'd have to deal with a whole new set of issues. Does rytalin have any

imact on the Apraxia? Also, we used phosphaline 2 years ago recommended by a

different nutritionist to stimulate language-it did but we had severe

irritability with that. I've

> > > tried the phosphaline in very small doses--1/4 tsp a day since then and

over a few week period the severe irritability starts again and is difficult to

stop even after the phosphaline is stopped,.??- Any input would be apprciated.

Cheryl

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Absolutely.  I have been told that Nicotine (a stimulant) is a perfect drug for

ADHD except for the tar and lung ramifications....Which explains why some people

can't quit smoking and others can.  They think a lot of us are " self

medicating " ......In kindergarten, the teachers swore up and down if they gave my

son coke for lunch, he was better in the afternoon.  that was before his

diagnosis and I never allowed him to drink pop or juice even as a toddler.  So,

now for lunch.....I pack a coke, just in case...... :)dian kaneIllinois

From: jilltracy74 <jilltracy74@...>

Subject: [ ] Caffeine ? re: adhd/apraxia/spd

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 12:53 PM

this coffee thing is fascinating to me - is it just that caffeine has the

opposite affect in adhd kids?

a couple of weeks ago we were at the park with only a diet coke in hand - my son

apraxia/spd - suspect adhd - was so thirsty - he ended up slamming 1/2 of it and

I was afraid he would have been bouncing off the walls later that day - and he

was super calm and focused.

from caffeine????

thanks, jill

> >

> > Cheryl:

> >

> > I feel for you! Our son is in kindergarten this year and we were having

similar issues. We did some testing with our chiropractor for natural

inbalances. We have put him on some supplements to help. Like you we didn't

want to go the medicated route - as the benefits were outweighed by the

negatives. If you are interested in this type of alternative route you can

visit his site and read up on it. I am sure you could even contact him and ask

questions about how he handles these types of cases. I know from personal

experience that it has helped Ethan tremendously. Our site address is listed at

the bottom of this page. I have a note about that section of his site on my

welcome page and on the chiropractic care page. I can tell you that unlike

most, I know my chiropractor very well because he is my uncle. He has gotten

very involved in Ethan's therapy and research about things we can do. The help

he has given us is awesome! He is a

wonderful

> > resource - he wants to do things for Ethan that will help not hinder.

> >

> > Best of luck to you.

> >

> >

> > Ethan's Mom

> >

> > Helping Parents of Children with Apraxia~

> > www.ethanslifewitha praxia.com

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ____________ _________ _________ __

> > From: capetalker <capetalker@ >

> > @groups. com

> > Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 5:41:57 AM

> > Subject: [childrensapraxiane t] rytalin,or alternative for add/apraxic?

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Our daughter is ending kindergarten and now still dealing with moderate

global apraxia we have been dealing with attention problems which is impacting

progress in learning and progress in therapy. Every person that works with her

indicates her inability to focus/easy ditractability. The dr. of course wants to

try rytalin. Our nutritionist just suggested actyl -choline and a product called

synaptin which is supposed to be calmingto use with acytyl choline. The side

effect of the acytyl choline he said is possible irritabilty, but he said if the

choline works it is likely the rytalin would work--It's been our fear for the

entire school year to try the rytalin in that the side effects would be awful,

and that we'd have to deal with a whole new set of issues. Does rytalin have any

imact on the Apraxia? Also, we used phosphaline 2 years ago recommended by a

different nutritionist to stimulate language-it did but we had severe

irritability with that. I've

> > tried the phosphaline in very small doses--1/4 tsp a day since then and

over a few week period the severe irritability starts again and is difficult to

stop even after the phosphaline is stopped,.??- Any input would be apprciated.

Cheryl

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

My 6 year old started out with dyspraxia..she has improved 99%..we are now

working on word retrieval problems....I am absolutley keeping her in K for

another year. This is the year of " building a foundation " for future

education.....I want hers to be as strong as possible. ALSO my 9 year old had

ADD....they put him on ADDERALL!!! I said no....and started allowing him to

drink a HUGE cup off coffee, daily, with FRENCH VANILLA, and the change is

incredible!!!

Good luck!

> > > >

> > > > Cheryl:

> > > >

> > > > I feel for you! Our son is in kindergarten this year and we were having

similar issues. We did some testing with our chiropractor for natural

inbalances. We have put him on some supplements to help. Like you we didn't

want to go the medicated route - as the benefits were outweighed by the

negatives. If you are interested in this type of alternative route you can

visit his site and read up on it. I am sure you could even contact him and ask

questions about how he handles these types of cases. I know from personal

experience that it has helped Ethan tremendously. Our site address is listed at

the bottom of this page. I have a note about that section of his site on my

welcome page and on the chiropractic care page. I can tell you that unlike

most, I know my chiropractor very well because he is my uncle. He has gotten

very involved in Ethan's therapy and research about things we can do. The help

he has given us is awesome! He is a wonderful

> > > > resource - he wants to do things for Ethan that will help not hinder.

> > > >

> > > > Best of luck to you.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Ethan's Mom

> > > >

> > > > Helping Parents of Children with Apraxia~

> > > > www.ethanslifewithapraxia.com

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ________________________________

> > > > From: capetalker <capetalker@>

> > > >

> > > > Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 5:41:57 AM

> > > > Subject: [ ] rytalin,or alternative for add/apraxic?

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Our daughter is ending kindergarten and now still dealing with moderate

global apraxia we have been dealing with attention problems which is impacting

progress in learning and progress in therapy. Every person that works with her

indicates her inability to focus/easy ditractability. The dr. of course wants to

try rytalin. Our nutritionist just suggested actyl -choline and a product called

synaptin which is supposed to be calmingto use with acytyl choline. The side

effect of the acytyl choline he said is possible irritabilty, but he said if the

choline works it is likely the rytalin would work--It's been our fear for the

entire school year to try the rytalin in that the side effects would be awful,

and that we'd have to deal with a whole new set of issues. Does rytalin have any

imact on the Apraxia? Also, we used phosphaline 2 years ago recommended by a

different nutritionist to stimulate language-it did but we had severe

irritability with that. I've

> > > > tried the phosphaline in very small doses--1/4 tsp a day since then and

over a few week period the severe irritability starts again and is difficult to

stop even after the phosphaline is stopped,.??- Any input would be apprciated.

Cheryl

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

I was diagnosed with ADD as an adult. One of the questions they asked me was

how much coffee I consumed each day. At that point, I probably drank 4-5 big

cups a day. Caffeine is a stimulant which is why most meds for ADD and ADHD are

stimulants. Coffee doesn't make me jittery; it completely evens me out. I now

take adderall and don't drink coffee, which eliminates the ups and downs coffee

can give throughout the day. So to answer your question, YES, caffeine DOES

usually help with ADHD symptoms (more focus, clarity, etc.) There is something

it does to the neurotransmitters that causes a fluid stream rather than blips

and misfires.

Instead of sodas, you could try buying an organic coffee and making some mild

iced coffees this summer to experiment. You may be very surprised!

> > >

> > > Cheryl:

> > >

> > > I feel for you! Our son is in kindergarten this year and we were having

similar issues. We did some testing with our chiropractor for natural

inbalances. We have put him on some supplements to help. Like you we didn't

want to go the medicated route - as the benefits were outweighed by the

negatives. If you are interested in this type of alternative route you can

visit his site and read up on it. I am sure you could even contact him and ask

questions about how he handles these types of cases. I know from personal

experience that it has helped Ethan tremendously. Our site address is listed at

the bottom of this page. I have a note about that section of his site on my

welcome page and on the chiropractic care page. I can tell you that unlike

most, I know my chiropractor very well because he is my uncle. He has gotten

very involved in Ethan's therapy and research about things we can do. The help

he has given us is awesome! He is a wonderful

> > > resource - he wants to do things for Ethan that will help not hinder.

> > >

> > > Best of luck to you.

> > >

> > >

> > > Ethan's Mom

> > >

> > > Helping Parents of Children with Apraxia~

> > > www.ethanslifewithapraxia.com

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ________________________________

> > > From: capetalker <capetalker@>

> > >

> > > Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 5:41:57 AM

> > > Subject: [ ] rytalin,or alternative for add/apraxic?

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Our daughter is ending kindergarten and now still dealing with moderate

global apraxia we have been dealing with attention problems which is impacting

progress in learning and progress in therapy. Every person that works with her

indicates her inability to focus/easy ditractability. The dr. of course wants to

try rytalin. Our nutritionist just suggested actyl -choline and a product called

synaptin which is supposed to be calmingto use with acytyl choline. The side

effect of the acytyl choline he said is possible irritabilty, but he said if the

choline works it is likely the rytalin would work--It's been our fear for the

entire school year to try the rytalin in that the side effects would be awful,

and that we'd have to deal with a whole new set of issues. Does rytalin have any

imact on the Apraxia? Also, we used phosphaline 2 years ago recommended by a

different nutritionist to stimulate language-it did but we had severe

irritability with that. I've

> > > tried the phosphaline in very small doses--1/4 tsp a day since then and

over a few week period the severe irritability starts again and is difficult to

stop even after the phosphaline is stopped,.??- Any input would be apprciated.

Cheryl

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

wow!!!

thanks for the info!

Jill

>

> > >

>

> > > Cheryl:

>

> > >

>

> > > I feel for you! Our son is in kindergarten this year and we were having

similar issues. We did some testing with our chiropractor for natural

inbalances. We have put him on some supplements to help. Like you we didn't

want to go the medicated route - as the benefits were outweighed by the

negatives. If you are interested in this type of alternative route you can

visit his site and read up on it. I am sure you could even contact him and ask

questions about how he handles these types of cases. I know from personal

experience that it has helped Ethan tremendously. Our site address is listed at

the bottom of this page. I have a note about that section of his site on my

welcome page and on the chiropractic care page. I can tell you that unlike

most, I know my chiropractor very well because he is my uncle. He has gotten

very involved in Ethan's therapy and research about things we can do. The help

he has given us is awesome! He is a

> wonderful

>

> > > resource - he wants to do things for Ethan that will help not hinder.

>

> > >

>

> > > Best of luck to you.

>

> > >

>

> > >

>

> > > Ethan's Mom

>

> > >

>

> > > Helping Parents of Children with Apraxia~

>

> > > www.ethanslifewitha praxia.com

>

> > >

>

> > >

>

> > >

>

> > >

>

> > > ____________ _________ _________ __

>

> > > From: capetalker <capetalker@ >

>

> > > @groups. com

>

> > > Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 5:41:57 AM

>

> > > Subject: [childrensapraxiane t] rytalin,or alternative for add/apraxic?

>

> > >

>

> > >

>

> > >

>

> > >

>

> > >

>

> > > Our daughter is ending kindergarten and now still dealing with moderate

global apraxia we have been dealing with attention problems which is impacting

progress in learning and progress in therapy. Every person that works with her

indicates her inability to focus/easy ditractability. The dr. of course wants to

try rytalin. Our nutritionist just suggested actyl -choline and a product called

synaptin which is supposed to be calmingto use with acytyl choline. The side

effect of the acytyl choline he said is possible irritabilty, but he said if the

choline works it is likely the rytalin would work--It's been our fear for the

entire school year to try the rytalin in that the side effects would be awful,

and that we'd have to deal with a whole new set of issues. Does rytalin have any

imact on the Apraxia? Also, we used phosphaline 2 years ago recommended by a

different nutritionist to stimulate language-it did but we had severe

irritability with that. I've

>

> > > tried the phosphaline in very small doses--1/4 tsp a day since then and

over a few week period the severe irritability starts again and is difficult to

stop even after the phosphaline is stopped,.??- Any input would be apprciated.

Cheryl

>

> > >

>

> > >

>

> > >

>

> > >

>

> > >

[Guest guest]

I could almost quote your post, except I'm a bigger fan of soda than coffee. I

had a few cups of coffee a week, and drank a MINIMUM of 5 bottles of soda a week

(2 liter, mostly by myself). It was when I got dx'ed with ADD that I was told I

was self-medicating on soda and coffee.

I started Adderall, and now a bottle of soda lasts a week, and coffee is a treat

2-3x a month. I was a bittersweet moment when I realized that this is what

" normal " feels like. Felt good to be able to focus for the first time ever, but

made me sad at the realization of everything I've missed out on with the ADD.

As far as " medicating " a child with coffee/ soda, my biggest (only) concern has

always been their teeth. Nothing like a set of baby pearly whites stained brown.

But if the caffeine works for them, it's great.

>

> I was diagnosed with ADD as an adult. One of the questions they asked me was

how much coffee I consumed each day. At that point, I probably drank 4-5 big

cups a day. Caffeine is a stimulant which is why most meds for ADD and ADHD are

stimulants. Coffee doesn't make me jittery; it completely evens me out. I now

take adderall and don't drink coffee, which eliminates the ups and downs coffee

can give throughout the day. So to answer your question, YES, caffeine DOES

usually help with ADHD symptoms (more focus, clarity, etc.) There is something

it does to the neurotransmitters that causes a fluid stream rather than blips

and misfires.

>

> Instead of sodas, you could try buying an organic coffee and making some mild

iced coffees this summer to experiment. You may be very surprised!

[Guest guest]

I have a few archives I can post if anyone is interested in how I kept my ADHD

son off meds via the right formula of fish oil My son Dakota who 3 different

neurologists, a developmental pediatrician, a school psychologist, and various

teachers highly recommended or suggested meds for Dakota's diagnosed ADHD back

in 3rd grade and I found that a ratio of EPA, DHA and GLA got him back on track.

I've ahsred it here a few times but being this group isn't centered on ADHD I

don't know if it will work as brilliantly for others as it did for my son.

Dakota has been a top student throughout his school career -he never had social

issues but he never had behavioral issues since. He's now in 9th grade in all

honors classes and is planned to go into architecture and computer programing

with plans to work on theme parks :-)

Anyway about caffeine for children -the jury is still out on that one. I'd

check with your child's doctor and check with recent research. And PS we are

virtually caffeine free in our house -but not completely because there's no way

we are getting rid of chocolate!

Here's some info I found on caffeine:

" Caffeine can actually affect the ADHD brain in much the same way as ADHD

medication, such as Ritalin and Adderall. But don't be fooled into thinking

that a can of caffeinated soda is a good idea. Caffeine restricts blood flow to

the brain and is likely to worsen ADHD symptoms over time. (Amen, 2001). Also,

the indiscriminate and irregular introduction of a stimulant like caffeine into

the equation can make " energy management " more complicated. In comparison to a

cup of coffee, which may contain 100 to 200 milligrams of caffeine, a can of

regular caffeinated soda usually contains only about 25 milligrams. But the

kicker is that when you factor in body weight, a child consuming a regular can

of soda is likely to be taking in the caffeine equivalent found in four cups of

coffee (Market Watch, 2007) "

ADD/ADHD Drug Free

By elli, L. A. , Jay , Dr. (FRW) page 86

Caffeine

Child Nutrition Basics

By Iannelli, M.D.,

Since caffeine is a stimulant and can interfere with their kids getting to

sleep, few parents would knowingly want their kids to get a lot of caffeine in

their diet.

Unfortunately, many do, including younger children who drink sweet tea and

caffeinated soda.

Kids can also get caffeine from certain medications, coffee ice cream, and

chocolate.

Keep in mind that water and milk are the healthiest drinks for your child, in

addition to limited amounts of 100% fruit juice. However, if you are going to

give your child soda, at least consider choosing caffeine-free drinks, such as

A & W Root Beer, Sprite, 7-Up and Seagram's Ginger Ale.

Remember, children and teens don't need any caffeine in their diet.

Caffeine Symptoms

In addition to causing sleep problems, symptoms and side effects of drinking

coffee can include:

irritability

tachycardia (increased heart rate)

hypertension (increased blood pressure)

headaches

bedwetting

acid reflux

Teens and Caffeine

Many teens, in addition to drinking regular caffeinated sodas, are now also

drinking coffee, caffeinated waters, juices, and are even chewing caffeinated

gum.

But an even bigger hazard may be the 'super' caffeinated energy drinks such as

Red Bull, Monster and Rockstar, which have about as much caffeine as a cup of

coffee, but much more caffeine than a regular soda.

Are your teens getting any caffeine in their diet? In addition to causing the

symptoms above, teens who consume a lot of drinks with caffeine in them usually

aren't drinking enough milk or other drinks with calcium, an important mineral

for their growing bodies.

=====

[Guest guest]

could you please post the archives on the formula for EPA, DHA and GLA to

keep children with ADHD off medicine. I really believe that there is a formula

using fish oils that helps Attention Deficit Disorders. My son is only 3.3 yrs

old, but I can see him going down this road and I will like to help him at least

to focus on his speech therapy sessions.

Thanks