Re: Coffee to calm?

[Guest guest]

Hi. I'm new here, but wanted to respond. My ds is 12, and has mild (thankfully) AS. He was diagnosed at age 8, although had been in early childhood spec ed preschool for sensory dysfunction and language delay. When he was 3 or 4 we discovered accidentally that drinking a coke helped tremendously when he was in a sensory challenging environment and got irritable or overwhelmed. It occurred to me later that the caffeine in it might be helping his focus or his "internal organization". When he was diagnosed with AS he also had a large attention component, and has responded very well to stimulant medication (first Focalin, and now that he can swallow pills, Concerta). So yeah, I think there is something to it.

Peggy, mom to Connor 12 (AS)

In a message dated 11/27/2010 8:40:50 P.M. Central Standard Time, gothpunkgurl17@... writes:

Ok I've heard this a few times. But I want to know does it help? Does it really work? I mean it seems that it wouldn't do any more than make them eve more hyper. And if it does work how much do you give them and what's the best way to get them to drink it. We are DF/GF so I don't want to have to put milk in it or any dairy actually.Any help with this I'd LOVE!

[Guest guest]

Interesting. I've heard this as a suggested for ADHD but not Aspergers. I confess to trying it with both my kids (Oldest son has ADHD, youngest has aspergers). Didn't do a thing for them.

From: <gothpunkgurl17@...>Subject: ( ) Coffee to calm? Date: Saturday, November 27, 2010, 11:53 AM

Ok I've heard this a few times. But I want to know does it help? Does it really work? I mean it seems that it wouldn't do any more than make them eve more hyper. And if it does work how much do you give them and what's the best way to get them to drink it. We are DF/GF so I don't want to have to put milk in it or any dairy actually.Any help with this I'd LOVE!

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Don't know if it actually works, but I've always heard that it does. Even our doc admits that she doesn't know why it wouldnt'.

All I know is that when they have caffeine of any kind, they don't get MORE hyper. Never seemed to calm them.....but it didn't "spaz" them out like some kids.So,,,,,maybe it does. Heck...it IS a stimulant and that's what ADHD meds are......

Good luck!!

Robin

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY

WHAT YOU DID OR WHAT YOU SAID,

BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER

HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL

From: <gothpunkgurl17@...>Subject: ( ) Coffee to calm? Date: Saturday, November 27, 2010, 1:53 PM

Ok I've heard this a few times. But I want to know does it help? Does it really work? I mean it seems that it wouldn't do any more than make them eve more hyper. And if it does work how much do you give them and what's the best way to get them to drink it. We are DF/GF so I don't want to have to put milk in it or any dairy actually.Any help with this I'd LOVE!

[Guest guest]

It is mostly true for adhd kids b/c caffeine is a stimulant so works

for the same reason stimulant meds work. BUT some aspie kids can't

take stimulant meds. Aspie and hfa kids tend to have symptoms of not

only adhd but also of mood disorders, odd, ocd, etc. Our

developmental ped said that a lot of times they meet the criteria for

dx of all of these but it is better explained as just a symptom of

their asd. It is hard to tell which kids have strong enough symptoms

to qualify as a comorbid dx of any of these.

Anyway, I point this out b/c caffeine/stimulants may be good for adhd

symptoms it is not for mood symptoms. It can cause moodiness or

mania. So if your child can't take stimulants I would avoid it. If

you don't know I would try it at home first to see how the reaction is

b/c you don't want to deal with mania in public.

Just as a stimulant med would vary in the dosage you would need so

would caffeine. I would try the lowest dosage 1st. About half a coke

would give you about 30 mg caffeine. A half a mello yellow would take

you up to 40. Half a coffee or tea would be 50 and then of course

starting over with fulls would double that. You can google caffeine

content to find a list that tells you what food/drink containe what

amount.

On 11/27/10, <gothpunkgurl17@...> wrote:

> Ok I've heard this a few times. But I want to know does it help? Does it

> really work? I mean it seems that it wouldn't do any more than make them eve

> more hyper. And if it does work how much do you give them and what's the

> best way to get them to drink it. We are DF/GF so I don't want to have to

> put milk in it or any dairy actually.

>

> Any help with this I'd LOVE!

>

>

--

Sent from my mobile device

-mommy to Emma, Becca, ,

, , and Leah

[Guest guest]

Hi there,

My son is 13 and just recently started drinking a small cup of coffee in the

mornings before school. It's actually more like a Latte because of the amount of

milk and creamer he uses but it doesn't seem to cause any hyper activity in him

what so ever. Have you checked into Trader Joes or Whole Foods for a GF/CF

coffee creamer? I know artificial creamers are usually oil based even when they

look like pure milk.

Another idea is to start out with a cup of Vanilla Almond Milk and add a tsp of

insant coffee to that,along with what ever sweetener you're family uses. I've

used Aguava Nector and Truvia(with steevia) however I don't let my children use

Truvia as even though Steevia comes from a plant I'm not 100% sure I trust it

for my kiddos.

Have a wonderful Sunday

W.

T

>

>

> From: <gothpunkgurl17@...>

> Subject: ( ) Coffee to calm?

>

> Date: Saturday, November 27, 2010, 1:53 PM

>

>

>  

>

>

>

> Ok I've heard this a few times. But I want to know does it help? Does it

really work? I mean it seems that it wouldn't do any more than make them eve

more hyper. And if it does work how much do you give them and what's the best

way to get them to drink it. We are DF/GF so I don't want to have to put milk in

it or any dairy actually.

>

> Any help with this I'd LOVE!

>

[Guest guest]

For some reason, using a stimulant with an already hyper/active brain has the

reverse effect of calming. Relates to dopamine. Caffeine also affects

dopamine.

Anyway, found this info, might help:

Caffeine is similar to traditional ADHD medications in that it is a stimulant.

Just like Ritalin, this stimulant effects dopamine levels, and enlarges vessels

to increase blood flow in the brain. It also has cognitive advantages of

increasing attention and processing time.

A safe level of caffeine consumption is 400 milligrams daily for an adult male,

300 milligrams for an adult female, and for a child, 2.5 milligrams per

kilogram. Caffeine affects each person differently though, and each person will

need to monitor their consumption and side effects.

Most caffeine consumed is in the form of beverages. Some common drinks and their

caffeine levels are:

coffee, ground, 8 oz. 135 milligrams of caffeine

tea, 8 oz, 60 milligrams of caffeine

green tea, 8 oz., 35 milligrams

most colas, 12 oz, 35-45 milligrams

energy drinks, such as Red Bull, 80 milligrams and up

http://www.suite101.com/content/caffeine-as-an-alternative-adhd-treatment-a20809\

9

>

> Ok I've heard this a few times. But I want to know does it help? Does it

really work? I mean it seems that it wouldn't do any more than make them eve

more hyper. And if it does work how much do you give them and what's the best

way to get them to drink it. We are DF/GF so I don't want to have to put milk in

it or any dairy actually.

>

> Any help with this I'd LOVE!

>

[Guest guest]

i find this website most comprehensive for caffeine content

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/AN01211

On Sun, Nov 28, 2010 at 11:36 AM, <@...> wrote:

 

For some reason, using a stimulant with an already hyper/active brain has the reverse effect of calming. Relates to dopamine. Caffeine also affects dopamine. Anyway, found this info, might help:Caffeine is similar to traditional ADHD medications in that it is a stimulant. Just like Ritalin, this stimulant effects dopamine levels, and enlarges vessels to increase blood flow in the brain. It also has cognitive advantages of increasing attention and processing time.

A safe level of caffeine consumption is 400 milligrams daily for an adult male, 300 milligrams for an adult female, and for a child, 2.5 milligrams per kilogram. Caffeine affects each person differently though, and each person will need to monitor their consumption and side effects.

Most caffeine consumed is in the form of beverages. Some common drinks and their caffeine levels are:coffee, ground, 8 oz. 135 milligrams of caffeine tea, 8 oz, 60 milligrams of caffeine green tea, 8 oz., 35 milligrams

most colas, 12 oz, 35-45 milligrams energy drinks, such as Red Bull, 80 milligrams and uphttp://www.suite101.com/content/caffeine-as-an-alternative-adhd-treatment-a208099

>> Ok I've heard this a few times. But I want to know does it help? Does it really work? I mean it seems that it wouldn't do any more than make them eve more hyper. And if it does work how much do you give them and what's the best way to get them to drink it. We are DF/GF so I don't want to have to put milk in it or any dairy actually.

> > Any help with this I'd LOVE!>

-- -mommy to Emma, Becca, , , , and Leah

[Guest guest]

Dear Chris:

Green tea may be better in the stymulant and calming area..

T.

( ) Re: Coffee to calm?

For some reason, using a stimulant with an already hyper/active brain has the reverse effect of calming. Relates to dopamine. Caffeine also affects dopamine. Anyway, found this info, might help:Caffeine is similar to traditional ADHD medications in that it is a stimulant. Just like Ritalin, this stimulant effects dopamine levels, and enlarges vessels to increase blood flow in the brain. It also has cognitive advantages of increasing attention and processing time.A safe level of caffeine consumption is 400 milligrams daily for an adult male, 300 milligrams for an adult female, and for a child, 2.5 milligrams per kilogram. Caffeine affects each person differently though, and each person will need to monitor their consumption and side effects.Most caffeine consumed is in the form of beverages. Some common drinks and their caffeine levels are:coffee, ground, 8 oz. 135 milligrams of caffeine tea, 8 oz, 60 milligrams of caffeine green tea, 8 oz., 35 milligrams most colas, 12 oz, 35-45 milligrams energy drinks, such as Red Bull, 80 milligrams and uphttp://www.suite101.com/content/caffeine-as-an-alternative-adhd-treatment-a208099>> Ok I've heard this a few times. But I want to know does it help? Does it really work? I mean it seems that it wouldn't do any more than make them eve more hyper. And if it does work how much do you give them and what's the best way to get them to drink it. We are DF/GF so I don't want to have to put milk in it or any dairy actually.> > Any help with this I'd LOVE!>

[Guest guest]

I thought people with migrane headaches often were able to pinpoint the cause as a caffeine addition. The problem is that it decreases the size of the blood vessels in the brain. Upon removal of caffeine the blood vessels would expand causing severe headaches because they were not introducing pressure on the brain which had previously fillen in the gaps left by the caffeine constricted blood vessels.

It it works it works. Worth a try.

From: <@...>Subject: ( ) Re: Coffee to calm? Date: Sunday, November 28, 2010, 11:36 AM

For some reason, using a stimulant with an already hyper/active brain has the reverse effect of calming. Relates to dopamine. Caffeine also affects dopamine. Anyway, found this info, might help:Caffeine is similar to traditional ADHD medications in that it is a stimulant. Just like Ritalin, this stimulant effects dopamine levels, and enlarges vessels to increase blood flow in the brain. It also has cognitive advantages of increasing attention and processing time.A safe level of caffeine consumption is 400 milligrams daily for an adult male, 300 milligrams for an adult female, and for a child, 2.5 milligrams per kilogram. Caffeine affects each person differently though, and each person will need to monitor their consumption and side effects.Most caffeine consumed is in the form of beverages. Some common drinks and their caffeine levels are:coffee, ground, 8 oz. 135 milligrams of caffeine tea, 8 oz, 60

milligrams of caffeine green tea, 8 oz., 35 milligrams most colas, 12 oz, 35-45 milligrams energy drinks, such as Red Bull, 80 milligrams and uphttp://www.suite101.com/content/caffeine-as-an-alternative-adhd-treatment-a208099>> Ok I've heard this a few times. But I want to know does it help? Does it really work? I mean it seems that it wouldn't do any more than make them eve more hyper. And if it does work how much do you give them and what's the best way to get them to drink it. We are DF/GF so I don't want to have to

put milk in it or any dairy actually.> > Any help with this I'd LOVE!>

[Guest guest]

Thank you all for the imput! I compleatly forgot the stimulant effect. How I

don't know but oh well. DS is dx as HAF, ADHD, and we are looking at OCD and SI

as it seems he's goit issues that fall under boht of those. I honestly was

expecting the ADHD seeing as I have ADD and his biofather has ADHD. And my

father has ADHD. I might just give it a try and see. On a weekend of course.

>

> Ok I've heard this a few times. But I want to know does it help? Does it

really work? I mean it seems that it wouldn't do any more than make them eve

more hyper. And if it does work how much do you give them and what's the best

way to get them to drink it. We are DF/GF so I don't want to have to put milk in

it or any dairy actually.

>

> Any help with this I'd LOVE!

>

[Guest guest]

I have used coffee to calm me down for about a year now, maybe a little longer.  From what the doc tells me, it's either coffee speeds up brain activity, or speeds it up so much that it slows you down and makes you drowsy.  Take for example my fiance, we would go to our starbucks, and drink some coffee, she would fall asleep because of the coffee.  In other words, it can act as a stimulant or a depressant, but it all depends on the person.  It also helps with going number 2, which can be challenging when you have a disability.

My two sense,NickOn Sat, Nov 27, 2010 at 7:30 PM, and/or Robin Lemke <jrisjs@...> wrote:

 

Hi,

 

Don't know if it actually works, but I've always heard that it does.  Even our doc admits that she doesn't know why it wouldnt'.

 

All I know is that when they have caffeine of any kind, they don't get MORE hyper.  Never seemed to calm them.....but it didn't " spaz " them out like some kids.So,,,,,maybe it does.  Heck...it IS a stimulant and that's what ADHD meds are......

Good luck!!

Robin

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY

WHAT YOU DID OR WHAT YOU SAID,

BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER

HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL

From: <gothpunkgurl17@...>Subject: ( ) Coffee to calm?

Date: Saturday, November 27, 2010, 1:53 PM

 

Ok I've heard this a few times. But I want to know does it help? Does it really work? I mean it seems that it wouldn't do any more than make them eve more hyper. And if it does work how much do you give them and what's the best way to get them to drink it. We are DF/GF so I don't want to have to put milk in it or any dairy actually.

Any help with this I'd LOVE!

-- Nick Feldman " Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. " - Santayana

[Guest guest]

My sister's son who was just dx with ADHD (we all knew he had it) would have him drink coffee with a lot of milk in it to help him calm down. I also heard about this from someone at work who also used it on her daughter. Who would have guessed!-From: jpamart@... <jpamart@...>Subject: Re: ( ) Coffee to calm? Date: Saturday, November 27, 2010, 10:24 PM

Hi. I'm new here, but wanted to respond. My ds is 12, and has mild (thankfully) AS. He was diagnosed at age 8, although had been in early childhood spec ed preschool for sensory dysfunction and language delay. When he was 3 or 4 we discovered accidentally that drinking a coke helped tremendously when he was in a sensory challenging environment and got irritable or overwhelmed. It occurred to me later that the caffeine in it might be helping his focus or his "internal organization". When he was diagnosed with AS he also had a large attention component, and has responded very well to stimulant medication (first Focalin, and now that he can swallow pills, Concerta). So yeah, I think there is something to it.

Peggy, mom to Connor 12 (AS)

In a message dated 11/27/2010 8:40:50 P.M. Central Standard Time, gothpunkgurl17@... writes:

Ok I've heard this a few times. But I want to know does it help? Does it really work? I mean it seems that it wouldn't do any more than make them eve more hyper. And if it does work how much do you give them and what's the best way to get them to drink it. We are DF/GF so I don't want to have to put milk in it or any dairy actually.Any help with this I'd LOVE!

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I read an article years ago about the effects of caffiene on ADHD. I asked my

paediatrician who told me the following...

ADHD is actually caused by a part of the brain being UNDER-active. this puts the

brains chemistry out of sync and the other parts of the brain OVER-work to

compensate for the under-active area. This is what causes the inattentiveness

and hyperactivity. Stimulant medication seems to speed up the under-active area

of the brain and levels out all of the chemistry therefore reducing ADHD

symptoms.

This is how they THINK it works. The world of medicine still can't

scientifically prove it. But it makes sense to me.

So....caffiene being a stimulant will theoretically also have a calming effect

on ADHD symptoms and it has always helped my son. A word of advice though, do

not rely too heavily on caffiene, as with all stimulants the body gradually

builds a tolerance and will eventually stop working.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Ugh, stupid laptop, anyways, I was trying to say that when I first heard about this from people I thought they were nuts, but it worked.-From: REBECCA <bexandjimbo@...>Subject: ( ) Re: Coffee to calm? Date: Monday, November 29, 2010, 2:02 PM

Hi All,

I read an article years ago about the effects of caffiene on ADHD. I asked my paediatrician who told me the following...

ADHD is actually caused by a part of the brain being UNDER-active. this puts the brains chemistry out of sync and the other parts of the brain OVER-work to compensate for the under-active area. This is what causes the inattentiveness and hyperactivity. Stimulant medication seems to speed up the under-active area of the brain and levels out all of the chemistry therefore reducing ADHD symptoms.

This is how they THINK it works. The world of medicine still can't scientifically prove it. But it makes sense to me.

So....caffiene being a stimulant will theoretically also have a calming effect on ADHD symptoms and it has always helped my son. A word of advice though, do not rely too heavily on caffiene, as with all stimulants the body gradually builds a tolerance and will eventually stop working.

Becky