Differing opinions from doctors can be very confusion for anyone dealing with medical or psychological conditions. My son was first diagnosed with ADHD by a child psychologist and was later re-diagnosed as normal by a pediatrician. He said it was his expert opinion my son did not have ADHD. Why? Simply because my son did not display the classic symptoms of a child with ADHD. According to the doctor, my son would have bounced up and down in his clinic that was filled with toys and interesting objects. My son instead sat quietly on the chair waiting to be diagnosed.
As much as I was relieved to hear that, I do question the manner in which he diagnosed my son. It was a quick 10-minute observation. I do agree he was well behaved at the clinic but it was due to the fact that it was a new environment, a new doctor starring at him and well, everything was new, thus the quiet composure.
After reading so much about ADHD and the symptoms, I was quite sure my son has it. Especially, the part on being impulsive. There are many other signs too like excessive talking, lack of attention, hyperactivity, temper tantrums and many more. These 'symptoms' as they call it, are consistent everyday.
So, I am still not sure if the second opinion is right or for that matter even the first one. You see how confusing it is? You think by going to a doctor, you will at least be sure of the answer. Perhaps I should go for 5 opinions and weigh my decision on the number of 'Yes ADHD' or 'No ADHD'. The one with the most will determine my child's condition.
I guess when he was diagnosed with ADHD for the first time, I felt at ease not because I have an excuse. But I felt I understood why he behaved in a certain way. Even he could not help his situation. It was no longer about bad parenting or having deprived him of love. I was sad yet not surprised but at the same time, I was quickly trying to move into my next step - research and help my son overcome this condition. I was determined to get him on track - with new diet, exercise and natural healing techniques.
Nothing has changed, the new diet plan and new yoga exercise is in progress. Still no signs of improvement but I am confident with consistency in the programme, undivided attention and with all the love and care, he will overcome whatever condition he is in today. ADHD or not...
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Friday 18 March 2011
Overcoming Challenges with ADHD
Its been a challenging day. Nothing out of the ordinary though. The usual tussle in getting my son to brush his teeth, sitting on his throne, having breakfast, doing his homework, eating lunch and dinner. In between, the temper tantrums, kicking his baby brother, experimenting on his baby brother i.e putting little things into his mouth, placing his cup of milk on the floor and giving it a kick, kicking anyone he sees and shouting.
Although there was nothing out of the ordinary here, I felt a little different this time. The challenge of handling him became tougher after knowing he has ADHD. While the discipline is consistent, I had to constantly remind myself that whatever he did was unintentional and he had no idea why he was doing it.
So do I punish him or do I just talk to him? Do I ignore him? I did all of it, as I believe my son is very intelligent and he has no problem understanding clear instructions. He simply chooses to ignore them. Depending on the severity of the issue at hand, I will either punish him or simply talk to him. Others that are not too urgent, i ignore them for the sake of both us.
I believe when a child is constantly given clear directions and is reminded why its important to behave and follow certain rules, it will eventually sink deep inside their subconscious mind. With strong foundations and values, even the most difficult child will be able to remember the guidance drummed into them during their childhood days.
Of course the key is to be consistent.
Although there was nothing out of the ordinary here, I felt a little different this time. The challenge of handling him became tougher after knowing he has ADHD. While the discipline is consistent, I had to constantly remind myself that whatever he did was unintentional and he had no idea why he was doing it.
So do I punish him or do I just talk to him? Do I ignore him? I did all of it, as I believe my son is very intelligent and he has no problem understanding clear instructions. He simply chooses to ignore them. Depending on the severity of the issue at hand, I will either punish him or simply talk to him. Others that are not too urgent, i ignore them for the sake of both us.
I believe when a child is constantly given clear directions and is reminded why its important to behave and follow certain rules, it will eventually sink deep inside their subconscious mind. With strong foundations and values, even the most difficult child will be able to remember the guidance drummed into them during their childhood days.
Of course the key is to be consistent.
Thursday 17 March 2011
Surviving ADHD
The day my son was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), I was sad, confused and even a little angry but I wasn't surprised. I needed a confirmation but I suppose deep down I didn't want to be right. I realized he isn't exactly an ordinary Joe, which prompted me to see a child psychologist in the first place.
He is 4 1/2 years old and he has all this while been hyperactive, aggressive, unable to sit still, impulsive, destructive and very sensitive. We also see him as a boisterous little fellow who is full of life, love and amazing vision and intelligence. He understands everything he listens to and watches.
So it was only normal for us to think, he demonstrated what any child, at his age would do and that it only gets better as he grows older. Denial? Perhaps. But in all fairness, I did take him to a clinical psychologist at a hospital in Subang when he was 3. She told me it was too early to diagnose him with ADHD or anything and that I had to wait at least another year to be sure. Well, that's that and we are sure now. But he's going to be 5 soon and therapy becomes much more difficult.
If there is one lesson I learnt from here, it's to always listen to your intuition. When you think something is not quite right or normal, seek help immediately. Even as a baby, he hardly slept. He woke up almost every hour at night and needed to be rocked to fall asleep. During the day, he slept only for 10 minutes at the most for every 5 hours he was awake. Stressful? You bet! Normal? Certainly not!
But despite consulting pediatricians, nothing helped. It was just brushed off as something that I had to live with- a child who had trouble sleeping. After 2 years old, he was better at sleeping. But his terrible two started at 18 months and its an on-going affair till today.
Now, after speaking to the psychologist, I find out, its not normal and babies who do not get enough sleep would eventually have problems.Things could have been different if therapy had begun when he was at least 3 years old. However on a more positive note, its not too late! I am determined to make life easier for him and for all of us.
I will be consulting another doctor to double confirm if its ADHD on Thursday. Hope that goes well. Meantime, I am literally at the computer researching on ADHD and alternative methods to help my son. Top of the list is his diet and Dr Bach's flower remedies.
I will be posting his progress and how we are 'surviving ADHD'. So here's to my new regime and programme-willing to try anything and giving an update on his well-being.
He is 4 1/2 years old and he has all this while been hyperactive, aggressive, unable to sit still, impulsive, destructive and very sensitive. We also see him as a boisterous little fellow who is full of life, love and amazing vision and intelligence. He understands everything he listens to and watches.
So it was only normal for us to think, he demonstrated what any child, at his age would do and that it only gets better as he grows older. Denial? Perhaps. But in all fairness, I did take him to a clinical psychologist at a hospital in Subang when he was 3. She told me it was too early to diagnose him with ADHD or anything and that I had to wait at least another year to be sure. Well, that's that and we are sure now. But he's going to be 5 soon and therapy becomes much more difficult.
If there is one lesson I learnt from here, it's to always listen to your intuition. When you think something is not quite right or normal, seek help immediately. Even as a baby, he hardly slept. He woke up almost every hour at night and needed to be rocked to fall asleep. During the day, he slept only for 10 minutes at the most for every 5 hours he was awake. Stressful? You bet! Normal? Certainly not!
But despite consulting pediatricians, nothing helped. It was just brushed off as something that I had to live with- a child who had trouble sleeping. After 2 years old, he was better at sleeping. But his terrible two started at 18 months and its an on-going affair till today.
Now, after speaking to the psychologist, I find out, its not normal and babies who do not get enough sleep would eventually have problems.Things could have been different if therapy had begun when he was at least 3 years old. However on a more positive note, its not too late! I am determined to make life easier for him and for all of us.
I will be consulting another doctor to double confirm if its ADHD on Thursday. Hope that goes well. Meantime, I am literally at the computer researching on ADHD and alternative methods to help my son. Top of the list is his diet and Dr Bach's flower remedies.
I will be posting his progress and how we are 'surviving ADHD'. So here's to my new regime and programme-willing to try anything and giving an update on his well-being.
Wednesday 31 December 2008
TO A HAPPY 2009!!
My new year resolution : Lets stay positive and centred no matter what happens. May 2009 prove to be a prosperous, happy and healthy year.
Wednesday 5 November 2008
Obama, the New President of America
The world celebrates Barack Obama's win as the first African-American president of the United States. Indeed its a historic win over Republican John McCain. Today, Obama is one of the most powerful man in the world.
Read his victory speech below.
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, Chicago, Illinois: Text of President-elect Barack Obama's victory speech in Chicago on Tuesday, as released by his campaign:
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.
Read More
Thursday 30 October 2008
Yoga is for everyone
But the National Fatwa Council doesnt think so. The report in the Star: The National Fatwa Council will soon come out with a ruling on yoga exercise.
The Islamic Development Department’s deputy director-general (operations) Othman Mustapha said the council’s chairman, Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Shukor Husin, would make the announcement.
Othman told reporters this after opening the two-day seminar on Islamic Jurisprudence and Eternal Islamic Thinking at Universiti Sains Malaysia here yesterday.
On Tuesday, lecturer Prof Zakaria Stapa of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Islamic Studies Centre advised Muslims who have taken up yoga to stop practising it as it could deviate from their belief.
I think most Muslims would agree that nothing would deviate their belief in Islam, if they are true followers. I have been practising yoga for more than 2 years now. I dont remember learning anything about Hinduism nor have I become a pious Hindu as a result of yoga.
Yoga has made me more positive, centred, alert, healthier and happier.
Okay, here's a clear definition of yoga. Its not a religion. (maybe they feel since it originated from India more than 3,000 years ago, it must be something controversial??)....hhmmmm
Yoga is really a science to perfect one's physical and mental state. For me, it is a way of life to experience enduring health and happiness. And if you think its easy to achieve this, you must be joking!!
There is no short cut to it- my yoga teacher cannot stress enough on the importance of practice, practic, practice. Yoga is my only escape from the world that bombards us with unhealthy practices and bad news. It is a wonderful retreat where I am in harmony with myself and my surroundings.
With Yoga I am able to rectify my system and ensure I improve the quality of my life and my loved ones.
So, it will be a pity if my dear Muslim friends cannot experience this wonderful science.
The Islamic Development Department’s deputy director-general (operations) Othman Mustapha said the council’s chairman, Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Shukor Husin, would make the announcement.
Othman told reporters this after opening the two-day seminar on Islamic Jurisprudence and Eternal Islamic Thinking at Universiti Sains Malaysia here yesterday.
On Tuesday, lecturer Prof Zakaria Stapa of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Islamic Studies Centre advised Muslims who have taken up yoga to stop practising it as it could deviate from their belief.
I think most Muslims would agree that nothing would deviate their belief in Islam, if they are true followers. I have been practising yoga for more than 2 years now. I dont remember learning anything about Hinduism nor have I become a pious Hindu as a result of yoga.
Yoga has made me more positive, centred, alert, healthier and happier.
Okay, here's a clear definition of yoga. Its not a religion. (maybe they feel since it originated from India more than 3,000 years ago, it must be something controversial??)....hhmmmm
Yoga is really a science to perfect one's physical and mental state. For me, it is a way of life to experience enduring health and happiness. And if you think its easy to achieve this, you must be joking!!
There is no short cut to it- my yoga teacher cannot stress enough on the importance of practice, practic, practice. Yoga is my only escape from the world that bombards us with unhealthy practices and bad news. It is a wonderful retreat where I am in harmony with myself and my surroundings.
With Yoga I am able to rectify my system and ensure I improve the quality of my life and my loved ones.
So, it will be a pity if my dear Muslim friends cannot experience this wonderful science.
Sunday 14 September 2008
Reporter Released
The Sin Chew Jit Poh reporter was released yesterday. On why she was arrested under ISA in the first place : Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said that Tan was detained because of alleged threats on her physical safety.
So, let me get this straight. She was arrested because there was a threat on her life but the person and his supporters behind the alleged threat is still at large? Okay, so ISA is not only used on those who are a threat to the public and country but also to protect people under threat. What lame excuse...
If that is not enough Syed Hamid also implied that the reporter was to be blamed for the public furore over the ‘Chinese squatter’ remark. Of course, its all her fault for doing her job and having the guts to expose uncouth 'leaders'. And Ahmad Ismail is the poor innocent bystander.
Well, one thing for sure, these actions will not intimidate people. ISA is used by insecure Government who has failed!
So, let me get this straight. She was arrested because there was a threat on her life but the person and his supporters behind the alleged threat is still at large? Okay, so ISA is not only used on those who are a threat to the public and country but also to protect people under threat. What lame excuse...
If that is not enough Syed Hamid also implied that the reporter was to be blamed for the public furore over the ‘Chinese squatter’ remark. Of course, its all her fault for doing her job and having the guts to expose uncouth 'leaders'. And Ahmad Ismail is the poor innocent bystander.
Well, one thing for sure, these actions will not intimidate people. ISA is used by insecure Government who has failed!
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