Suspected ADHD in DS

[Mumofbears]

My son is just 6 years old, birthday in August. We suspect he may be dyslexic and potentially ADHD - We see the the hyper side at home and during clubs see him disengaged and zoned out. School only not him needing reminders at school for focus but not over than some of his other peers.

I do notice a big factor of his diet and when he is hungry we often see a 'hangry deregulated child'. I think his needs at the moment would be quite low level and be able to influence hopefully via diet ourselves for at home.

I wondered if anyone has any experience with children like this and which foods they found best for breakfast meals to support emery for the morning. He has a hot school lunch.

I'm also considering a magnesium supplement too as I have researched this can be good for cognitive purposes but looking into what type of magnesium he would need. Again, any experiences shared would be so helpful as we are at the beginning of this journey.

School have been quite limited so far in send support stating they don't look at descriptors until the end of Year 2.

Thank you in advance for anyone who takes the time to read this.

Seems unusual that the school don’t look into things until year 2, have you spoken to the head of year or SENCO?

You’re probably already doing this but worth keeping a diary/log to see if any patterns emerge too. Good luck!

I’m not sure it’s that unusual? Both of mine are diagnosed as having ADHD. DC1 is mainly inattentive and it was just never picked up. Finally diagnosed between school and Uni. DC2 has a more if a mix between hyper and inattentive but wasn’t out in the pathway until Y11 and even then the school were really resistant and we had to go through the GP.

For breakfast I think you’ll be looking at high protein and low GI.

Does he have a snack mid morning too?

Oh and I can’t help on the magnesium recommendation sorry. It’s not something we’ve explored.

School offer fruit for a snack and he says he always has two pieces.

Possibly need to prepare myself it'll be a long journey ahead for getting outside support but hoping starting to recognise patterns might help..

Thank you

Fruit is ok but he may need something more substantial in the morning if he’s only having fruit for break time.

So something like whole milk with cheese on toast and some cut up cherry tomatoes, an omelette or eggy bread. I think cheese and eggs are going to be your friend here and an opportunity for some exercise before school.

If he’s hangry after school do you take a snack with you if you pick him up from school?

And have you introduced him to guided meditation yet?

And lastly, I would do this simple progress checker. Let us know what the result is

Alao talk to the School Nurse Service and see if they can offer any guidance.

Just made myself some peanut butter on low GI toast and thought of your DS. Is tgat something he would eat? Nut butters, especially the ones without all the rubbish ingredients, can be good for avoiding those hangry moments.

Will he drink a homemade milkshake too? Mine both loved a milkshake made with whole milk and banana and then maybe add some frozen berries or peanut butter.

Thanks so much. It isn't something we regularly try so I will definitely buy some in the shop this weekend and try this!

Let us know how you get on