I am coming to the realization that my 7 yr old possibly has ADHD. What I should say is, he may get a diagnosis of ADHD if he were in school. I homeschool, he's very successful in his education, and things are going fine. But I'm seeing impulse control issues in his behavior that I am concerned about and in my research when I look up impulse control, ADHD pops up. He's a very good kid, very well behaved, so when I see him misbehave and seem to really have trouble stopping himself from what he's doing, I'm realizing it's some sort of a problem he's having, it's not a discipline problem, if I'm being clear.

I guess, since he's not in school, and he's happy and learning, it's not a huge deal. I'm not rushing off to the doctor for meds or anything like that at all. But if he does have a "wiring issue" for lack of a better way to put it, he's going to need some help with coping mechanisms.

Does anyone have experience with ADHD and behavior modification without using meds?

I'm not sure I've ever met someone with ADD/ADHD that managed to cope completely with their issues, whether on meds or not. Many people on the meds don't get relief either, especially if they decide to not take them or take less than prescribed due to the side effects which can be hard for young kids and especially teenage boys (appetite issues).

I have found that people I knew with ADD/ADHD were generally better around people who thoroughly understood their issues and accpeted their limitations. My one friend had parents who constantly yelled and beat him when he acted up in the summer (they didn't give him meds if he wasn't in school so weekends and vacations). I never had an issue with getting him to do exactly what I asked, but I never told him to stop running around like a hamster on a wheel or to shut up, just to slow down and speak quieter. ;)

I would think that it depends what issues he has-specifically what situation he fails to show proper control over. If it is something like taking too much candy, or so on I wouldn't worry yet. If it's running out into the street then obviously it's a problem.

I would almost say wait and see, and just see if you can talk to him each time it happens and discuss with him why he chose to do whatever he did.

I don't have experience with it, but I do know there is something of a backlash against all the medications that are given to children, for this disorder as well as others, so I would be willing to bet that you could find a lot of information on alternative treatments with a good search at your library for reading material. Good luck.

Hello there! I am the mom of an eleven year old son who has ADHD. I started a blog about ADHD and LD (learning disabilities) about 2 1/2 years ago to share information with other parents about these conditions. I would like to invite you to stop by and look around. I am currently hosting a book giveaway that you may also be interested in entering as well. Take care and hang in there. :)

My brother has ADHD. He was medicated form 6 on, and impulse control is definitely a big thing for them. He STILL has problems with impulse control at 24!

Have you modified his diet at all? My brother was sensitive to food dyes and sulfites. I think a lot of ADHD kids can benefit from a more "pure" diet. I also HIGHLY recommend the book "Little Sugar Addicts", you may find it speaks to you.