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Expert Q&A
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| By Dr. Bunni Tobias Kid Detective Psychologist | ||
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I have a son who is 4 years and 9 months who has been diagnosed as being ADHD. His doctor wants us to try Strattera. Is this overkill to treat someone that young with medication? He is very aggressive and doesn't seem to realize why he is acting out the way he is.
Many children with developmental and processing deficits behave inappropriately, and they are not aware this is the case. Begin with an occupational therapist who specializes with sensory integration and request a complete assessment and a program of therapy. A drug suppresses symptoms and developmental opportunities and teaches NOTHING and therefore is not a solution.
Parents who have come to my office have consistently been unhappy with this medication. Medicating a child this young again may suppress symptoms but does not support development nor does it teach more desirable behaviors.
Be sure this child is in an environment where sharing an appropriate interaction is demonstrated and expected. This means at school and at home. Developmental delays and misunderstanding can produce very unacceptable behaviors. Good role models and kindness on the part of educators and family members with rewards for appropriate behaviors will encourage more of the same. Hitting and yelling can be scary and overwhelming especially for children with sensory deficits or who go into '"overload" when they are around other people. These are issues that can be treated."
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