Anyone know what this might be?

[contactmaya]

Let me describe my 4yo, in random order of importance or significance. Maybe none of it is significant. Maybe there is a label out there for him. Maybe there is an explanation based on  brain development/chemistry.

(Fyi, we dont consume much sugar is this house, and dont consume any food dyes i am aware of. We have honey, and sometimes chocolate. )

My son-

-sneaks drinks of orange juice in the middle of the night so there is none left for breakfast

-sneaks chocolate eating

-used to eat handfuls of the sugar sitting on the table if we went to a restaurant

-always has difficulties leaving the house, no matter how prepared, and will end up crying about something

-often says his clothes are uncomfortable no matter what he is wearing

-when he was born (a homebirth) he turned the wrong way when crowning, the midwife remarked she had never seen this, afterh e was born, it became apparent that the cord was wrapped around his body, so that his turning allowed him to unravel from it.

-would often accidentally hurt me as a baby, (like swipe my eye or something, (other babies never did this), as a toddler, accidentally hurt me,  now seems to have more control, but somehow doesnt seem quite aware of his body

-when he gets an idea, he somehow CANNOT change it,  its like his brain is stuck,  and requires time to change gears.  This causes tantrums.

-he is left handed

-he rarely eats breakfast, but will have it as a later snack. We have always had breakfast in this household

-last winter came out with a big rash on his cheek that didnt go away until it warmed up. This has not come back this winter.

 Something about the inability to CHANGE  his mind, to become fixated on  something no matter the  cost, and the sugar thing, makes me think there is some kind of  brain chemistry thing going on. The left handedness may be connected, as well as this slightly off centredness when it comes to his body awareness in space.

(fyi,  he is somewhat athletic though)

Doc suggested adhd, i dont  really buy the concept of adhd as it describes  a cluster of symptoms but does not explain the cause. I want to UNDERSTAND my son, not give him a label (unless the label enables me to understand him :shrug)

Any takers?

ps. edited to add-the other symptom, is that he is constantly putting things in his mouth. Even now at  almost 5!   I shudder to think of what he has put in his body over the years from this chewing of plastics and other things. 

Edited by contactmaya - 12/24/12 at 1:00pm

[Mirzam]

Is your DS vaccinated? What were is apgar scores? When was the cord cut - ie immediately or was it left until it finished pulsating? Did he have problems nursing? Was he a colicy baby? Did he have or does he have sleep issues? Is he a picky eater? Does he have gut issues? Does he have allergies or eczema? Do you suspect nutritional deficiences? Has he had any infections that required antibiotics? Does he have midline issues, that is problems crossing his body? How is his muscle tone? How is his balance? Did the doctor ask any of these questions? 

[livinglife]

Look up Tinus Smitts on the internet.  He was a dutch homeopath who created a system called inspiring homeopathy.  One of the remedies he prescribed frequently (he passed away 3 years ago) is called Saccharinum (table sugar) used to deal with just this issue (sugar craving) as well as the typical gamut of ADHD symptoms often seen in young boys.  His website is an interesting read.  He summarizes his remedies well so you can get a feel for them.  He uses these remedies as "universal miasms" covering the complexity of the new human condition of this past century such as too much food and carbs, toxins and vaccines. 

Most of us express a lack of self love or acceptance at one point in our lives, and sometimes, although a home is loving and caring, can inadvertently pass on our lack of self acceptance to our children because they read us so well.  Saccharinum is a remedy which helps us love ourself and not look to "sugar" as a substitute for love.  Sorry if that's deep.  Homeopathy has an emotional component but will also deal with the physical nature of what you're describing.  Sometimes, if it is useful for one child, it helps more members of the family as well.

If the description of the remedy sounds helpful, you can find Saccharinum with Helios which is a well respected homeopathic pharmacy in the UK.  They do mail order and are not expensive.

[baltmom]

I just started reading http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Eating-Your-Child-Connection/dp/0761161198/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356376440&sr=8-1&keywords=whats+eating+your+child and already  it's quite the eye-opener for me. Like you, I don't give my son sugar, or anything else unhealthy, so I thought we were doing ok. He's a somewhat picky eater but until now I just kind of accepted that as a phase. The book is written as a kind of detective story that helps you look at your child's "clues" (symptoms and behaviors) to come up with ideas of what foods and nutrients they may be sensitive to or need more of. Pretty much every behavior you mentioned, she discusses. I'm not one to jump on every book out there, but I have the feeling this one may make a real difference in terms of how we approach eating, and hopefully that may help with some of the behaviors and sensory experiences that pose challenges for him. Good luck!
 

[contactmaya]

Originally Posted by Mirzam 

Is your DS vaccinated? What were is apgar scores? When was the cord cut - ie immediately or was it left until it finished pulsating? Did he have problems nursing? Was he a colicy baby? Did he have or does he have sleep issues? Is he a picky eater? Does he have gut issues? Does he have allergies or eczema? Do you suspect nutritional deficiences? Has he had any infections that required antibiotics? Does he have midline issues, that is problems crossing his body? How is his muscle tone? How is his balance? Did the doctor ask any of these questions? 

He followed the usual vaccination schedule until 12mths, but has not yet had the mmr. 

His apgar score was 9 (possibly 8, i dont remember) He was born bluish but pinked up quickly. I was so scared int hat first minute when i saw him emerging bluish and not crying. But it passed quickly (Thank Gd) He nursed easily. His cord was cut an hour after birth after it had not pulsating (one reason i had a homebirth was to ensure that the cord would not be prematurely cut) He was not a colicky baby, but never napped predictably. He slept through the night early on (like his brother) and never had night time sleep issues.

He is becoming more of a picky eater now.

I dont know about nutritional deficiences, i give him a multivitamin and omega 3's. He could probably do with more protein.

Never had antibiotics or infections requiring them.  

Not sure about midline issues (what is that? like the ability to do up a zip-interhemispheric brain communication?) Not sure, but he does do up his coat zip.

His balance is fantastic, this kid is an olympic level scooter rider (scary for me)

Muscle tone-not sure, he is skinny. I want him to eat more.

Thanks for asking

[contactmaya]

Originally Posted by livinglife 

Look up Tinus Smitts on the internet.  He was a dutch homeopath who created a system called inspiring homeopathy.  One of the remedies he prescribed frequently (he passed away 3 years ago) is called Saccharinum (table sugar) used to deal with just this issue (sugar craving) as well as the typical gamut of ADHD symptoms often seen in young boys.  His website is an interesting read.  He summarizes his remedies well so you can get a feel for them.  He uses these remedies as "universal miasms" covering the complexity of the new human condition of this past century such as too much food and carbs, toxins and vaccines. 

Most of us express a lack of self love or acceptance at one point in our lives, and sometimes, although a home is loving and caring, can inadvertently pass on our lack of self acceptance to our children because they read us so well.  Saccharinum is a remedy which helps us love ourself and not look to "sugar" as a substitute for love.  Sorry if that's deep.  Homeopathy has an emotional component but will also deal with the physical nature of what you're describing.  Sometimes, if it is useful for one child, it helps more members of the family as well.

If the description of the remedy sounds helpful, you can find Saccharinum with Helios which is a well respected homeopathic pharmacy in the UK.  They do mail order and are not expensive.

Thankyou. I  look forward to researching that. Incidentally, my midwife recommended i take him to a naturpath after observing his behavior (very obnoxious to her and his grandmother, although has since calmed down considerably ). I will be taking him in the new year and plan to take my older son too.

[contactmaya]

Thanks. I will check it out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by baltmom 

I just started reading http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Eating-Your-Child-Connection/dp/0761161198/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356376440&sr=8-1&keywords=whats+eating+your+child and already  it's quite the eye-opener for me. Like you, I don't give my son sugar, or anything else unhealthy, so I thought we were doing ok. He's a somewhat picky eater but until now I just kind of accepted that as a phase. The book is written as a kind of detective story that helps you look at your child's "clues" (symptoms and behaviors) to come up with ideas of what foods and nutrients they may be sensitive to or need more of. Pretty much every behavior you mentioned, she discusses. I'm not one to jump on every book out there, but I have the feeling this one may make a real difference in terms of how we approach eating, and hopefully that may help with some of the behaviors and sensory experiences that pose challenges for him. Good luck!
 

[Mirzam]

Given your answers to my, going to a naturpath or a classical homeopathic doctor seems like a great course of action for you. Good luck.

[contactmaya]

Didnt answer all of your questions-no, no gut issues that ive noticed. He seems to have regular and healthy bowels movements

No allergies or eczema that ive noticed (except last year when he developped dry skin from the cold that only went away with the warmer weather. I am grateful that it has not returned.)

I havent noticed any particular reaction to  dairy or wheat, but certainly to sugar. It doesnt rule it out food intolerances though i suppose.

Originally Posted by Mirzam 

Is your DS vaccinated? What were is apgar scores? When was the cord cut - ie immediately or was it left until it finished pulsating? Did he have problems nursing? Was he a colicy baby? Did he have or does he have sleep issues? Is he a picky eater? Does he have gut issues? Does he have allergies or eczema? Do you suspect nutritional deficiences? Has he had any infections that required antibiotics? Does he have midline issues, that is problems crossing his body? How is his muscle tone? How is his balance? Did the doctor ask any of these questions? 

[Mirzam]

Originally Posted by contactmaya 

Didnt answer all of your questions-no, no gut issues that ive noticed. He seems to have regular and healthy bowels movements

No allergies or eczema that ive noticed (except last year when he developped dry skin from the cold that only went away with the warmer weather. I am grateful that it has not returned.)

I havent noticed any particular reaction to  dairy or wheat, but certainly to sugar. It doesnt rule it out food intolerances though i suppose.

Originally Posted by Mirzam 

Is your DS vaccinated? What were is apgar scores? When was the cord cut - ie immediately or was it left until it finished pulsating? Did he have problems nursing? Was he a colicy baby? Did he have or does he have sleep issues? Is he a picky eater? Does he have gut issues? Does he have allergies or eczema? Do you suspect nutritional deficiences? Has he had any infections that required antibiotics? Does he have midline issues, that is problems crossing his body? How is his muscle tone? How is his balance? Did the doctor ask any of these questions? 

It sounds to me that self-regulation is a major challenge for him. Checking for nutritional deficiencies and or intolerances seems worthwhile. But I would definitely explore livinglife's suggestions for homeopathic remedies. Some transdermal magnesium, might be of value to help him regulate. I find it an amazing cure-all!

[pek64]

If eating sugar gives him a high, he will crave it. If, then, the high is followed by a crash, he will have such low blood sugar that he will be likely to be inflexible, emotional, prone to aggression. Does he eat meat? If he's not getting enough B-12,omega-3 or cholesterol, that can also cause inflexiblity and aggression.

If it were me, I'd be removing all sugar from the house, including fruit juice. Expect anger and aggression in response. After about a month, you may be able to add juice back. If he starts sneaking it again, it'll have to go for longer. If you see an improvement in attitude, you'll know you're onto something. I'd also remove artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.

My son gets migraines from sugar, and all artificial stuff. When the migraine is building, he had to have everything his way. He's been free of those things for years, and has compassion, flexibility and an easy going nature. Two years ago he tried a taste of a muffin with "hardly any sugar", and it made him feel light headed, his stomach was digesting itself, and cranky (he felt like yelling at everyone and was stressed). His senses were overloaded. Sounds were very clear and louder. Colors were brighter. As a teen he is able to express all this, which he could not when young.

We don't know why he cannot handle sugar, but my brother has type 1 diabetes, and I've always struggled with sugar highs and lows. We both live without sugar, and get along with each other and others better.

I don't think the left handedness is relevant, but who knows.

My son also has a zinc allergy. He cannot wear a watch or have snaps touch his skin. Even the button on his jeans must have an underwear barrier to protect his skin. In addition, he must wear natural fibers. Polyester or acrylic would make him hot and irritable. My mother also has the zinc allergy, and would climb the walls in polyester or acrylic.

As a side note, neither my mother nor my son showed any pox when exposed to chicken pox. They didn't seem sick, at all. We don't know if either of them actually has antibodies to chicken pox.

I'm dairy allergic, so he hasn't had dairy for most of his life. His father tried giving him cheese and ice cream when he was a toddler, but he didn't like it, so I put a stop to his father's pressure to eat dairy.

He reacts badly to chemicals, too, so our cleaning products are natural and home made. We use liquid castile soap instead of other soaps and detergents. He got rashes eating conventional food, so we buy and eat only organics. Because of his allergies/intolerances and mine, we make *everything* from scratch. My son is a pretty good cook!

Hope this helps.

[kathteach]

Some of what you wrote suggests SPD ( the oral sensory seeking, uncomfortable clothing.). An evaluation by an occupational therapist might give you more answers. Occupational therapy may also help with self-regulation and rigid thinking. Google "sensory diet" to get started at home, too.

[mamarhu]

This is what I was going to suggest. Finding dietary or other causes may be the long-term solution. But an occupational therapist can help with some of the sensory and behavioral issues, even before you have a concrete diagnosis or long term plan. They tend to approach things from a one thing at a time, problem-solving point of view - What can we do about this specific issue, here and now? Good luck!
 

[pek64]

I disagree with the idea that dietary changes are long term *only*. The sooner dietary changes are made, the sooner real results can be achieved, if the changes make things better. I view diet as the first try, not later or last.

Also, OP, to expand my previous post, eating out would not be possible until the sugar addiction is under better control (your child's that is). When there's no more sneaking fruit or fruit juice at home, then you may try eating out. Until then, take out is all you can do.

[melissa17s]

I agree about getting an evaluation, too.  I know it is hard, but try to document different things, so that when you go to the ped or ot, you  can share specific issues that are of concern.  Interestingly enough last night I came across an article that was on NPR about sugar and kids.  It suggested that kids crave and need sugar as part of the growing process in a way that adults do not.  I was surprised.  

[pek64]

Originally Posted by melissa17s 

I agree about getting an evaluation, too.  I know it is hard, but try to document different things, so that when you go to the ped or ot, you  can share specific issues that are of concern.  Interestingly enough last night I came across an article that was on NPR about sugar and kids.  It suggested that kids crave and need sugar as part of the growing process in a way that adults do not.  I was surprised.  

Please read the post #29 in the following thread, especially regarding sugar. It jumped out at me, and I thought about the child here.

http://www.mothering.com/community/forum/newestpost/1370196

[Polliwog]

Originally Posted by baltmom 

I just started reading http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Eating-Your-Child-Connection/dp/0761161198/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356376440&sr=8-1&keywords=whats+eating+your+child
and already  it's quite the eye-opener for me. Like you, I don't give my son sugar, or anything else unhealthy, so I thought we were doing ok. He's a somewhat picky eater but until now I just kind of accepted that as a phase. The book is written as a kind of detective story that helps you look at your child's "clues" (symptoms and behaviors) to come up with ideas of what foods and nutrients they may be sensitive to or need more of. Pretty much every behavior you mentioned, she discusses. I'm not one to jump on every book out there, but I have the feeling this one may make a real difference in terms of how we approach eating, and hopefully that may help with some of the behaviors and sensory experiences that pose challenges for him. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the book recommendation. I hadn't heard of it before but it sounds terrific. I'm going to pick it up at our library when it opens back up on Thursday.

[contactmaya]

To everyone, thanks for sharing stories and information here, all very helpful.

We recently got hit with the stomach bug. 4yo ds  barely ate for about 3 days. When he was finally able to eat again, he was no longer interested in orange juice, but consumed a whole grapefruit (we have this for breakfast, without sugar)  Now he wants more grapefruit. I am more comfortable with that.

I wonder if the sugar issue  is separate from his seeming inability to change his mind/go with the flow/intransigence/fixation,  (my father actually finds it difficult to go with the flow, and  has his life a planned a couple of years in advance....he gets very irritated with a change of plans), or whether his sugar addiction, is really a manifestation of his propensity to become addicted to anything (some people seem to have more addictive personalities than others), and is related in that way to his brain chemistry.....dunno

[contactmaya]

Having just read this (thanks for the link), it makes more sense why ds loves fruit so much. Maybe this is the sugar nature intended. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by melissa17s 

I agree about getting an evaluation, too.  I know it is hard, but try to document different things, so that when you go to the ped or ot, you  can share specific issues that are of concern.  Interestingly enough last night I came across an article that was on NPR about sugar and kids.  It suggested that kids crave and need sugar as part of the growing process in a way that adults do not.  I was surprised.  

[pek64]

Contactmaya, please read post #29.

http://www.mothering.com/community/forum/newestpost/1370196

Just because children do not seem to have a limit to how much sugar they will take in at any one time, does *not* mean they *need* sugar. Fruit and fruit juice is suffucient. Other sugars are not necessary.

I hope things improve for him! Maybe the three days will be enough, for now, to get him away from sugar. I urge you to consider keeping sugary foods out of the house. And I wish your whole family a happ new year!