My 8 year old is now starting to talk disrespectfully to me when getting agitated. I can tell he is not speaking rationally when this happens, and often he is in a state of frustration that he does not seem to be handling well. He almost seems not to be himself. He is on Concerta and these occasions happen throughout the day - not just in the am or pm. When he is not having an 'episode' he is generally fine. However, when he is...you can just feel it when speaking with him and see it in his interactions with his brother, etc. It is like he is picking an argument - though I'm sure he does not wish to. I feel badly for him that he is so easily agitated. And I feel so sad when he speaks to be in an aggressive and assertive tone that is sometimes disrespectful. But when it's happening, there is no logic involved...it seems almost like his emotions are out of control. I am going to call our pediatrician on this. If anyone has any thoughts, I am happy to hear it. I am new to this site.
Elizabeth
Thank you for your post and welcome to ADHDCentral.com. We are glad you have found this site. There is a great deal of information on parenting children with ADHD that I am sure you will find useful.
I am not a medical professional and would not be able to give you medical advice. I think talking with your pediatrician is a good idea. You don't mention whether this type of behavior is new or when it began. Knowing this might help the pediatrician understand and find what may be causing it.
Children with ADHD do tend to have low frustration levels and have difficulty in controlling emotional outbursts when they are overstimulated. Children also tend to be more emotionally immature than their non-ADHD counterparts so your son, although 8 years old chronologicially, might be several years younger emotionally. Having to cope with things an 8 year old copes with is difficult for a 5 year old and that is sometimes what causes the deep frustration.
I am providing you links to some additional information that might be helpful:
ADHD in Early Elementary Age Children
ADHD in Elementary School
The Out Of Control Child
Games to Motivate your Children
Creating a Discipline Process at Home
Strategies for Parenting Children with ADHD
Please keep us posted on how you are doing.
Eileen
My 8 yr old son is showing the same defiant behavior; hyperemotional, debating and name calling. I believe that tiredness creates an opportunity for this behavior. We have pulled back his bedtime to 7:30 and he is allowed to read for half an hour. Talking to him when he is calm about outbursts has the best results and he has really responded to a positive reward system ie. marbles in a jar for each good behavior ( to be traded in for a bakugan or pokemon cards). good luck!