My 8 year old son recently was hospitalized for an ENG procedure, after having suffered severe chronic constipation for at least the past 5 years, worsening with ADHD diagnosis, and those meds which suppress appetite. He is at risk for low weight, below developmental chart @ 43 lbs., same for a year. Also diagnosed with depression and oppositional defiant disorder. He is embarassed of his bathroom needs and has overly held it to the degree that his colon and bowel are extremely stretched out. He's also struggling with language arts homework and this has been historical - I believe he has some kind of learning disorder, but the school won't test for it unless the teacher validates the concern. I have had great challenges in creating a team effort by the school, despite a federal 504 eligibility. Any ideas what kind of learning disorders he may have - he's a visual learner, loves math, but seems to have trouble processing abstract and written language (gets discouraged, rejects it, angers ...) and how to discern which? When medicated with ADHD Rx, which increases focus and attention, can that medicine still resolve a learning disability - seems separate to me. ??
Q: Do Adhd kids often suffer from chronic constipation, & what learning disabilities exist despite Rx?
Hi there
So is the constipation problem due to him being afraid to go at school? What does he say if you ask him about this? Have you tried any dietary measures or do you feel that this is more behavioral.
As far as the meds go...they are only going to do so much. They won't take care of a learning disability. Are his grades suffering in those subjects?
It is hard to say what is going on but you are within your rights to request an evaluation. I would write all of this down...what you are telling us and request a meeting with the school.
Too...I think if you haven't already...you might want to discuss all of these concerns with your child's pediatrician...the constipation issues as well as the learning difficulties and see what he or she recommends.
We happen to have an excellent site here on Health Central which addresses the topic of learning disabilities. I am a writer for that site as well. Please do come on over and feel free to talk about this there as well for more discussion and points of view. It is called Friends of Quinn and...just follow this link.
Hang in there...I know it is hard right now. Thank you for your question.
I am a sophomore in college and I can tell you I have felt the full extent of appetite supression as well as depression and ADHD and all that jazz. I too had that problem, the whole poop thing, for several years, primarily during middle school and nothing has happened to me so far. Fortunately I recovered after I stopped taking the pill religiously and my appetite cam back..as well as regular trips to the bathroom. I also believe that I have a learning disorder and after scrupulous psychological testing, there was nothing that seemed to be wrong with me other than a poor self esteem. But it is my belief that it has something to do with concentration and not with the abililty to understand the material one is studying. The reason for this is that I have trouble understanding things only when I cannot concentrate hard enough, connections arent made in my mind and thus I do not "learn" the material. This could pose a great problem for your child in the future but for now I dont think you have much to worry about. I came out of junior high with straight A's, out of high school with an 86 gpa, and now I'm trying to do what I can to get into med school. But it is not that happy of an ending for me...I recently was academically suspended from my school and now I have to take classes at a nearby community college. So much for them future aspirations. Neverhteless, I am a true example candidate for ADHD, depression, some kind of learning disorder that has yet to be properly diagnosed, and Im still standing. Hope this helps.
My son has the exact same thing, he is 10 has had chronic constipations since before he could walk, learning disabilities, and is on adhd meds but is not really hyper but his Dr. thinks that it will help him focus anyway. Has always been smaller than the others his age, but has recently has caught up. He had endoscopy recently and they said no celiac but has gerd, but not one symptom of this. I feel like it is something, but can't find a doctor who cares to see if my be something other than his or her usual diagnosis list. I have him on a special diet of low soy, no wheat, low milk, no food colorings or dyes or preservatives and have seen lots of improvements.
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