On Sun, 16 Nov 1997 17:03:04 -0500 Lisa Nelson
<[log in to unmask]> writes:


>We have two children.  One has "classical" allergy symptoms, and we've
>never had problems getting treatment for her.  The other has
>behavioral/mood issues when she eats the wrong thing - especially
>dairy.  A
>few sips of milk and she's out of control.  Our allergist (who's very
>good
>otherwise  - with they symptoms he's used to) says that it's not an
>allergy
>and won't even look at her. OK, so technically maybe it's not allergy
>- but
>the reaction to the food is obvious and repeatable.  We're doing our
>best
>to see if foods other than dairy are causing her problems,  but it's
>not
>easy.  The school believes the problem is ADD, and the answer is
>Ritalin.
>  I'd rather solve the food problem first - and then see if she still
>has
>the symptoms that would point to ADD.
>
>How do you find support for a child experiencing this?
>
>Lisa

Lisa,
I have 2 sons who I have on rotation diets after determining their
allegies/sensitivities.  I have never had them seen by an allergist but
was warned that I would have to find one who believed allergies affect
the brain and behavior.
I read Doris Rapp M.D., "Is this your child?, Discovering and Treating
unrecognized allergies in children and adults"
Once I had done the elimination diet and added foods back in and saw what
caused reactions I either removed those foods from their diet and/or
rotated those foods every 4 days.
My younger son had symptoms similar to ADD (unable to sit still, unable
to concentrate etc) though he had never been diagnosed ADD. Many, MANY
people (teachers, physicians, family and friends) will believe they are
giving you good advice when they say your child should go on Ritalin or
another medication.  I believe this is a LAST resort.
My son went on the elimination diet on a Tuesday and was reading on
Thursday.  His teacher said he was a whole different kid.  He was below
grade average in 1st grade and in a special reading class.  We discovered
his allergies in the middle of first grade.  By the end of first grade,
he no longer qualified for the special reading class and after one
quarter in 2nd grade, his teacher says he is average, and right on grade
level. He is getting 15/15 on his spelling tests.   I'm thankful I found
the allergies, who knows where he would be now if we hadn't.
What other symptoms has your ADD child had?  Colicky baby?  Multiple ear
infections or respiratory illnesses as a baby/toddler?  Bed wetter?  Dark
circles under the eyes?  Red ear lobes or cheeks? Likes to take their
clothes off even when the rest of the family is cold?  All of these and
more are possible symptoms of allergy.
I  have witnessed personally friends who have had ADD children helped by
finding their allergens and eliminating them or rotating them.
As far as where do you get support?  Call around in your area and ask
specifically if the allergist believes allergies affect behavior and the
brain.  Otherwise, you are in the right place.  You can get support right
here.
Janine B.