Carl

I first saw Carl, a nine-year-old boy, in August, 1996 for Allergies and Attention Deficit Disorder. His newborn history, including delivery and developmental milestones, were all normal except for early cramping and crying. Switching from regular formula to soy at two-and-a-half months was very helpful. Other than approximately three ear infections between ages four months to four years, Carl had very little need for antibiotics. Carl had a bout with eczema at age one at approximately the same time he started ingesting table foods. Nose and eye symptoms were quite obvious during the spring of 1996. Hoarseness also started at this time, with increased throat clearing since December, 1995. Abdominal cramping had been present for approximately thirty months. Since approximately February 1995, Carl frequently suffered morning headaches lasting up to 20 minutes.

Attention Deficit Disorder had been diagnosed within the past year. This manifested as difficulty completing work, asking directions more than once, not completing assignments, and being very talkative in class. Ritalin was used from November, 1995 through May, 1996. While the medication helped his ability to complete work, it did not help with repeating directions. There were side effects with Ritalin, as well, including decreased sleeping, uncontrollable behavior, and being more "difficult and nasty." Ritalin was discontinued by me at the initial interview.

Allergy testing was positive for 19 foods, 23 inhalants and four molds. As a result, we started Immunotherapy.

By October, 1996, Carl's school work had improved, his nose and throat symptoms had improved slightly, gastrointestinal cramping had definitely decreased, and headaches had moderately decreased. In addition, Carl was doing a much better job of completing work and following directions.

Carl's mother called in late January, 1997, very concerned about his more difficult behavior in school. He was described as being "hyperactive, leaving class early, disruptive, not sitting in his chair, and very emotional - even at home." In school, chest pains and headaches were increased. Carl's parents also were concerned by an obvious decrease in self-confidence. I recommended she take Carl to a psychologist with whom I am affiliated, to document whether he had Attention Deficit Disorder or another medical problem that was adversely affecting his behavior.

The psychological assessment pointed out that Carl had a severe visual processing learning disorder, and visual learning disability. He was evaluated by an eye specialist who confirmed that the visual processing learning disability was severe and prescribed glasses and started vision therapy.

As of February, 1997, Carl was doing much better. He has started private tutoring and weekly visual exercises. The assessment by the private tutoring center revealed that even though he was in the fourth grade, Carl was reading at a second grade level. Already Carl's behavior has dramatically improved, abdominal pain and headaches have diminished, and typical allergy symptoms continue to be well-controlled.

Carl is an excellent example of a child who is diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Disorder, but who is not helped by stimulant medications such as Ritalin. This child's primary problem was a learning disability which had not been addressed by his school.

With a combination of treatments focused on the underlying causes of his learning disability (in his case visual processing and allergies), Carl's self-confidence has skyrocketed. And, in his own words, Carl no longer feels "dumb."

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