Reoccurring regression in ADHD child
Hi everyone! I'm looking to find maybe some other parents out there who have an ADHD child who has gone through a lot of regressive behaviors. What did you do, did you find a root cause?
It seems like every time we've made good progress he starts sliding back into old behaviors that we have previously gone through and overcome.
I'm talking about things like;
Chewing
Poor sleep
Toy attachment
Old fears resurfacing
Hating school
Social struggles
I just don't know what the answer is, for some background information, my son is almost 9 with combined type ADHD (level severe) with generalized anxiety.
At first before we were able to get in to see a psychiatrist, my son was being treated by general practitioner for his ADHD.
We tried various different ADHD medications with little to no success. With every medication change, these regressive behaviors would occur.
After beginning to see his psychiatrist, she just suggested that we treat his anxiety first, and the next 3 months were amazing. He came along so quickly. His schooling improved his social life improved. The chewing was nearly gone. He was sleeping better. Finding interests outside of the screen that he loves so much.
His psychiatrist suggested that we keep him on what he's on for the summer and address his ADHD closer to the next school year. Which I agreed.
Fast forward one month, all of a sudden all of this regressive behaviors are occurring again. He hates school. He doesn't want to go, he only wants to stare at a screen, he is noticing that he is not being included in the groups of children playing at recess. He feels left out, sad and lonely. And he has become very attached to some of his stuffed animals.
I thought the regressions were tied to the medication but he has had no medication changes and all of a sudden here we are again.
I'm feeling very defeated and lost. I just don't know how to help him. He sees a psychologist. He sees a psychiatrist. How are we not getting anywhere?
There have been no major life changes that I can think of.
The only thing I can think of is school burnout. He's tired. He's put in so much effort this last little while, and he also has to mask on top of it. Perhaps it's just that he is ready for a break?
Any advice from parents dealing with constant regression?