How do you deal with hyperactivity?

[goddessofdawn]

Thank you all.

Santosha, Thanks for the checklist. I had seen it before, several months ago, when her her behaviour wasn't so bad.
Out of the first list I would tick 4 out of 11 behaviours and in the second list I'd tick 10 out of 17.
Luckily she is always very gentle with other children. Phew!
I guess I could see an Occupational Therapist.... Does anyone know if you need a doctor's referral for them?? I am in W.A.

MadB thank you, I have heard of Failsafe & Fed Up and am happy to try anything. Will investigate.

Thanks LimeSlice for your suggestions. That is what I am hoping for - that she is normal, just active! Maybe I find it hard to deal with because I am the exact opposite! I'm a quiet person and I was a very, very quiet and inactive child. My mum was overly protective so I didn't really go outside or to parks, or even run around outside! (Luckily I was naturally stick-thin, but still not good to be so inactive!) The first time I ever ran was in year 1 at school
When we visit my parents, they have absolutely NO idea what to do with her. This is partly because they are old-fashioned (they are in their 70s but are extremely old-fashioned). My mum constantly comments that she "acts like a boy" (whatever that means). Luckily for them, all of their kids had sedate temperaments and spent their childhoods sitting around the house Anyway, I am getting off topic.

She does have a trampoline but only uses it sporadically - she prefers the couch! We have a small backyard but we use it as much as we can.
She did go to a dance class but we stopped... I should look into something for next year. I think she will benefit a lot from pre-kindy next year.

[onthefly]

I think you need a referral for a public one (and there'd be a waitlist). Private I'm pretty sure you can refer yourself.

[krysalyss]

Hi goddess, my DS was the same - generally ok but would go crazy and couldn't seem to control himself when he was in a hyper mood. He has largely grown out of it now (he is 5yrs). He still gets the hyperactivity but can generally control himself to stop games that are starting to hurt us etc. He is sensitive to certain foods but they are probably additives (I have only isolated the whole food so far and not the individual ingredient). But I would second what mad said in looking at other foods. It is a myth that food sensitivities are all from additives etc. Some kids are sensitive to other foods that are healthy such as particular fruit. I agree that checking out failsafe might be a good option to rule it out. Hope this helps. I do understand how frustrating it can be as that is exactly what DS was like (and is still after eating certain foods!).