I was hoping you could answer a question for my best friend. She has a four year old boy who seems to exhibit many signs of ADHD. He is constantly on the move and at times very aggressive. In the past few weeks things have gotten difficult for her as she was asked to come to church on Wednesday nights and sit with her son while he attends the youth program. It took two teachers to hold him down the last time she went and they said they just couldn't handle that again.

Of course, I think she is just now beginning to believe he may have a problem like ADHD. She has started reading some things about diet and hyperactivity. She is very curious about some theories she read about artificial food dyes and the effects on children's behavior. She has noticed some correlation between his outbursts and his eating of chocolate and kool-aid.

Does anyone here have any experience with alternative diets that leave out certain foods? Or, do you have any good reliable links regarding the way food may affect ADHD kids? Is this something that doctors have talked to any of you about and has it worked at all for you if you've tried it?

Any advice would be appreciated. I may send my friend over to this board if I think it can help her. She is not an IVillage user, but this board may be of great help to her.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Michelle