My son's ADHD and tics were worrying, so I attached electrodes to his ears.

Hayley and her son Callum have a very special bond. Callum is a 13-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with several conditions including Tourette’s, sensory processing disorder, developmental language disorder, ADHD, autistic spectrum disorder, anxiety, dyslexia, and hypermobility. Despite all of these challenges, Callum is a lovely boy with a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He also has a passion for football, although his conditions have made it difficult for him to fully enjoy the sport.

One of the biggest challenges for Hayley and Callum is getting enough sleep. Callum takes melatonin to help him fall asleep at 7:30pm, but if Hayley forgets to give it to him, he may be awake until 2:00am. This is because without the melatonin, Callum's ADHD causes him to become hyper and he struggles to fall asleep. This used to also affect his performance on the football field, as he would have tics that made it difficult for him to stand still.

Callum's conditions also impact every aspect of his life. His ADHD and sensory processing disorder make him easily overstimulated, which can lead to meltdowns. Any change in routine or being in a loud and busy environment can trigger this. When Callum was younger, these meltdowns could last for hours and were very physically and emotionally draining for Hayley. It's like Callum's "glass" is constantly full and any added stress or changes in routine make it overflow.

Callum takes medication for his ADHD, which helps him to stay calmer and more focused. However, due to a shortage in medication, Callum and Hayley were introduced to the Alpha-Stim device. This device uses gentle electrical stimulation to balance the brain and central nervous system, resulting in a calming effect. It has been transformational for Callum, as it has not only helped with his sleep and anxiety, but also with his Tourette's. He used to have tics and would become very self-conscious in public, but now they have almost completely stopped.

Although it can be challenging to get Callum to use the device every day, Hayley is determined to make it a part of his routine. She has seen the positive effects it has had on his sleep, anxiety, and Tourette's, and hopes that it becomes more widely available for other children who may benefit from it. Callum still takes his medication and uses ear defenders to help with external noise, but the combination of all these interventions has helped to reduce the stress and pressure in his life. Hayley is grateful for the positive changes she has seen in her son and hopes that other families can also benefit from the Alpha-Stim device.

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