Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurologic syndrome that exhibits symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, mood shifts, poor impulse control, and distrac...
|
Parent in Desperate need of help!
|
Watch this |
| View More Posts |
I need help. I have a 6 year old that is failing first grade. He can not concentrate and complete in class assignments. He has had some discipline and behavioral problems for the past year but I have remained adamant about not medicating him until he was followed by a doctor/psychologist for a while to confirm that they felt the medication would be helpful. I am lost and the School is "Suggesting" Meds in the little subtle way that that the public school system pushes on parents every day. The counselor and the Pediatrician last year both were leaning towards a diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. The new counselor feels he has an adjustment disorder.
It has been suggested that I put him on medication for a short period of time as a "rescue Drug" but I have no Idea where to begin. I do not want to give him medications that will cause worse side effects. I was told that ADD/ADHD medication would help calm him down and allow him to focus. He has a ton of anxiety. Most people that have met him and have observed his behavior felt that he is unable to focus and concentrate. The school has said that he "exactly mimics" the behaviors of their ADD kids before medication. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO. I do not want to b forced into medicating my child.... but I also do not want him to fail 1st grade. I have been trying so hard to help him. Some nights we are up till 8:30 as it takes hours and hours just to complete homework. I am exhausted and overwhelmed. I felt what better place to turn for advice is the mom's in your group. Thanks so much if you will e-mail me some ideas,etc. Posted on 02/08/08, 10:02 am |
| 27 Replies | Most Recent | Add Your Reply |
| View More Posts |
It took me almost 2 years to get up the nerve to medicate our son, we were told at age 5, and during his first year of kindergarten that he was most likely adhd, after researching adhd, I agreed totally. He repeated kindergarten, and during first grade we tried him on strattera, that got him through first grade wonderfully. It did seem to stop working as well toward the end of first grade, he is now on a drug holiday for the summer, he is 8 years old, and will only be in second grade this fall. He is extremely smart, as most adhd kids are. It is not that they cant focus, they are "hyperfocused" we chose straterra because it is the only drug that is not a stimulant, and it worked very well, I just hope it continues to help him when we start him back on it in August before school. 
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts |
When you put your son on the right medication with the right dosage, it will be the difference between night and day. My son was exactly the same way when he was younger. When he was on the right dosage he changed completely into a child that could focus and be somewhat settled. I remember I cried because I had a son finally and not a crazed little being. He was feeling so bad about himself that it helped with his self esteem as well.
Today he's 19 and still continues to adjust his dosage of meds. but without it his quality of life is not much to speak of. He can't stand himself without his meds. its very painful dealing with this affliction. Best of luck to you, don't be afraid, I believe the right meds. will help. You'll be okay and so will your son. Maybe not an easy life, but it will improve over time. Kim
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts |
I have ADD and I take Concerta which is very helpful, it just allows us to "slow down long enough to think something rationally thru." I know you dont like the idea of meds, but your son sounds very frustrated and no wonder he has anger and anxiety. At least try the meds, and see what happens, it takes a minute sometimes to get the dosage right, but trust your doctor and go forth.
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts |
Hi there, I also have a 7 year old who is going into 2nd grade next year. He also had trouble with his attention span and being disruptive and so on. I had him tested IQ wise and that came back fine. His score was 87 %. He is in speech therapy in school and so I started to talk with his speech therypist. I asked her if there was any way if I could get him into a special ed class so he can focuss. She told me that all I need is a doctors note showing that he is ADHD and that is all I need for him to be able to go into a special ed class. What will happen is he will be in a regular class but when he needs that one on one help, he will be able to leave the room to go to the special ed class to get that one on one help so he doesn't feel out of control. Maybe you should ask the school if you can do that for your child. I have a feeling his additude towards school and class will change once he doesn't feel so out of place. Hope this helped out some. Good luck and if you have any more questions please let me know. Thanks
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts |
My son is 6 and finished his kindergarden year last May. For years everyone has been telling me that he had trouble concentrating and focusing and that I should have him checked out. I refused, I wanted to wait and see how he did in school. It was apparent two months into school that we had a real problem. He was acting out, talking out, and becoming the class bully. I took him to a neurologist (my son was already seeing a therapist) and had him evaluated, then discussed it with the therapist. Everyone agreed with the ADHD diagnosis. I talked to the doctor and put him on Focalin. We started with a total of 5mg a day and have adjusted the dose as needed. He now takes 10mg a day.. but if needed we can give him another 5mg pill in the afternoon when he comes home from school if it seems he's having trouble with homework. We rarely used it and have seen a drastic improvement. My son is on other medications for allergies and asthma but this medication has not caused any side effects. William went from all needs improvment to all sastifactory and outstanding in all areas except one or two for behavior but those were getting batter at the end of the year. I commend you for wanting to be sure of what to do instead of jumping on the bandwagon and just running to the medicaiton. I started with counsiling and added medication, diet changes and now this summer, we're taking him to an occupational therapist to help give him alternatives to when he's feeling "wiggly". (my son's word) It's made a world of difference for us.. I hope you find the right combination that helps you.. Good luck
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts |
My brother suffers from bipolar,odd,adhd & has been through medication after medication since he was diagonised about ur sons age & we couldnt figure out what was wrong with him.But the anxiety part is known to be misdignoised as just anxiety when in reality he maybe suffering from ADD/ADHD. I was diagonised with depression & anxiety and not until my senior year this year of high school was i diagnoised with ADD & improved greatly!! it use to take me hours & hours to do homework & i would fail about every test but i would still pass just with a's & b's & c's but i would bust my ass in school. i could never figure out why assignments that teachers would give us the other kids could wize through when it would take me forever it seemed & that can cause anxiety & depression cause it sure did with me. after the med. i was focused & could concentrate & actually comprehend what a teacher was saying instead of looking of them blankly cause i would daze off not realizing it & be lost. Try out med. that docs. know the long term effects of cause it could save your kid from a lot of frustation & misdiagonises. But get your kid evluated by a pyschitrists & see what he reccommends about meds. and all
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts |
Hello, I definitely understand that making the decision to put your child on medication can be a difficult one. I had so many problems as a child and was never put on meds until adult hood. I only wish my parents had tried medication when I was young as it may have helped me exponentially in having a better life. I would at least consider it a possibility and give it a try. It could make a world of difference.
|
|
|
|
||
| First | Previous | Page: 1 2 3 | Next | Most Recent | Add Your Reply |
My 8 year old son has ADHD inattentive type and was diagnosed when he was 6 years old. He is really bright and seems …
Please people if they say the pills don't work they do. My son has had ADHD since he was 6 yrs old and people tell me …
Hi lovely people My name is Vicki im 18, born in Melbourne Australia but now living in New Zealand. Had Bipolar …
