Our doctor told us the reason these medications have stunted children's growth is because the stimulants are an appetite suppressant. He told us drug holidays (i.e. summer breaks, weekends, etc.) will prevent that side effect. Since my son's only been on medication a week, I can't tell yet if there is any truth to this.
I've been trying to make sure my son has enough calories by giving him a big breakfast and taking advantage of the times his appetite is good. I'm also trying to make sure he doesn't miss out on any food groups.
Patience, patience, patience.
I went through the same issue with both of my sons, both ADHD, and both seeming to be a year behind in developing physically and emotionally. Both are now over 6'2" and doing well in University. The oldest (5th year universtiy honours econ) has taken up kendo with a passion. The youngest (second year university) is playing soccer for his university team.
Always keep in mind ADDers learn and do things differently than non-ADDers do. I think the worst thing the parent of any ADDer can do is push them into our schedule for development.
The second worst thing you can do is make sports a way to please you. There are an infinite number of outcomes for any sport, most of the outcomes (winning, setting records, becoming seven foot tall etc) are not controlled by the athlete. Get your son good coaching, have him learn the fundamentals, makes sure he plays rather than sits on the bench even if it means dropping down a level of competition. Playing soccer at 1st division is more important to developing an athlete than sitting on the bench for Premier, playing 2nd division is more important than sitting at 1st division, etc., etc., etc.
But most important have him enjoy his time in any sport...we all have to get a career and go to work soon enough.
By the way, Trafford publishing in Victoria Canada recently published a book titled "The ADHD Affected Athlete" It is the only book I've seen dealing specfically with athletes with ADHD.
Good luck with your son.....oh, and take lots of pictures. As Deacon Jones said when he retired..."The time passes quickly."
My PED told me the same thing that the medication would decrease his appetite, and to take him off medication periodically (holidays, school vacations, weekends) that it would help.My son's developmental pediatrician told me that when kids are on medication, they may not grow at a rate as kids not on medication, but they do catch up. My son is 6 & is an excellent eater, yet he weighs only 5lbs more than my daughter who will be 4 in November. His appetite hasn't been affected by his medications, but I do think that his weight is due to a genetic high metabolism & being extremely hyperactive.
My ped told me that my sons height would only be affected by an inch if he continued to take medication all his childhood. interesting, hmmm
He did say tho that if I wanted to take him off meds during growth spurts, this would increase his height outcome. Perhaps if you took you son off his meds for a few months, he might grow. Perhaps something to consider.
My 11 year old son,an athlete,is on adderall xl 15mg.His appetite is o.k.But................he just started 6th grade & he is about a head shorter than the average student.I"M tired of the peds saying,"don't worry his size is FINE/AVERAGE !!!!!!!!!
Any Thoughts???????????
Hi my ten year old, also a tri-athlete is usually the shortest one on his team, this year soccer has changed so it will be fifth, and six grade together, and he most likely will be very small compared to the other boys. I get aggravated with the Dr. sometimes also, but then i watch my son bring his team to victory, almost every game, and i think hey that's my kid, let him be a little smaller, he's the one coming through for the rest of the kids, and it makes me feel better.