One more question; My son hates the feel of paper. Has a hard time holding paper in his hands and turning the pages of books. This may not be related at all,
anyone with similar problem?
Thanks
Thank you for all of the information. I will continue to try new things. As far as caffeine are you talking just like a soda with caffeine or a cup of coffee? I am also wondering about the lasting effects of meds. As I have read through some of the message boards sounds like many stop working after a period of time like a year. Any long term success?
Thanks again.
My child struggles in reading as well. I have no doubt she is ADD (inattentive). However, I learned at age 8 that she is also dyslexic. The two often run hand-in-hand, so you might want to talk to your child's school about having him tested for a learning difference. Once we knew what we were working with - we were able to help her. Definitely demand testing or pay for it privately. A good school psychologist can help you figure it out. Good luck.Have you seen the results of the Durham-Oxford study? http://www.durhamtrial.org/primaery%20results%20new.htm They showed gains in reading and spelling using high-EPA fish oilLet me know if you figure something out. My ds is on focalin as well (shortI am the mother of 5 wonderful children ages 13,10,5,3,6months. My 10 yr old son was recently diagnosed as ADD. We have tried two medications Strattera (not on that now). He is currently on Focalin (minimal dose). I don't like the idea of medications. He does not like to take them. He had good behavior at school and always has, but has stuggled in reading since first grade. Teachers did not think he had ADHD because his behavior was good. However we tried everything to improve his reading. I found at home his lack of ability to focus for any length of time very frustrating, he also taunts his siblings and seems unable to stop himself. I spoke with his Dr regarding the reading. He really is a very sweet boy who tries hard and wants to please and loves his siblings. I want school to be easier for him. We tried tutoring, Brain Gyms, eye exercises and now the medications. Strattera had no effect after 3 months on his reading improving in school. After 1 month on focalin we are seeing some definite improvement in overall grades in school. His dose lasts maybe til the end of the school day, but has worn off by the time we are home and trying to get homework done etc...I am wondering if there is anything that helps other than increasing meds. Alternatives? I as most of you just want the best for my son, for him to have every opportunity to have the best that life has to offer and be able to manage the rest of my family with as much ease and peace as possible.
Some people use a short acting form of the same med to extend the effective time through home work or other after school activities. This is often a very low dose. Another choice would be a caffiene drink, but caffeine is can have more side effects (racing heart, withdrawal) than focalin. Discuss with you doctor the options for tayloring the meds to your son's needs, and keep in mind these needs with change as he grows up and changes.
My oldest is also the inattentive type. She is bright and very well behaved, but she lacks organization and focus. This means she gets As on her tests and forgets, loses or just doesn't finish enough class and homework and brings her grades down to Cs and Ds. She has only been of concerta 2 weeks but feels more in control of her life and it is so much easier for her to finish her work now. I am trying to give her the tools to be successful, just as you are doing with your son.