My son began struggling at his 4 year old daycare preschool program. It was so hard to watch him struggle so much, and to hear of the problems he was having with his peers.
He was diagnosed at age 5 with ADHD, and as heartwrenching as it was to start him on medication, it is amazing the change it has made in his experience at school, daycare and with his friends. I am now so glad that we made the decision to start the meds when we did.
Get your son evaluated so that you know what you are dealing with, and then you can make an informed decision.
Well got some good news just as I was posting. We have an appointment with the Pedatrician end of March. Thank God. He has all the symptoms but wanted to have him seen by a specialist. I didn't want to put him on the medication until I had a second opinion.
Wish me Luck!
My 8 year old son is stuggling in his grade 3 class....and we had recieved numerous phone calls from the teacher he is really struggling. I don't know where to turn right now my 15 year old son was diagnosed last year but with ADD. So the school recommended we see the Family Dr and get a referral to a pediatrician. I hate to put an 8 year old on medication being that there is so much talk about it nowadays. The Family Dr said don't wait too long its up to you when you would like to start the meds. The school has lightened his work load many times but my concern is that he will be behind all of his peers. HELP! I need someone who has some advise
You could have him evaluated, but that does not mean that you have to begin meds. He may not even have ADHD. Why not start with an evaluation so you know what you are dealing with, and take it one step at a time.
I agree with NoTellin. First get a reliable diagnosis. In the meantime educate your self on ADHD and the treatments available. You will find info and support here through this tough journey.
Here are some links for some good info:
http://www.help4adhd.org/en/about/myths
http://www.schwablearning.org/resources.aspx?g=1&s=4
If your son has this disorder, the best time for treatment is early, before he falls too far behind. If the school has already accommodated him by lightening his work load, then your doctor is right. The sooner he gets treatment the better. My son was dx at 9 years old last year, and getting treatment for him was the best thing I have ever done. He was struggling to make C's and after only 1 grading period on the meds he had all A's and B's. This year, he has made straight A's every time so far. Yes, the meds have some side effects, but those can be lessened with the correct dosage and med..you just have to try a lot sometimes to hit on the right one...but since your older son is dx, you probably already know that....Adderall is a wonderful medication for ADHD. We have tried others, but nothing compares. You are never going to be rid of all the ADHD symptoms, unfortunately, but Adderall is a good start. For the good of the children, and yourself, I would get them on it immediately.[QUOTE=MegMaguire]I'll just add that treatment doesn't have to include medication. There are many things you can do (diet modifications, supplements, crawling exercises, etc.) that don't involve meds. There is more info on the Alternatives to Meds section of this board. Good luck and I hope you find the answers you seek.[/QUOTE]
When I researched diet changes before my son started meds most of what I found was there was no evidence at all that any diet change helps. Am I wrong about that? I did see there was a little bit of evidence of a multivit helping(I think having to do with certain minerals but can't remember which) because my son had already been on a multivit for a long time. Also, is there studies that indicate that crawling exercises help? What sort of exercises? Im curious now. Most of what I read showed there is no evidence of other things that help.
Thanks for posting this!
I'll just add that treatment doesn't have to include medication. There are many things you can do (diet modifications, supplements, crawling exercises, etc.) that don't involve meds. There is more info on the Alternatives to Meds section of this board. Good luck and I hope you find the answers you seek.