Help for my Grandson- 12 yrs old | ADHD Information

My grandson was diagnosed with ADHD when he was little. He was on Ritalin for a while, but for the past year, since he moved out to Arizona with his dad (my son) he has not been on any medicine. The Ritalin made him like a walking zombie- no expression, no joy, no playing, no interaction, no nothing....but he did have good grades in school. He used to play soccer, but now will not join any activity.

I agree with my sons choice of getting him off the meds, and he does not have the hyper activity part of ADHD - so the problem is that he never remembers what he is supposed to do- they have tried the charts etc but he forgets to look at them...or so he says.  He has had a few incindents of not responding to a teacher...ie: he was talking in class and the teacher sent him to the pricipals office. Last week he also pushed another boy in the hall. When the principal asked him what he did- he says "nothing" or I don't know or they teacher is lying....he forgets to do chores, do homework..etc.  But he is very good at getting himself up in the AM, getting dressed and getting his younger sister up. He is always ready on time and walks his sister to and from the bus and helps her with homework if she needs it. SO I am confused...

I know in the scheme of things, this is minor behavior, but very frustrating and it does not seem like the teachers are understanding the ADHD or trying to work with it.  It seems like they want all normal kids and if there is anything off they just send them to detention or call the parents.

I live 2000 miles away so I cannot be there to help and I would like to know if there are any publications or web sites or books that may help my son deal with this. They are seeking help thru the guidance counselor at the school and their doctor.

Thanks for listening - and everyone have a great weekend.

Try the book Scattered Minds by Gabor Mate  I found that helpful in not only understanding what was going on in the head of my kid, but how to deal with the scattered-ness better.

Gin
Is Ritalin the only medicine the parents have tried?  Kids can react differently to different medicines in the stimulant category, and all kids respond differently.  It's really trial-and-error.  Perhaps the parents will want to try something else.  Another option might be Strattera, which is a non-stimulant. 

He could try the reminder watch. I cannot recall what it is called exactly, but it's a tool for ADHD kids. There are also paper reminder bracelets that you can buy at Staples. Your son needs to subscribe to Additude magazine. It has lots of ideas for organization, and ads for things like the reminder watch and certain notebooks for school. Sounds like he just needs to have some things in place to help him.