I am new to this site and one of (i'm sure) the very confused parents of this terrible issue ADHD. My son was just diagnosed in April with this. I have some real concerns because #1, I don't feel comfortable with him taking medication daily. He is on Stratera. #2, he struggles very much with school, #3 he really has no friends, #4 he will not do chores or home work (he only has 1 chore!), #5 he also has Hypoglycemia. Is this adding to his problem? Not to mention that he has a light case of Autism.. Where do I begin. I fear for him as he has just began High school and is always in the office and teachers call weekly!! I worry about his behavior, the outbursts causing harm from someone else to him. Pleas help!! i will be forever greatful for any and all help. Please advise. God Bless
Put your mind at rest as you can be thankful someone is caring for your son. Many children are untreated and have to learn how to cope on their own.
1 - If his psychiatrist feels that medication is best, be thankful that he has something that will help him learn to function in his adult years. Some people still struggle with that and have started abusing subtances for lack of treatment.
2 - Children with ADHD will struggle with school, but identifying the issue helps the parents learn how to be advocates for their children.
3 - Perhaps he needs to seek a different friendly environment where people are nonjudgmental, have you tried youth groups at church?
4 - Have a written reminder on his bathroom mirror or the refrigerator of what is his chore, set up a reward system to where five days in a row of homework he gets a small reward.
5 - Any medical problem can add to your frustrations. Especially one where your body needs sugar, but it is said that sugar makes ADHD symptoms worse. Working with your doctor will make sure they set up the best plan of treatment for your son.
It isn't easy with younger children and it certainly isn't easier with a teenager. However; our goal is to give our children the tools they need now so that they can have a happy productive life as an adult.
Good Luck!