Starting Adderall tomorrow... | ADHD Information

Absolutely use both, medication and therapies. My daughter has been in a social skills group since second grade and we are looking for a second one. She also sees a one on one counselor to help her with anxiety concerns. We do not have a lot of the same "behavior concerns" as many do, thankfully. The Aderrall (or shichever med ends up working best) will help her accomplish the goals in therapy. A lot of these kids need to learn how to control their impulsiveness. Social skills group therapy has helped my daughter make more consistent eye contact when talking, waiting her turn in conversations, listening to others in the group, and just being more comfortable in a group. Believe me, she's not there yet, but she defintely getting good tools in group. Good luck! Diane V39274.1734606481

My dd (9) is starting Adderall tomorrow.  This will be the first medication she has been given. 

One thing I wanted to ask though, not about the med really, but behavioral modification.  Seems like the psych and the family doc are both saying the Adderall is a "temporary" solution and about her needing to learn "coping skills" for her ADHD, making those new learned skills "habit" so that when they wean her off the medication she can continue to use those new "habits" or coping skills w/o the medication.  The family doc today said she would see a ped counselor of some kind to teach her these "skills". 

Is this something they always do first....attempts of behavior modification?  I guess I just dont have much hope for it making much difference.  I mean, I know others who have been on medications of some sort for ADHD for a while, and yes, I understand it is a stimulant drug, but they seem so adamant about it being temporary.  What happens if the behavior modification does not help?  They are more focused on her "academics" and being able to focus in that area....I am more focused on her behavioral problems as she has always done well academically so far, though only in 3rd grade.  Her behavior has always been the main problem. 

Sorry if I am rambling....just am wondering about the behavior modification thing.  Thanks.

Behavior modification is an important part of treatment, other things as needed include social skills coaching, organizational skills and possibly cognitive therapy. Many docs believe that the non med therapies work better once meds are on board because with medication the child can be more self-reflective and better associate actions with consequences.

Kids can mature out of some or all of the symptoms. This is very individual and you just have to give her all the tools and see where it takes her. Adult ADHD is being more recognized and more docs are not expecting thier patients to "grow out of it".

Look at the top thread of the parent's board (marble system by ogram). It is a positive reinforcement behavior modification plan. We use this plus a similar plan for school behaviors (along with medication and extra social skills coaching).

I agree also, although meds do help, they are not"behavior pills" ( contrary to some beliefs) and behavior modification therapy is a MUST.Yes, I totally agree with the previous posts. Our son has been on meds, individual counseling, and group therapy. All treatment methods have helped.