What are the areas in which your son would notice his own symptoms? It's usually easist to start there so they have a concrete example of what the meds will help.
We had taken my son (then 8) for a neuropsych eval. and I told him the reason for that was so we could see how his brain worked, because everyone's brain works a little differently. He had been seeing a therapist on and off for 4 years so we explained that knowing how his brain worked would help us (the grown ups) know how to help him manage his frustration/anger.
After we got the dx we simply explained that the doc had said his brain does work differently and when it works the way his does it is called ADHD. We told him that we were going to try some meds that would help his brain slow down a little so that he could make better choices and that would help keep him from getting in trouble for making bad choices before he's had a chance to think about it. We also said that it would help him pay attention better in school, but but had to reiterate several times over the next few weeks that the pills did not make him smarter, just helped him to pay attention so he could use the "smarts" he already had.
[QUOTE=spamula]Thanks for the book idea, we have been trying to tell our 9 year old for months now and he doesn't want to comprehend that he is different. I think I will give it a try.[/QUOTE]
For a 9 year old, I'd recommend Eddie Enough as well as Jumpin Johnny Get Back To Work. Other good ones are Pay Attention, Slosh and Learning To Slow Down & Pay Attention: A Book for Kids About ADHD. Those might be over the head of a 9 year old, or maybe they're the right level. Having a 7 year old, I don't know how to judge.
Thanks for the book idea, we have been trying to tell our 9 year old for months now and he doesn't want to comprehend that he is different. I think I will give it a try.My ds found it comforting to know there's a reason why he did so many problematic things (his main ADHD issues are social problems due to hyperactivity and impulsivity). We explained to him that the medicine would help him slow down and make decisions, vs. the behavior just happening (impulsivity like pushing people, grabbing things, etc.). We also told him that it would help him lower his energy level and thus be able to sit still longer, touch less things, etc. There are some great books for a 6 year old, including Shelley The Hyperactive Turtle. There's also one about taking medicine. It's called Otto Takes His Medicine, or something like that. It's about someone taking meds. for ADHD. I'd check out what your library has on the subject. I think books are great for helping kids understand things and helping them to realize they aren't alone in dealing with this.
ETA: The medicines did precisely what we hoped they would. He's now a model student and friend when the meds. are in his system. All behavioral issues disappeared. It's a big difference when they leave his system at night and before they kick in AM, so I know it's the meds. that have made the difference.
Mom2ADHDboy39351.8718634259I think most people tell their children. I have not. I just added them to his vitamins. How do I explain to my soon to be 6 yr old what ADHD is and why he has to take medication? I have thought about not telling him as his Dr said to break the capsule and sprinkle it on applesause. I thought maybe when he is a little older and more mature that he could understand. Any suggestions?