I dont see why the worry of trying Ritalin 1st. It's the "oldest". Like everyone says most meds are not FDA approved for under 6. I think 2.5 of Ritalin sounds like the perfect place to start.
I agree with NoTellin about school. Wait it out some. Just becasue he has ADHD doesnt even make him eligible for a 504 or IEP, why do all that testing. See how he does first.
Asking about his experience is probably the way to go. He may be a D.O. with lots of pediatric medication management experience. In any event, I'm sure that he (and you) have other resources to tap into at the hospital. Yes, sometimes medication choices have to do with age, dosage options, and insurance coverage.
As far as the school goes, I would take a wait and see approach. Just see how the medication works. Maybe that's all he needs. When you involve the school, you are talking special education or a 504 plan. Schools can be very political and the process can be time consuming and downright unpleasant. If medication fixes the problem, then leave it at that. If you need to deal with the school, then you'll need an extensive private evaluation and testing to get special education services. This is jumping the gun IMHO. Why not see how it goes.
Hello, my 5 year old son just got his ADHD diagnosis. I have a few questions, if anyone has answeres. First off, we get treatment at a well known children's hospital in out area. We go to the psychiatry unit. The Dr. that diagnosed him today, and who we are to see is a D.O., not an M.D. I didn't know this until I saw the prescripton he wrote for my son. Does this still mean he is a psychiatrist? Also, he prescribed Ritalin. When I asked about Adderall and the others, he said basically they are all the same, but we can work with Ritalin because of the different types available and doses etc.. He said it was up to me but I told him I trust his opinion. He prescribed 2.5 mg of Ritalin to me given before he starts his 3 hour Kindergarten class. What do you think of this as a starter dose? Pros/ Cons. Also, I have read about 504 Plans and IEP. When I asked the Dr. today if there is anything we need to be doing at school, he said no. I thought there would be guidelines in letting his school know, to work out plans etc.. nothing was mentioned. I welcome all advice, this is a new journey for us. Thank you.
I would make sure he was evaluated by a Psychologist or neuropsychologist, NOT and MD or a DO( osteopath). Neither is trained to evaluate for ADHD, or prescribe meds. At 5 the chances of misdiagnosis are extremely high since there are so many variables of :normal:" at that age,.
Also, he was WRONG about the meds, Ritalin and Adderall are 2 completely different meds, yes they are both stims, but different. There are many different meds for ADHD, and not all of them are the same or work the same. IMO I would see someone else and get an accurate diagnosis from someone who knows about meds, and how to prescribe them.
As far as the school, you will have to request a Psycho-educational evaluation in writing, to get anything done you need to know what you have work with.
The Drwho evaluated should have IQ scores, WISC scores etc, and some of these tests cannot be done again within a certain time period , you will probably need to provide the school with a copy of the report from the Psych.
edbson39364.7715972222Wow, I guess he is a psychiatrist because he diagnosed, and wrote the prescripton for his meds, which have been filled. The only reason I was suspicous of him not being a psychiatrist is because his prescription said Dr. " ", D.O.
Thanks for your advice.
Hello,
My five year was diagnosed, at four, with ADHD, OCD, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. A DO may write scripts, but my suggestion, having been going through this for a year now, is to see a pediatric psychiatrist. They can do the necessary testing and help you work out a plan for school. They need to be monitoring medications. Probably the reason that the the DO started your child on Ritalin is because Adderall, and the newer medications, are not FDA approved for the use of children under six, and, therefore, many insurances will not cover these meds. Talk to your pediatrician, and get a referral to see a pediatric psychiatrist. They have far more experience with little people and ADHD, prescribing meds, and tweaking doses and adding meds, which may all be necessary.
Our pediatrician recommended our psych. and it was definitely the best decison that we could have done for our son.
Good luck, a mommy and a nurse
A Psychiatrist would be a PHD, or an MD, an osteopath is a DO, a general practitioner basically.
I agree with the advice to see a Pediatric Psychiatrist, or a Neuropsychologist would be even better.
edbson39364.8008564815Hi, maybe I didn't make it clear that the office we go to is children's psychiatry, so I know they are experieced with little ones. I am going to ask tomorrow if he is actually a psychiatrist, or just a D.O. (which I'm not totally against). I'm also going to ask about getting some plans for school and some written documentation. Good point about the Adderall and other meds, thanks!