What are the chances of it going away? | ADHD Information

Ommas: What an interesting statement..."If, years tall but 4 years emotionally put him with four year olds."

Many ADHD kids thought bright are behind in development.  Why do we care so much what grade they are in?  My son went to a school for a while that did not have grades.  It was great?  He was way ahead with math skills but average in reading.  The school had a project based cirriculum And each child sort of did their own thing and even learned from each other.  My son had a handwriting clinic  where he taught handwriting to the younger kids and his friend had a grammer checking station for written work before it was turned in. 
My point is why cant kids just go forward from where they are? 

Hi,

My son has been having inattention problems at school, though not diagnosed yet, I unfortunately see clear symptoms of ADHD. So there we are, we are worried like hell for our love, our son. He is 9+ years and in year 4. School has already called us once. Nothing else appears to matter at the moment other than somehow giving him an equal chance in life. He already has severe low esteem problems enough to make me cry.

I have been reading about medication, and scared hearing of the side effects and it all looks daunting! We will aim to get a diagnosis and try with behavioral remedies for 3 months and see if it gets us any distance.

Meanwhile I just wanted to hear from people if any found that without medicines, by age 12 or thereabout they see it going away? Dont know if I am in denial, but just hope a combination of parenting changes, shifting to new env (school, location, new circles) will help and somehow avoid the medicines.

This sounds just so stupid, but it couldnt be more confusing!

thanks for any words of advice!

 

Welcome! personally, i have read stories of people outgrowing it.  i just have never met them.  my sister has had it her whole life (without meds)  and although school was very challenging she is a well adjusted mother of 3, who just quit her job as a teacher of 9 years to stay at home with her new baby.

my husband also has adhd(self diagnosed) not medicated, and is an amazing man.  he was ok in school, but really started to excell in highschool.  he was a marine for 4 years, got his B.S. from FSU in 3 years!!! and has been a successful police officer (and now sergeant) for 12 years.  he is forgetful esp about personal things, so i send him emails re doctors apts, his mothers birthday etc.

they both still have add but just learned to adapt their styles, and think outside the box.  Which i think is good for them.

our 6 yo dd was dx last year, and we do medicate as well as use omegas and other suppliments.  they have made a big improvement in our daughters life.  but it is a difficult and personal choice. also even with the medication we still have to make parenting changes and adjustments to help her succeed.

i think that it is amazing that you have made it as long as you have without medication.  your son is a lucky kid to have a mom who cares so much about him.  i know that sometimes if feels like it but you are not alone.

Thanks for the answers, it indeed is so comforting to know there are others who are coping with this as well.

One question about medication, is there an addictive side to it? I mean when we do start with medication and decide to take our son off it, will it show up in some kind of enhanced symptoms, or is it just take it off when we decide it?

thanks

The stim medications are water soluble.  They are out of one's system at the end of the period they are used for.[whether 4 hr or ER which can be 8,10, or 12 hr]  They are not addictive when used properly.

hi and welcome. I am not sure of the outgrowing it theory. I do think children outgrow some of the hyperactivity piece, but all children calm down as they mature.

Whatever the end result of your evaluations are, behavior plans, parenting education, all those things can not hurt. Any behavior plan you use for a child with ADHD will work even better for a child without it .

Start with a full neuropsych evaluation and know what you are dealing with, and absolutley take your time and do your research deciding how to move forward on what works for your families unique situation. No one's family dynamic, is the same. So taking infomration from as many sources as you can will help you piece together the things that will work for you.

Chances are if it was outgrown, they never had it to begin with.

By adulthood, hyperactivity goes away for the most part, impulsivity can significantly reduce, and sometimes focus improves. But sometimes focus does not improve at all. Unmedicated adults find ways to cope. They find suitable careers,where ADHD is a decent fit and has minimal impact. They adapt. Some doctors don't believe ADHD is outgrown. Others believe that a certain percentage outgrow it. There is no solid answer. By age 12, definately no.

anupar,

If we outgrow it, I'm still waiting...patiently!

Sometimes I believe I became a stay-at-home mom by default, because it would be easier than juggling work, kids, husband and home.  But then I had two kids with ADD and ADHD.

Now my kids are grown and like me no one would know they have the problem unless they were Drs or patients/experts like those on these boards.  It's not like we bounce off the walls anymore except in our heads!

gbfe

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ommas39765.5652430556 anupar I too was scared in the beginning reading about the meds. but after our psychologist recommended we give it a try it did help her a lot.  I was a nervous wreck the first day trust me I kept calling the school and now I am okay with it a few years later.

As for growing out of it I basically read that was a myth and the only difference is they learn coping skills over the years to help them compensate.
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