Any success stories? | ADHD Information
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We've been dealing with this adhd diagnosis for 3 years, though in hindsight I can see that it's been around our home much longer! The first year we worked the behavior mods HARD, went on Omega's, lost dairy, went organic. Everything worked....for about a week. By the end of second grade, there were major school issues...on the side of the school. I removed him and homeschooled the rest of the year. That summer we started Adderall. What a disaster!! He was a strung-out mess at the end of the day. We switched to Focalin XR and have used it ever since. His adhd always manifested in social interactions and situations, though he was always very bright and got good grades, very able to engage in things that interested him. Now he's doing very well socially, as well. While we haven't changed meds, we have adjusted dosages as he's grown. I am very vigilant about watching for negative effects. We skip days when we can and, as his meds don't come in the dose he needs, I open his capsules everyday and shake out about 2.5 mgs. Every third day, I shake out more. I feel that he's getting as little as possible while still getting the benefits. His last report card was all A's, with an A+ here and there, he gets phone calls from friends, his teachers see him as funny and quirky, and he seems happy with himself.
So, I consider ours a conditional success,... the condition being that the success continues!! What I mean is, that with ADHD, there is never a finish line. It always has to be considered when we plan our lives. But so far it is manageable and a minor speed bump in out lives. KNOCK WOOD!!
I copied this from my blog on another website... sorry it's so long...A couple years ago, our son was diagnosed with AD/HD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Many of our friends know of his condition, but most people don't know what our lives have been like before and after his diagnosis.We started thinking something was different about our boy when he was 3 years old. He was very active, and had trouble obeying us. We passed it off as typical toddler behavior hoping he'd grow out of it when he started pre-school. However, he didn't grow out of it. Because he's a bright and cheerful child we thought he'd have no problem entering kindergarten, but it was his behavior that concerned us. Like I said, he was very active, always moving around, having lots of difficulty sitting still and following direction. So, the summer before kindergarten my wife and I decided to hold him back another year, so he could mature.A year passed and he started kindergarten when he turned 6 years old (most kids start at 5). Upon entering kindergarten he was still very active, and that concerned us. Like before, we hoped he'd eventually learn to calm himself down, but that did not happen. He spoke out of turn, wouldn't sit still, and wouldn't keep his hands to himself. Recess became a problem too. Once, out of anger he bit another child on the playground. His kindergarten teacher was very experienced and we trusted her judgement. Once in a while she'd mention that we should get him checked for AD/HD.At first we wondered if AD/HD was real. We thought maybe it was "invented" by lazy teachers who wanted their job to be easier. Or, if drug companies made it up to sell Ritalin. We also wondered if we were bad parents and couldn't get our son to eat healthy foods or behave right. We also share the experience of having friends and family wonder if there was something wrong with our son. We've taken him to church, social gatherings, or stores where rude people look at him and say things like, "What's wrong with him?" We've been told by well-meaning friends to spank him, avoid sugar, or take parenting classes to get him to act better. You know, it never ceases to amaze me when someone with no experience with AD/HD children think they have something valuable to offer.In order to understand what AD/HD is, you need to know what the symptoms are:Inattentive Typefails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakeshas difficulty sustaining attentionseems not to listen when spoken tohas trouble following through on instructions or finishing taskshas difficulty organizing tasks and activitiesis reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effortoften loses thingsis easily distractedHyperactive Typefidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seatleaves seat in classroomruns about or climbs excessivelyhas difficulty playing quietlyoften seems "on the go" or acts as if "driven like a motor"talks excessivelyblurts out answers before questions have been completedalways has trouble taking turnsalways interrupts or intrudes on others You might also be interested in knowing that males are more likely to be diagnosed than females. Males will typically (though not always) have AD/HD with hyperactivity. It's more common for females to have AD/HD without hyperactivity. Some children will have one of either type, or may have both types.There are many differences between our family and others who deal with AD/HD. One for example is that our son has a type of AD/HD that is uncommon. Most kids have trouble paying attention but our son has no trouble paying attention. I always like to say, "It's not that our son can't pay attention, it's that he CANNOT STOP paying attention!" You see, when our son starts a project, he can't put it down until it's completed. Now, some people might think this is great, but it really becomes a problem at times. Here's what I mean... It's great when he plays games like checkers or chess, because they have an ending. But what about video games or Lego's that go on and on for hours! It's games like these that cause our son anxiety. When he gets a new video game, he's not satisfied until ALL the levels are completed and he's mastered the entire game! It takes hours and hours to finish a game like that, and if we tell him to stop, he throws a temper tantrum demanding that we give him more time. His favorite saying is, "Just ONE MORE level!"Another difference from the typical AD/HD family is that our son is "gifted". Last year when he was in first grade his teacher suggested that we get him tested by the school system. His test scores showed that he was above grade level, especially in math and reading. Now he's in second grade and his teacher says he's above grade level. Many kids with AD/HD are below grade level, but not our son. So, we fear he might get bored with school if he's not academically challenged each and every day. We've heard that many kids with AD/HD are creative, talented, and very bright. It's just that they need proper treatment and coaching in order to achieve their best. Our son is definitely one of them.You might be wondering, does our boy really have AD/HD? We've wondered that too! But with many hours of research that my wife and I have done on this complicated disorder, we've concluded that he does have it, but not the usual kind. There are various types of this disorder, and our son has the type which is referred to as "over-focused" AD/HD. Although his overly focused attention span causes him to do well in school, his hyperactivity gets him into trouble, especially in the art of making and keeping friends. Many of his classmates love him, but have trouble playing with him. Our son loves to control his friends, and when a play date doesn't go his way, he get overly anxious and stresses out. It's not unusual for him to have a meltdown while playing with a friend.The first step to help our son was to have a pediatrician look at him. The doctor was honest by saying she thought he might have an issue, but didn't know much about the disorder. It was then that she made an appointment to have him properly and thoroughly evaluated by a pediatric neurologist at our local children's hospital. At the next appointment he was given vision and hearing tests, and he was interviewed by the director of our hospital's neurology department. We were notified that our son definitely had AD/HD of the hyperactive type. He was prescribed a low dose of a stimulant type drug called Methylphenidate. But after a few months we decided that this was not the right type of drug and asked our doctor to switch to another stimulant called Adderall. After a few more months, we again asked for a change. It wasn't that the drugs were not helping, they had some benefit. But it was the side-affects that we had issues with. Stimulants have a tendency to cause kids to lose sleep, lose weight, and go through a daily "rebounding" period of time (when the drug wears off and the problems come back stronger than they were before). Our son had these side-affects, but in addition he had anxiety problems. He didn't want to socialize with the people he loves, and he had unusual worries and fears. One time in 1st grade he hit a teacher and was suspended for 3 days! He also had unusual "screaming" arguments with his soccer coach. So after another hospital visit, the neurologist switched him to different type of drug called Strattera. Strattera is not a stimulant and affects the brain differently. So far, this drug has been perfect for our son. He's doing very, very well in both home life, church, and school. Meds have not "cured" our son's AD/HD, but it's given him an opportunity to do control his impulses, emotions, and hyperactivity. Medicating children for AD/HD is a controversial topic. I agree with the critics when they say many kids are falsely diagnosed and given medications they don't need. But I wish these people would realize how hard it is to parent a child with AD/HD. The choice to medicate is not an easy one, and most parents would rather not use drugs on their kids. We've tried alternatives to drug therapy, but none of it worked. We're only doing what we think is in the best interest of our boy. For critics who think we're still doing the wrong thing by putting our boy on medication, you need to walk a mile in our shoes before you make any judgements.In addition to medication, our son also sees a behavior therapist to help him deal with his anger and anxiety. This type of treatment helps our son make and keep friends. When an issue arises, our son practices the steps to remain calm, take turns, and play without controlling the situation. He's now earning special awards and is becoming a very good student! We're so proud of him!Throughout the last few years, we've become better parents. We've learned how to handle our son during difficult times, and how to set up creative strategies to help him succeed in school, church and other social atmospheres. We've gained insight into the possible causes of AD/HD, how it affects children, and what treatments are proven to work. Most of all, I've learned that my wife is wonderful at helping our son become the little boy people admire and love. It's all because of her sacrifice to put her career on hold, become a "stay at home mom", her dedication and perseverance, and her unconditional love, patience and understanding that he's done so well.Dad in Akron39479.4068171296
For a child that is truly diagnosed ADHD it is a hard and sometimes frightening struggle for the parents. Our son was diagnosed at age 4- he is 8 1/2 now and I decided to slowly wean him off his meds (letting his neurologist know each time the dose is changed). In the past, I have had people in stores tell me to control my child (as if I wouldn't if I could), I have been through the psychoses of med rebound, he isn't growing as fast as I think he should.
Since I started taking him to a chiropractor one month ago he has decreased his meds from 50mg of Adderallxr per day and 3 tabs of Clonidine to 35mg of Adderallxr and 2 tabs of Clonidine. He is doing much better - even sleeping better. I am taking it slowly and will decrease to 15mg AM and 15mg at 1pm next week or the week after. I started giving him Omegas and Focus, and also a vitamin mixture that is supposed to relieve stress (B vitamins). I am also giving him a calcium-Mag-zinc pill each day. Next I will add Vit c.
Oh- and I agree with the video games etc. Two weeks ago I took the Nintendo DS and threw it in a Lake at lunchtime. My son can spend hours and hours on video but can't sit for 10min to to spelling? I wonder if we can harness the video for learning for 3rd graders- something to entertain and engage and yet teach all the subjects. Does anyone know of anything out there?
He is eating so much better and his sleeping is a little better. If he gets a little worse before he gets better, so be it. I am afraid of the long term effects of stimulants on him.
randyjim39479.4264699074In my opinion we are experiencing success ...we have only used one med, Foacalin XR 5mg in the beginning (age of 4) until this year (age6) and now we are on 10 mg. the increase mainly because of his body changing and maturing. We,doctor included, feel that we won't have to increase much more as he does quite well in general. We've had a few bumps along the way but both the doctor and I feel that behavior modifications are the key at this stage in the game. I think in the beginning it is a huge roller coaster ride to figure out what is best for your child. I think there will always be some bumps on the ride. We've had some. But for the most part the ride is getting better and better. Partially because I have worked on myself. I don't obsese about everything I did in the beginning. I take it one day at a time and I don't rush into the doctor wanting more mg. of med or change med. I'd rather work on the behavior with therapy such as play therapy.
My son, has, knock on wood, had a great last month and 1/2 in particular. It is like the day he turned 6 he made a personal goal for himself. His goal is to become student of the month.
Tonight we were at dinner and a family asked me if he was " " and I said yes. The other child was so excited to see my son. He had told his mom at the dinner table that my son was the one that helped him on the playground the other day and asked him to play with him. My heart just melted as the mother thanked my son. My son also shared his handheld game with the other child while he ate his dinner tonight. Once again my heart melted. To me this is success. This is what I've always wanted for my son. Yes, I believe it is a combination of med and success due to play therapy.
Is he perfect? No. Is he working on finding ways to keep it together? Yes. Have we found success? I think to a certain degree we have. Do we have more to do to make this life long? Most definitely. Do we still have some issues at home? Most definitely. But in my heart of heart I know that we will make it and that my son will grow up with the tools he needs to help him be successful.
My recommendation is to look at the whole picture. (Diet, med, excercise, play therapy (which we do use).)
4myson39479.9254398148
Dad, we are experiencing a success but not from meds. We did try meds for a short time and DS was noticably different (notice I didn't say "better"). Over a few months, he developed severe headaches and has refused all meds since. While he was more attentive and the school was happy while on meds, my funny, creative, goofy kid was not entirely there....His personality was masked.
This rather short term experience (6 months? He is now 13) has enabled me to step back and reevaluate the definition of success. Yes the meds helped...in school...That short window while on them allowed him to see that he really is smart and able.
So while he is not a A+ student, he knows himself better and this year the teacher's while not thrilled about his grades, are thrilled to see him smile and have fun.
He has taken more control over his school work and with the help of a wonderful sped teacher to remind him and send home email lists of assignments, things are going fairly well for him (he is not failing). His future is his to determine. I live in a wealthy, well educated, driven community where all parents think their kids should attend Harvard..Yet the happiest people I know do what they love, live in less than luxurious conditions and are content with what they have. Who am I to impose a definition of success on anyone?
He has an older brother who does it all, AP courses, straight A's, I NEVER have done a thing with him. And yet, my ADD'er is more quirky, interesting, willing to take creative risks....
Recognizing that each of my children are their own, individual beings is the success I choose to celebrate. Sadly we all have to trudge thru the school years to get there....Change the schooling not the kid is my thinking....
My son has been on medidate cd for almost two years. I have had to up the dose but haven't had to change meds. This was our first one. Though I know that as he grows it might change with him maturing. It is a bumpy road with our kids and sometimes here you read more about the problems because this is a place we all go to ask about the problems.Dear Dad,
I am sorry if I sounded Harsh or critical ....I didn't mean too...In you journey
you'll be fine...Just starting down this path can be daunting......The whole ADD/HD....is a lot to take in..
Just take one day at a time....thats what I do...best thing is to read all you can...
It's true that you just don't hear the success stories as often- it's the problems people need help with, the success we can handle just fine! 
My son has done very well on Focalin XR over a little over a year now. That is the only med he takes, unless you count the multivitamin. We did try ritalin first but his body adjusted to it very quickly and effectiveness pretty much vanished, even at a higher dose. Focalin was the next one we tried- it actually did next to nothing (except cause rebound) at a low dose but once we went up to 20mg we saw great results- his only side effects were lack of appetite (he did start eating again after a while)and rebound and we dealt with that by using a short acting pill in the afternoons for the first couple months until it eased up. I feel it's been very successful, but we also do behavior mod. and he has some accomodations at school. That's not to say it's smooth sailing- far from it. But he's successful in school now, and his behavior is 110% better than it was pre-meds.
Dear DadSJ,
My kids really are real success stories. I do not like to brag so I haven't posted alot. My ds (age 8) has always been different. He was the "high energy" type that couldn't have many playdates because the other kids were just not physical enough. I returned to work when he was 4 for my own sanity. We found a fantastic daycare who could work with us. We started the Feingold diet because my dh was anti drug but I felt we had to do something. I did my best for 2 years. It was the most difficult thing I have ever done. It helped his hyperness a little bit but no one noticed but me. (and his preschool teacher) For impusiveness, it did nothing. This did not matter too much until 1st grade when he was expected to behave like everyone else :-). By March, we had been to see the teacher, principal, bus driver etc. many times and he had been suspended twice. We got him diagnosed by the Pediatrician and got 18 mg Concerta.
Now in 2nd grade, he is on the honor roll and very happy. Mornings and evening can be tough but we are doing okay.
My dd (12 yo) we diagnosed by a Ped. when she was in 2nd grade. Inattentive type. She was having trouble learning to read. The diet seemed to help her more. I also gave her Omega 3s and Attentive Child. Now in 6th grade, she is on the Daytrana patch - only on school days - and on honor roll, got a blue ribbon in science fair, and reading on a 7th grade level. She struggles socially but not too bad.
There you go, sorry it was so long,
DadSJ,
When our son was diagnosed, shy of his 5th birthday, I cried my eyes out. I didn't know what to do, so we didn't do anything
I too feared the meds, and I let my son suffer all the negativity at school from BOTH the kids and teachers, as well as parents.
My son needed meds and my ignorance caused him to suffer unnecessarily. 
We started just shy of 7. He is 10 1/2 and doing wonderful. 
Of course, he still has to live those labels down, more so by the parents than any one else, but he will be just fine. He plays a sport each season, report card is A's and B's. Completes tests that teachers have never had a student finish, and the work is quite well they have told us, etc. He is a computer genius, reads incredibley, 100's+ on spelling tests, And none of this would be possible without his meds. 
I would suggest the evaluation from the pediatric neurologist and go from there. What ever it is that he is doing, if he is ADHD, he has NO control over it. Remember that!
Also, this is a genetic disorder, it was passed down. Someone carries it and passes it to their child/children.
If we were to name all the famous and successful entrepreneurs out there in the world still alive and those passed, who had adhd, the list would be quite long. I also read that the majority of professiona athletes have ADHD.
Your child will lead a typical life. But some adhd'ers who go untreated end up in bad places due to impusiveness. So many have adhd and have never been treated, or CORRECTLY diagnosed and treated. That is why I dislike the juvenile system here in America.
One last thing, I do not push meds, I only share our success story!!
My son (he's 7) was just diagnosed 2 weeks ago - we had signs of this for the past 2 years, but no diagnosis until now. We're taking a different route and making major dietary changes and adding vitamin supplements in the hope that we can avoid medications completely. I know there ARE success stories with this method. But, I also know that we might end up going with meds in the end. But, that's a last resort for us. We'll only go there if we feel we have exhausted our other options.SO.... I can't say that we're a "success story" yet. It's WAAAAAY too soon to say that. But, I am hopeful.
RacerWife739479.1487615741
My 7 year old son's school is gradually taking us down the road towards what my wife and I both feel will eventually be a ADD/ADHD test and possible diagnosis.
I have read through some of the postings here and I feel very bad for many of you. The struggle, both financially and practically that a lot of you are experiencing is heart breaking. I wish you all the best and urge you to be strong.
The biggest concern that I have right now is that I don't see too many success stories. Has anyone had their child diagnosed and then moved to a single med with long term (a few years) success? No changing around the meds, no side effects and a noticeable improvement at school?
As my family takes the first steps into this challenge, I am a little concerned about firstly medicating my child and secondly the lack of solid progress that I am seeing. Perhaps it is simply that the successful cases don't post or don't need to read the boards.
Please give me some hope.
I was going to say exactly what you said. The success stories dont need as much support..............there's LOTS of success stories.To me any sign of improvement is a sucess.....When I look back on the improvements from 5 to 9....... I am a very happy person with the sucess I have seen
in my granddaughter....
Is it perfect no but.......but I settle for any and all improvements....
Each hurdle we face is a sucess if we suceed in rising above it....and get a positive out come.....from learning more self control......... to getting a A on a spelling test...
I too didn't want medication but its been well worth it for us...and we are on only one medication.
Its all what you mean about sucess....
It certainly is disheartening to read nothing but the struggles and dire
consequences a lot of ADHD kids face. Still, there good stories, too.
Some times we post small victories our kids have (a new friend made, a
good report from school, improved behavior at home) because we know
how precious those achievements are. We all know our kids are capable
of great things...lots of adhd kids are very bright and creative. They just
need help with impulse control and paying attention. Some of these
things sort themselves out as the child matures. They have Ferrari brains
and Chevy brakes! (I forget where I read that, but it is so true!)
My dd was dx'd last summer when she was 5.5. She is in kindergarten
now and is doing well on the first med we tried. (Although we have had
to change her dose...no big deal. Works for her.) S
The key to success is early intervention and a multi-modal
approach...meds if necessary, behavior modification and sometimes
counseling. These kids face big hurdles, but with the right treatment can
do just fine. This board is a wealth of support and information.
That's a good point mamaou and I respectfully do not in any way want anyone to feel that I don't regard the steps they are taking as success. I humbly aplogise to anyone if I made them feel that way.
I just see a lot of struggles and changing meds around. I guess I should ask if anyone has been in the incredibly fortunate position of achieving strong solid improvements with one med and no side effects. From what Diane has said they are out there.
Please forgive me, I am very apprehensive about the next few weeks. My wife is a basket case and I am trying to be as strong as possible for them both.
there are a lot of people that do fine on their first med. Meds are just not a cure-all. they are just to enable them to have a better chance to succeed. We've had our share of struggles, but my daughter has a coexisting LD so shcool is a struggle no matter what. But this year we chose to use non stimulant medication, Strattera, and although the effects are not as dramatic as stimulants, we are seeing no side effects, and I truly feel we can look at our situation as succesful............right now anyway .
While I am one of the many who has had to change meds, it has not been a huge horrible ordeal. The main reasons we changed meds was because they just stopped working efficiently for Ryan. Ryan was dx'd at age 5 and has only been on 4 meds, adderrall , Adderall xr and provigil and now Vyvanse. The adderall and adderall xr were actually very close. The adderall regular caused very bad rebound where as the xr didnt. He stayed on the xr the longest. Ryan is now 10.
I have seen a HUGE improvement on how Ryan was at 5 and how he is now. Even when his meds are not working, Ryan excels in school. His teachers often tell me he is very smart. He just needs constant redirection and can do almost no independent work when his meds dont work. Plus his reading comprehension is very low(when his meds are not working..no focus). When his meds are working he works independently, does what needs to be done, comprehends his reading and does his homework with minimal complaining..(come on he is a kid!). Before meds, Ryan was very aggressive and impulsive. He had very bad tantrums and while he can still have a good meltdown..they are few and far apart. Usually something else is working in the background(he is getting sick, hasnt had enough to eat, or sleep) .
As for changing meds and not being able to find a long term , no side effect med. ...i am happy as long as benefits outweight side effects . My md opts for the lowest dose med that does the best job with manegable side effects. I think, this would go for any type of condion, be it diabetes, or anyother manegable condition. Diabetic people often have to change their insulin dosage based on their blood tests...sometimes many times a week or month..just part of the package managing their illness..
I too was afraid like you. I too was worried my child would never be like the other kids but I feel that the right md, the support of school and friends and family have made Ryan succeed. Each day with an ADHD child is a challenge..but it doesnt have to be a horrible challenge.
I wish you much success with your journey...Our ADHD children are special..as are all the ADHD parents..Together, you can do anything!
I am not on the forums too often anymore as my work life has become busier.
With meds, proper help at school and a positive reinforcement behavior plan we have gone from failing school, daily rages, wanting to die, no friends, lots of conflict, and 4 hour homework horror sessions to success at school, happy, loving, making and keeping friends, short homework on the few nights when homework is not finished in class, "normal" family stuff.
Going through the above with the youngest helped me recognized my oldest daughter's inattentiveness and get her evaluated and treated. We avoided the self esteem issues and she is in honors math and not getting overwhelmed with verbal instructions in middle school.
There are definitely success stories! To have a child at age 4 crying and telling you he will never be able to be good transformed into an 8 year old who is doing wonderful in school and making progress with making friends is success. My son was diagnosed ADHD at the end of first grade after an incredibly horrible year for him and for us. At the same time we ended up with an IEP with behavior aspects, reading support (which was gone by the middle of second grade) and gifted support as well based on a whole battery of tests - which he thoroughly enjoyed because he had the school pyschologist all to himself for two days!
He has been on Concerta since then (almost 2 years) His doctor said after a visit last month that we may be looking at increasing the dosage only due to age and weight gain over the past couple of years. As long as things are going smoothly though I won't make the shift. My husband and I were very leery about meds initially, but I have to say once we got through several months and could see the difference - I could hold a conversation with him for more than a few moments, we could get through family times where there were no tantrums, no crying, etc. we realized it was the best choice we could have made. My son began to see success and that made him want more of it. My husband has now realized that he too has ADD but was never diagnosed and has learned coping skills as he grew up. I can see it in him now - helped me understand some of his quirks! All in all it has been a success story for us!
All that said raising a child with ADHD or ADD is just like raising any other child, just when you think you have them all figured out they go through another "phase" and you are left standing looking at your beloved spouse saying to each other "now what!" I'm making sure that my son knows that having ADHD is just like his grandfather being diabetic. It is something he needs to be aware of, take medicine for, and work to learn about and build skills around, but not to use as an excuse or a crutch for not owning up to his responsibilities.
Good Luck!
There are lots of success stories, they just dont' feel the need to post on the forums. If your son does have ADHD, your best bet it to find a child psychiatrist really experienced with meds, and to stear clear of evaluations done by the school. Try behavior modifications 1:1 with the teacher.My daughter was diagnosed when she was in kindergarten, and it is scary. You wonder if your child will be able to make it through school and be able to function as a responsible adult.I do consider my daughter a success. But that's not to say everything is perfect and it's all smooth sailing. It's not. But then it's not perfect and all smooth sailing for my 15-year-old son who does not have ADHD either.
My daughter is happy; she is learning, and she is doing well in school.
We have not medicated my daughter (although she is on several medications for allergies and asthma). She has been taking Omega 3 supplements since the start of first grade, and this fall, after I discovered this message board, we switched her to high-EPA omega 3s and she is also taking an amino acid supplement called phosphatidyl serine, which I believe helps her with her focus and academic performance.
She also has a 504 plan which allows her some accommodations at school.
When she was diagnosed back in kindergarten, we chose to switch her from a highly academic charter school into our local public school, which suited her much better.
This year she started middle school at an arts-oriented charter school.
My daughter has inattentive-type, so she has never had the hyperactivity, impulse-control and behavior issues that lots of parents struggle with.
Anyway, ADHD doesn't necessarily mean that your life will be a nightmare. It's just another challenge among many that parents and families face. One day at a time, one step at a time.