Hi Jo,
I think 9-10 is the hardest social age for some reason. It's almost like this is when you've got to "get it". I think they go from "playing with anyone and everyone" to having "their" friends or something at this age. It just seems the hardest. I'm not sure the Tenex will help in this case. What is your goal with that? Have you tought about Ritalin LA? You would probably need an afternoon booster with it as it doesnt last as long as Concerta, but you probably wouldnt have the sleep issues. Maybe you could go higher on the dose to help with school focus? WE did ok on it and when it didnt last long enough the docotr even suggested adding a smaller dose at lunch, so like 20 RLA in the a.m., then going for a 10 RLA at the nurse at lunch. Just some thoughts. How does she struggle socially? I know I worried more at this age. My daughter is now 13 and beleive me not the model of middle school social by any stretch, but she does hold her own (and holding your own in middle school is a feat in itself!). ur phone's not ringing away, but she has her "group" to eat lunch with and has a friend or two to meet at the school dances and do an occasional movie or sleepover and is overall happy socially this year. She still goes to a social skills group, but I am worrying less and not expecting as much. As long as she's not spending her days alone and getting out with friends...................
DD has been on stimulants for over 4 years with a lot of success overall. She has been on adderall XR the most but has tryed concerta, daytrana, vyvanse & focalin XR. The adderall Xr and concerta have been the best for her but at the moment I just don't know which one to stick with. In a nutshell, on adderall (with an afternoon booster when needed) her grades are great, homework is not bad and she sleeps well. On concerta (with a focalin booster when needed) she struggles more academically, homework is hard and she doesn't sleep as well BUT she seems to do a little better socially! I guess its that adderall takes away a little of her spontenaiety. SHe seems more socially engaged and aware on the concerta. The social pluses of concerta are not HUGE but she could use all the help she can get. I would like nothing more than for her to succeed socially but life at home is more difficult on the concerta b/c of homework and sleep plus she doesn't feel as successful academically.
Any advice? I wonder if adding tenex to one of these stimulants would help?
Thanks!!!