At the onset of puberty, sometimes the med has to be changed or the dose adjusted. This is not uncommon when puberty approaches. Things may appear better and happier in the summer because there is less pressure and the environment is not as structured as it is in school. The teenage years are the most challenging, especially for children with ADHD and the goal is to alleviate the struggles they face as much as possible. In the absence of effective treatment, the challenges can be overwhelming.
I hope your ds had a great first day and please keep us informed
I can't believe we are doing this but my DS is starting school tomorrow and he isn't taking any meds - I AM A NERVOUS WRECK. Please send good thoughts and prayers his way that he will have a good day.
We had a terrible year last year (another reason I can't believe we are doing this) and this summer I took him off of his meds (for the first time since he started them - he started meds when he was 5 and he is now 13). I did some changes to his diet and he has done very well this summer. I fully planned to put him back on his meds when school started but when it can time to do it for some reason I just couldn't - don't know why. I have never had an issue with the meds because they have always helped. While I believe completely that 95% of his problems last year were the result of a very nasty bad teacher, principal and bullying, I do wonder if his meds and puberty were adding to his emotional distress. He has been so happy and pleasant all summer (yes, still somewhat hyper and impulsive but happy). So anyway, DH and I discussed this with DS and decided to see how he does at school. Since I think we may need to start a different med than what he has been on since 1st grade, I wanted a bench mark as to what his focus and behavior are like without meds so we can know if the new med is working and what side effects he may be having. I have been in touch with the guidance couselor, his homeroom teacher and gifted teacher to let them know what we are doing. I told them I want to know immediately if there are any issues. I know he will need to go back on meds but I feel like this way he will start with a clean slate.
Thanks for "listening". I'm very nervous and tomorrow will be a very long day.
Good luck!! I hope he had a good day. My kids started school today too (my oldest the first day of high school). No problems today, but will feel better in a couple weeks. I don't want to up my youngest son's meds this year, so I am hoping for the best. I always heard that when adhd kids reach puberty that they may need a med change or adjustment and so what you are doing is great. In a way you are getting a clearer and more up to date look at what your son actually will need now.