My guy is 13 and we can now understand what he is saying. Before he talked and moved so fast that he was almost incoherent. Be patient and just remember that there are very few adults that are that hyper.
Paul
From what I understand impulsivity can stay with you but changes as theyI am concerned about the long-term impact the impulsivity will have on my child's social relationships and ability to live independently. Unless they come out w/ ADHD meds that'll help impulsivity 24 hours a day, he'll never be able to go away to college or probably even live alone. I don't even know how he'll be able to drive once meds wear off. And he needs the stimulant to wear off at night in order to eat. If the impulsivity changes form but it isn't him tripping people, pushing his brother down the stairs, and doing other horrible things, then he has a chance. My son's main ADHD issue is impulsivity, followed by hyperactivity, and there's also the distractability piece but much less.
Paul, thanks for sharing your experience. You give me hope!
Mom2ADHDboy39731.3203587963My friend's son did not like the stims he was on so when he was about 17 he went on Strattera. He is now in college and doing well. Strattera works 24 hours so it works all the time with just one dose per day. It doesn't work for everyone but I hope they come up with other meds like this.
Rage may not be normal for ADHD, but untreated ADHD can cause mass frustration and inappropirate violent behaviour. I can also co-exist with ODD which can become conduct disorder if the person never learns to manage the oppositional behaviors.Strattera sounds like a wonder drug! My dd is on Vyvanse, which lasts through school and homework, but that's it! She too has the hyperactivity and impulsivity. I worry sometimes that she's going to hurt herself one of these days. Lately, she's been getting more and more sassy when I tell her to do something. I hope she outgrows this soon! She is 9 1/2 and I feel that puberty is just around the corner since she is already starting to "bud". Melissa, I feel for you! My daughter is the same way. I teach at the same school she attends, and her teachers do not believe me when I tell them about how hyper she is at home.I've heard that Strattera is great for helping w/ concentration, but it isn't as good at controlling impulsivity and hyperactivity. Hopefully they'll come out w/ a 24-hour med. that also helps w/ those aspects of ADHD.
My ADHD kids attract a lot of other ADHD kids so we have several kids around to observe. They seem to start calming around 12, but have periods of hyperactivity and impulivity past this age. Some of the kids (1 boy and 2 girls) have stopped meds as a middle school trial. 2 other girls have never been on meds.
The impulsivity coupled with some social immaturity seems to be the biggest problem at this age. Risky behavior can be an issue for girls trying to get the attention of boys.
vickie39738.3030324074Thankfully we haven't quite moved to that point with the boys. Her worst problem is not going to the bathroom b/c the boy she has a crush on might realize she actually has normal bodily functions! (gasp!) I'm hoping there will be no risky behavior!
BTW, I've been trying to think of where the ADHD came from. I know it is usually hereditary, but no one else in my family has been dx as ADD or ADHD. I don't know about my ex's family, and he severed his rights when she was a baby. I do know he suffered extreme rages, to the point where he claimed he just saw black and struck out at whatever was around. I know rage is not a normal symptom of ADHD but I was just curious...
I have a 17 yr. old in first year college. I would say he was very hyperactive and impulsive. He is living in dorm. I still provide everything but spending money. He won't look for a job, and wouldn't go out and get a job in the summer. His hyperactivity has decreased and I noticed it did around 15 years of age. He is still very impulsive. He definitely lacks motivation. Unsure whether he likes the coarse he's in, but he is there and living on his own, with support from us. Yes he's in college, but I still worry about whether he'll get out there after and get a job, or even be able to maintain a full time job. My hope is to keep him in college for about 6 years so he can grow up. 17 is still very young. He will be 18 next month but maturity wise he's probably 15. I do know he doesn't want to live with us again, so maybe that is some big motivation for him. He continues to take Adderall and reminds me when he's running out, so he knows he needs it to function, which is very positive. Good luck and yes you will always worry.My 17 year is in college, and living in residence, for the first time away from home. I would say he was very hyperactive and impulsive. I noticed he was less hyperactive when he turned 15. He still chooses to take medication because he knows he can't function without it. I still worry about the things you mentioned because he refuses to get a job, and refused to get a job in the summer. Consequently I don't provide spending money. I pay for everything: food, and all other necessities. In many ways he is still younger than his 17 years. My biggest fear is that he graduates then won't work.
I do know he doesn't want to move home, so that should be a huge motivator. As you can see we all worry.