Hello....new here... | ADHD Information

Hi,
My daughter also has inattentive type. It's not what most people think of when they think of ADHD. I will share my daughter's story and hope you find it helpful.
My daughter was diagnosed in kindergarten, and the doctor also offered us medication.
We were reluctant because, in addition to the usual reasons that everyone is reluctant, my daughter has asthma and is on a number of allergy and asthma medications, so we really didn't want to throw another medication into the mix. Also, like your daughter, mine did not and does not have behavior or social issues. (She used to be somewhat immature, but I believe she has caught up 100% in maturity.)
We switched her out of a highly-academic charter school into our local public school midway through kindergarten, and this school suited her MUCH better.
We started giving her omega 3 fatty acid supplements at the start of first grade. She continued through elementary with struggles, but doing OK. Beginning in third grade, homework began to take a LONG time to complete, but she had great teachers who made informal accommodations for her.
Then in 5th grade we ran into major problems. The teacher was not understanding or helpful the way previous teachers had been. My daughter was constantly overwhelmed and behind with schoolwork and homework (spending many hours on it every night) and was in danger of failing some subject areas. Finally, almost 3/4 through fifth grade, I found out that my daughter might qualify for a 504 plan that could provide accommodations including limiting the amount of homework. After a phonecall to the principal, we were able to speed through the process in record time and my daughter got her 504 plan which was a life and sanity-saver.
After completing 5th grade, my daughter started 6th at an arts-oriented charter school that we absolutely love. We were also happy that she had the 504 plan in place to smooth the way through middle school.
We still struggled with a lot of homework in 6th grade, but my daughter did well academically and loved school.
Also, at the start of 6th grade, I discovered this message board, where I found out more about some supplements that my daughter takes. We switched to a high-EPA omega 3 supplement, and added phosphatidyl serine, an amino acid supplement. She also takes a multivitamin.
She is doing very well in 7th grade. She is able to work independently more and to keep track of her work better. Not perfect, but no kid is. Homework has been far less of a struggle this year (partly due to different teachers, partly because she can handle it better). We still have the 504 plan in place, but it has hardly been needed at all this year.
Last night my daughter was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. That is something I never thought would happen.

So, we have managed without meds. I think it is much easier for that to be possible with inattentive types. I am not anti-meds at all. I have read so many stories here about how it has been a life-saver for many kids. I also still wonder, from time to time, if some of the overwhelming struggles that my daughter and I went through could have been avoided if we'd started meds, but I think we made the right decision for us. It is also possible that she may choose to try meds in the future if, for example, studying in high school or college is too difficult for her. And maybe in the future she won't need so much asthma meds.

Anyway, you might want to do some reading in the "Alternative and Complementary Meds" forum, and also in the "ADHD and school" forum. All the info can be overwhelming and confusing, but it's a good place to start.

Good luck and let us know how things go.

I feel your pain.

My little guy is almost 6 and is now on dexedrine and is doing wonderful.  Even though his symptons are much different, I too struggled to medicate my child.  I fought it for months, but am seeing the rewards of it.

His was more behavioral.  He's not a bad kid he is just very active and TALKS constantly and impulsive too.  He struggled in school and brought home frowny faces almost everyday for talking. 

He just started the meds the beginning of Feb and just brought the first frowny face home yesterday.   He had no issues academically prior to the meds.  His teacher said he is doing much better staying on task and finishing his work. 

Gook luck to you and your daughter. 

 

Hello all.  Just came across this website last night and it looked like a good place to get much needed information :)

My 10 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with ADHD.  Her teacher contacted me about her inability to concentrate, organize, becoming distracted easily, easily frustrated with her work, etc..

This is something I noticed some time ago but never even thought of ADHD.  Forgetting to bring homework home, losing notes, assignments, notebooks, pencils, etc.....Making careless mistakes in her work.  I have read the information on here and she is 100% inattentive....and also think she falls into the impulsive category too. 

She is not hyperactive at all....no more active than any other 10 year old..and has no problems socially....

She saw a doctor yesterday who quickly wrote her a prescription for Straterra.  I have not filled the script yet and honestly I'd rather not go that route just yet.  The things I have read on here about this medication just scares the pants off me! 

I would appreciate any information on alternative methods for helping her?  Diet changes, school, home, anything!!!!   Her teacher suggested more structure for her, chart making, etc..??   Anything you can tell me will be appreciated.

Thanks!!!