ADHD & drugs? thoughts?

TJ123

We've been struggling for two years with R now. Had a meeting with his teacher and school counselor. Things haven't been getting better, in fact, his behaviors are getting worse. His academics are being affected and kids are starting to isolate him, not because they don't like him, but because he can't keep his hands to himself and is constantly distracting others, getting them in trouble. Anyway, they want us to try a 30 day period with drugs to see if it helps. We've done an altered diet, low sugar & non-processed foods, behavior charting, pre-teaching expectations, and he's seeing a behaviorist counselor once a week outside of school.

I am totally an anti-drug person, but I don't want him to struggle so much and to be *that* kid in class. Thoughts?

Amy&Andy

My 8 year old niece was diagnosed with it. I go back and forth with my opinions about it...specifically for her situation...I think there is a lot more to her issues than supposed ADHD. The drugs make her really calm though and kind of a different kid.

SuzEJ

Former teacher here...I knew kids who took meds during the school year, but not the summer. I understand your wanting to avoid prescription meds, but it sounds like you've tried other methods without finding success yet. He's learning skills now, fundamentals, that will build a foundation for future learning. Were it my kid, I would do everything to ensure his success. Maybe a combo of some of the methods will help, along with some growth/maturity over time. Good luck!

brynners

SuzEJ:

Former teacher here...I knew kids who took meds during the school year, but not the summer. I understand your wanting to avoid prescription meds, but it sounds like you've tried other methods without finding success yet. He's learning skills now, fundamentals, that will build a foundation for future learning. Were it my kid, I would do everything to ensure his success. Maybe a combo of some of the methods will help, along with some growth/maturity over time. Good luck!

I agree with this.  Since you have tried so many other things with no success, I would try the drugs.  It's not like you have to keep him on them if you don't like what you see, but it's worth a shot.  I'm sure you've seen the difference in kids when they haven't had their meds, and what it does to their ability to learn, and the ability of the students around them to focus also.   

skipygrl16

My little brother had ADHD. His is more related to how his brain process's as opposed to being a class room disruption and the other things that can go along with it. For him the drugs were needed. He was closely monitored by a Psychiatrist that my mom knew and trusted. (She?s a nurse and most of my family is in the mental health care field). He got to a point where if he forgot them... he could tell. When he was a sr. in high school he was able to wean himself off and caffeine actually helps him focus now.

My mom did all of the natural things. We never had soda at our house and yadda yadda yadda... The drugs were right for him. He also had teachers that really worked with him. He wasn't a great student and my parents tried to talk him out of going to Prep but he went, he got ok grades and really blossomed as a person. They didn't give him any room for excuses. He went to a tech college and works full time with out drugs now.

Good luck in your journey!

 

julandjo

Read this: 

 

http://www.healthnowmedical.com/blog/2012/01/20/15-of-children-with-adhd-have-celiac-disease/

 

Have you tried a 100% gluten free diet on him yet?  Give it 30 days and see what happens.  Drugs would be an absolute last resort for me. 

MissManda

First, I am SO glad that his school has worked with you and you've tried things other than just putting him on meds. At this point, because his academics are starting to suffer, I would probably try them for the 30 days and see. You will see a difference pretty quick if it's going to solve the problem.

I am also anti-meds... but, there are some kids who really do not have the capability to calm their mind/body down and need just a little help. I was diagnosed with ADHD (very mild case) in elementary school - my parents refused to put me on meds, but they also taught me coping skills. My teachers helped me and worked with me, and I made it through. One big thing for me - anytime a teacher assigned me a seat in the back, I would ask to sit in front so I could focus better. I'm also a doodler - it helps keep my body busy so my mind can focus.