dx of DAMP & medication

[wads]

Went for a 2nd opinion for 7yo DS today - other Dr had dx'd AS but speech & occupational therapists disagreed. This Dr says apart from speech probs he has DAMP (deficiency in attention, motor control & perception) & has suggested trying meds - metilfenidato? Any experience of this diagnosis &/or medication would be appreciated - thanks!

[wads]

have been googling - metilfenidato is ritalin

[wads]

bump

[Fubsy]

Is the OT offewring any advoce or treatment? DAMP is a term from Scandinavia I think, often its interchangeable with dyspraxia, which is often comorbid with ADD/ADHD.

Does your DS have major attention difficulties? Do you want to try the medication, or have you been offered any other support?

[wads]

OT actually discharged us a few months back - he was seeing her for sensory integration mainly. I see meds as absolute last choice but I suppose if teacher & support teacher really think he would benefit I'd try it - am meeting with them on Tuesday

[Fubsy]

ritalin or similar wont help the difficulties with motor control, but if thats down to lack of concentration, things might improve.

Did the sensory integration help?

[wads]

yes he still has some sensory issues tho'. Have you had any personal experience with ritalin Fubsy?

[Fubsy]

Im a paediatric physio - I see a lot of children for dyspraxia, but quite a few of them also have a diagnosis of ADHD.

The reaction to medication varies, but I have to say I havent come across one yet who was put on it unneccessarily. Personally I think there should be behavioural support and any other therapies needed as well, but then thats the sort of child I see.

One older boy I assessed said he was happier on medication because he didnt feel out of control. A mother I met said that although the medication helped her son, his Asperger's traits were more obvious. He was a lovely kid though. My duaghter has a friend who is on a form of it, but I believe there are some parenting issues there, and his medication isnt always that regular.

Its worth asking around, because youll always meet the knee jerk reaction - "Oh I would never put my child on Ritalin" - but in the right circumstances it does seem to help.

Do you trust this paediatrician's opinion?

[wads]

yes he's one of the most respected in the country - we're in Portugal. Thanks for all your answers - I'll see what Ds's teacher & support teacher think. Family & friends I've mentioned it to are horrified that DS would need ritalin as everyone associates with hyper kids which he isn't at all