Page 3 | To medicate my 7 year old? Autism + ADHD

Coachgirl · 2025-11-07T21:56:37+00:00

He has a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD. He's a smart, inquisitive and wonderful little boy who I and many others adore but he displays incredibly challenging behaviour which stems from chronic and ongoing overwhelm. It's like his autism and ADHD battle against the other. He fits the PDA profile of autism if that's relevant. He lashes out physically, both to us and himself, screams and shouts and is very destructive. We've lost count of the amount of property he has smashed and damaged in the home. If he continues in this direction I fear he's going to end up in prison one day. We've done absolutely everything we can possibly do. You name it, we've tried. At a recent review with his paediatrician he has been perscribed methylphenidate. Two weeks ago I was adamant I wanted to give medication a go but now I'm dithering. I'd appreciate some perspective. Do you think he's too young? Do you have any experience of neurodiverse children and medication like this?

Gair · 13/11/2025 00:56

strongermummy · 08/11/2025 15:15

Btw I was v concerned about medicating my youngest. Diagnosed adhd and asd. I was worried the meds would increase their anxiety.
the psychiatrist explained his theory - the kid is so worried about forgetting something or blurting out the answer and generally trying to keep themselves under control that this was the cause of the anxiety. Therefore if we medicate - to deal with the impulsiveness, reduce hyperactivity and increase attention and focus - this would address their worries and thus reduce the anxiety, not increase it.

the medication has been life changing. For both kids.
yes there are side effects which others here mention. But when we weigh up the pros and cons we come out very much in favour of the medication. And the dr has suggestions for dealing with the difficulties (like rebound mania between 4pm and 7pm when the extended release meds wear off - take a small dose of the instant acting meds to smooth out the come down)

meds are best provided alongside adjustments at school - movement breaks, standing desk, sat in the right place, toilet buddy, more 1:1 time etc

executive function coaching (at school in a small group of 3) has been super helpful for my older child.

best of luck.

Do you mind me asking about the executive function coaching? It would be useful for my DC.

How old is the DC that gets it and what does it involve? Is this in the UK?

strongermummy · 13/11/2025 02:33

Gair · 13/11/2025 00:56

Do you mind me asking about the executive function coaching? It would be useful for my DC.

How old is the DC that gets it and what does it involve? Is this in the UK?

Show quote history

Hi, yes this in the UK and it was put in place by the SENco at their small private secondary school.

they have a group class every week for 3 kids who between them have diagnoses of ADHD, ASD & Dyslexia. Group coaching is considered a fantastic tool for improving executive function skills at this age. Less stressful than 1:1; they learn from each other and feel less alone when they see other pupils like themselves

i had executive function coaching via my employer with an outsourced provider like Genius Within or Lexxic.

it was very powerful so I asked the SENco if offered something similar and she said she had and she could.

the objective of the Coaching is to give each individual the opportunity to:
 Recognise their unique talents and what they can bring to a class, or a team or even to they own figures
 Discuss and reflect upon challenges they are experiencing .
 Learn practical tips and techniques to help improve skills.
 Practice activities and build habits to embed those skills.
 Receive dedicated support in real time individually tailored to their needs.

BertieBotts · 13/11/2025 10:11

Seth Perler is helpful for executive functioning stuff generally. He has a huge amount of resources on his website/youtube.

Probably individual coaching would be better but it's a good starting point.

BertieBotts · 13/11/2025 10:13

so worried about forgetting something or blurting out the answer and generally trying to keep themselves under control that this was the cause of the anxiety. Therefore if we medicate - to deal with the impulsiveness, reduce hyperactivity and increase attention and focus - this would address their worries and thus reduce the anxiety, not increase it.

This was my exact experience as an adult with ADHD. My anxiety is a symptom of how bad my executive dysfunction is. With medication it's not so bad (it's not perfect but better) so I am much less anxious.

In a way it's almost like the anxiety was a rational response to my all over the place ness.

Hollowvoice · 13/11/2025 10:18

hiintrepidheroes · 12/11/2025 21:55

Waiting for @Cinnamon77 to come back with proof regarding their ridiculous comment.

Don't hold your breath...

jeaux90 · 13/11/2025 11:56

I have DD16 AuDHD and we have used medication on school days only for several years. I think the benefits of that are clear but also she likes the days or sometimes weeks of school holidays when she is not on medication. Her meltdowns have got a lot better as she has matured.

Gair · 13/11/2025 23:26

strongermummy · 13/11/2025 02:33

Hi, yes this in the UK and it was put in place by the SENco at their small private secondary school.

they have a group class every week for 3 kids who between them have diagnoses of ADHD, ASD & Dyslexia. Group coaching is considered a fantastic tool for improving executive function skills at this age. Less stressful than 1:1; they learn from each other and feel less alone when they see other pupils like themselves

i had executive function coaching via my employer with an outsourced provider like Genius Within or Lexxic.

it was very powerful so I asked the SENco if offered something similar and she said she had and she could.

the objective of the Coaching is to give each individual the opportunity to:
 Recognise their unique talents and what they can bring to a class, or a team or even to they own figures
 Discuss and reflect upon challenges they are experiencing .
 Learn practical tips and techniques to help improve skills.
 Practice activities and build habits to embed those skills.
 Receive dedicated support in real time individually tailored to their needs.

Show quote history

That sounds great! DC is in mainstream state secondary - no good alternatives available here -, but I will see what I can do. They have quite good SEND/ALN support (for our area that is), so might be open to it. Alternatively, maybe I can get DC onto a coaching group online (we are pretty rural).

Thanks for that!

strongermummy · 14/11/2025 17:41

Gair · 13/11/2025 23:26

That sounds great! DC is in mainstream state secondary - no good alternatives available here -, but I will see what I can do. They have quite good SEND/ALN support (for our area that is), so might be open to it. Alternatively, maybe I can get DC onto a coaching group online (we are pretty rural).

Thanks for that!

Show quote history

You are welcome.
def worth speaking to your local SENco and asking them if it is something they could run next term and in the run up to end of year assessments. For example it could help kids plan their revision and learn to mind map

i found EF coaching so powerful. In so many ways. For example…. They taught me how to write notes - as in notes in a meeting or when studying . I’ve done several degrees / diplomas and professional exams. I had no idea. I wish I had known before my Alevels!!!!!