ADHD Medication

[Hepte]

Sorry in advance, this is a long post.
My DS aged 6 and in Y2 was diagnosed with ADHD about a year ago. At the time he had a very old school teacher who on an almost daily basis would complain to me that he was unruly and unteachable. After my own research I felt he suffered with a sensory processing disorder but the doctors didn't agree (it's not something they really diagnose on it's own apparently) Anyway, at the time DH and i were very clear that we didn't want him to be medicated as we didn't want his personality to change. He is the most confident, outgoing and friendly child you will ever meet.

The problem is he's very tactile and struggles to respect people's personal space as the kids are getting older this is starting to become an issue, he also lashes out at the other children sometimes when he gets cross (not all the time and he's never really hurt anyone but obviously this has got to stop) this is starting to affect his relationships at school.

His teacher this year has been absolutely amazing but you see even him getting fed up with his inability to concentrate and focus at times. Next year he will get the same teacher he had last year as they moved everyone about and I don't know what to do. It's starting to put a strain on our marriage as we manage his behaviour differently.

I've tried to discuss medication with my husband and he just shuts me down. I want DS to be able to build lasting relationships and do well at school because he very bright but I don't know what more we can do.
Does anyone have any experience of ADHD medication and how it affected their child or advice on how to help school manage his behaviour?

Hello,
Your son sounds very similar to my own actually - although he's only just six. We got a private ADHD diagnosis in January after a really rough spell at a new school - his sensory processing needs WERE recognised, but the private doc we saw felt that he does have ADHD.

We started trialling a very low dose of meds back in January. I was the same as you - terrified that it would change him. Feeling so guilty about medicating him so young etc. However, it has REALLY helped him.

We finally saw the NHS docs a few weeks ago and she challenged him being on meds due to age. I told her I'd be really concerned but was actually his NHS occupational therapist and his play therapist who reassured me that they feel it's good for him (they had both recently seem him on it and not on it). The paediatrician immediately back down and said to carry on...and even give it to him at weekends if it helps!!

Interestingly, this paed said that she wants DS screened for ASD, so we're now waiting for that assessment. However, he's continuing to take the meds on school says and at weekends if we're going to a kid's party or similar where I know he can get overstimulated.

For my son it really doesn't change his personality; he's still funny, outgoing and confident. What it does do is allow him to be more 'present'. His play therapist described it as him being "able to attend". When he's not on meds it can be nigh on impossible to get him to listen or follow any instructions, which can be hugely frustrating. The meds are NOT a magic bullet and I'd really recommend a good play therapist. We've also done a lot of work with DS to help him better articulate when he's feeling crowded/frustrated/cross etc...in a way that isn't lashing out!

Also re: school, you need to make sure that they are putting in strategies like regular movement breaks. Lots of schools can see the meds as a way to make kids 'conform' whereas it needs to be seen as one thing alongside other measures to support your son.

Hope that helps x

Hope you don't mind me messaging here.

I have a daughter (6) who has been having extra sessions with SENCO staff since she started in reception. These vary but are usually weekly swimming and things like lego therapy. The school have been great but she still struggles to focus and concentrate so is falling behind.

She is being monitored by an ADHD specialist at school so I can take a letter to her NHS GP for a referral.

As she has been having alternative therapy for nearly two years, do you know how long we will have to wait? I used to be anti medicating but after reading how much it helps I would really like to at least try. I'm just worried that it's holding her back from learning as she just can't focus on any activity and is always on the go. She matches nearly every symptom on the NHS website.

Thanks!