Medication for ADHD

[Mum2babelle]

Hello
Our DD has just turned 7 (year 2) and was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at age 5.

She has a 1:1 TP at school and they are getting a private EP in November to do a full report and then are applying for an EHCP.

She's generally happy and well behaved though has moments of frustration (understandably). We've had great support from CAMHS. The focus has been on her wellbeing and she seems much less anxious and can communicate her needs well.

Educationally she's still far behind. The problem seems to be lack of attention / focus especially with reading and writing.

Is it time to consider medication?

Does anyone have any experience (good and bad) of different ADHD medications?

Thanks in advance.

First I want to say that it sounds like your DD is very well looked after at school. Most people aren't so lucky.

I have a child with ASD/ADHD, who started medication (methylphenidate) in year 2. It changed all our lives for the better and enabled him to access his education. He was academically behind. But he is above average in most things a few years later. He still doesn't like to talk at school and so his ability is not always recognised. But his attention and focus are so much improved.

@Estan

First I want to say that it sounds like your DD is very well looked after at school. Most people aren't so lucky.

I have a child with ASD/ADHD, who started medication (methylphenidate) in year 2. It changed all our lives for the better and enabled him to access his education. He was academically behind. But he is above average in most things a few years later. He still doesn't like to talk at school and so his ability is not always recognised. But his attention and focus are so much improved.

Thank you for the reply.

Yes I realise we are well supported. School, pead (private), camhs etc have all been brilliant. We are very lucky I recognise that this isn't the case for many children which saddens me.

That sounds very positive. Did your DC experience any side effects? Did the dose need changing? How did they monitor the side effects / results of the medication? Was it prescribed by a paediatrician or GP? Sorry for all of the questions.

I can tell there is some real intelligence on our DD we're just struggling to access it.

Watching this with interest as my son struggles but I know very little about medication for ADHD.

The only notable side effects are loss of appetite, which has resulted in weight loss. However he could afford to lose a few pounds when he started. So that was okay. There is a possibility of stunted growth. So he has his weight and blood pressure monitored every three months (or he did before COVID turned everyone's world upside down). The medicine is prescribed by our CAMHS psychiatrist, and then subsequent prescription issues come from our GP. But if I want to change the medicine / dose I have to go back to the psychiatrist.

Peter Hill is fantastic. Watch this video.

And this one.

Thank you so much. What a great link that doctor is awesome.

Anyone know about helpful practical strategies?

What do you mean by "practical strategies"?

Other ideas that might support everyone at home.