My 8yr old DS has just had an ADHD diagnosis (predominantly inattentive) also ASC. He's capable in many areas and communicates well but has always had high distraction levels and gives the impression of being all over the place, always moving about and needing repeated prompts for everyday tasks. Also frequent outbursts over minor things usually at home. About a month ago he started on Methylphenadate, Equasym xl, first 5mg then increased to 10mg. We immediately noticed he was more cooperative and reasonable over things, definitely calmer and the intense outbursts have largely stopped. However school are saying he's very spaced out and needing more 1:1 interventions now than he did before, even on the 5mg which is the lowest dose. Even though it's still early days and know finding the right med can take time I'm feeling really despondent as was pinning a lot of hope on methylphenadate working as the behaviours prior to the meds were causing tremendous strain on us as a family. We'd tried many strategies prior to thinking meds were now our only option. I've tried to research about this "spaced out" feeling but the only thing I can find is that it usually means the dose is too high.
Wonder has anyone else experienced anything similar with their children on meds ie. where they're calmer and easier to manage yet spaced out at school?
It's also making me wonder if the diagnosis is even right and perhaps his distraction levels/ movement were due to autism. However if he only has autism (and not ADHD) would the meds have worked to calm him down like they've done? Speaking to our prescribing doctor soon but just thought I would put it out there too.