ADHD son bombed his mock GCSE’s

[mightyducks]

As the title says really, my son was doing okay at school since starting his meds about 18 months ago, but earlier this year said he didn’t want to take them anymore as he didn’t like the way they made him feel. We obviously couldn’t force him as a 16 year old, we explained what that would mean,and he stopped. Awful timing as he was revising for his mock exams . He basically then did no revision and yesterday we got his results and they were terrible, gone from 6’s and 7’s with a few 5’s to two 5’s and then 2’s and 3’s . We were a bit shell shocked and now not sure where to go from here , we have strongly suggested he starts taking his meds and he’s said he’ll think about it

Does DS have access arrangements in place?

If DS found the side effects of the previous medication too much, what about trying a different medication?

Would DS be amenable to you helping with revision?

Hi yes he has access arrangements, we have spoken to him about trying another type of meds and he seems amenable- just so frustrated this has happen- but also shows the difference the meds were making- literally the different between him passing and failing his GCSES!

It is only 4 months. Would he take them just until end of exams?

Two separate issues here. First is the risk of him failing his GCSEs. What does he want to do next? What does he need for that? Is there a plan B if he doesn’t get the grades needed?
Second is the medication. Are there alternatives? Can side effects be managed? Ultimately ADHD is your sons disability to manage so if he won’t take medication he needs to explore different coping strategies, but he does need to understand the impact of not taking the meds.

He wants to stay on to go to sixth form so needs 6’s in those subjects - we have made it clear the consequences of not he the right grades - he has said he will start his meds again

Has DS looked at any other courses? He needs a plan B (and preferably at least a plan C).

@mightyducks How did your son get on??? I just saw your thread again (I'd watched it) and wondered how it all worked out? Hope he had good results and a plan for September 😃

Hi my son did really well in the end in is exams thank you , he went straight back on his medication and he just got his head down with revisioning , he passed them all in the end and got the grades he needed for 6th form

@mightyducks that is fantastic news! So great to hear some positive news on here. Hope he really enjoys 6th form. 😃