DS 5 just been diagnosed with ADHD

[chazbomb]

Had 2nd paediatrician app yesterday and she had told us what we we expected that dS has ADHD with possible Aspergers, he needs to see a child psych as well to get the Aspergers definitely diagnosed, we are not sure sure about this as we don't really see an Aspergers side to him, he is very sociable. Attention she said is on the severe side of the spectrum and the hyperactivity scored a little lower. The next appointment is to discuss medication.

I spoke to his teacher this morning she also agrees that his attention is really bad (they completed a questionnaire for the paediatrician) but said that she's not sure medication will help him as he's also very immature and perhaps that's just the way he is (ie isn't really going to be that great at school) which makes me feel like she's writing him off!

Was wanting to know what other people's experiences of medication have been I know the paediatric will go through all the possible side effects next time but nits always nice to get another mums point of view! In terms of how it's affected their personality has it helped with their school work? ds is behind with reading just doesn't seem interested or able to stay focused to read he just get really frustrated!

Thanks in advance, feeling a bit worried about it all, it's a relief to know that I'm not just a really bad parent and that there is a problem, but I'm also worried about other people reactions,(he is prone to outbursts/tantrums) many of which have happened at the school gates, I'm sure some parents think I'm a really bad parent and that he is just really naughty!

My ds2 has been on medication for ADHD since he was 7. It really has been the making of him, he has a great personality whilst on the meds. If he doesn't take them he can seem very immature, over emotional and very silly. He has come on academically as he should as he is able to concentrate on his school work. DS2 is now 12 and is determined to continue to take his meds everyday as he says it makes him be the him he wants to be! The only issue we have with it is that it does affect his appetite, although we just make sure he eats regularly as if he doesn't he will pig out once the meds wear off which can make him sick. We have all got used to this issue now and it isn't and issue, if you know what I mean!
As for the Aspergers, one of the things with the social side is the people with as can be very social in fact sometimes a bit too social. This can be the case with ASD too. This is why it is called a spectrum disorder as these things will range from one extreme to the other.
Don't ever worry about what other parents think, if they choose to think your boy is just a naughty child then that is their problem, you know different.

I should also say, I have seen quite a few children who have ADHD start meds only to realise there is some form of ASD or Aspergers as well. Sometimes the ADHD overpowers the other issue so that it isn't really seen. This might be the case with your ds.

Thanks for the replys. The Aspergers side just doesn't seem to be the main problem, it's more the concentration and outbursts/ being over emotional about really trivial things. We are thinking of starting meds to see how he goes then if we feel the need continue with Aspergers diagnosis if there is no improvement.
Aspergers side the the issues that we CAN link with it are, not being happy to be cuddled be grand parents (never has done) however perfectly fine with dh and I, some sensory issues loud noises that HE CAN'T control (hand driers) fine with ones he can, he loves singing to loud music in the car! He also hates wearing coats and long sleeve jumpers, we do have outbursts about wearing coats in the winter. How could a Aspergers diagnosis help him? we know what he like and doesnt like I'm not sure giving it a name will really help?

I can see how meds my help for the ADHD though as if it helps him to concentrate he will be able to access the curriculum more. At the moment he finds understanding instructions difficult (not sure if thats ADHD or Aspergers) so without adult supervision he struggles to a. Understand what it is he should be doing and b. Be able to stick to it to complete it.

Having a dx of Aspergers could help because, school would be able to access service specific to ASD in order to differentiate the curriculum to ensure they get the best from him. AS kids do sometime need to be taught in a slightly different way to others, not meaning they can not achieve just as well just that the teaching style may need adapting slightly. Also a dx would allow you to access services as a family in order to learn strategies on how to best support your ds with his sensory and any other issues he may have. The trouble with understanding instructions is more than likely a combination of both, kids with ADHD and AS struggle with this is similar ways. ADHD, AS, ASD and some other things all have over lapping traits with likes of behaviour and emotions, it is very common for kids who have a dx of one to end have a dx of something else.

Does the medication change a child's personality? Do some kids lose their 'spark' DS teacher told me this can be the issue with meds. Has anybody had or heard of they issues? Thanks!

Please remember to take what the teacher said (in your OP about the teacher saying she's not sure the meds will help him) with a grain of salt. Honestly, unless the teacher has a medical degree, she really has not got the level of experience that the paediatrician has to judge whether or not medication will help your child. And every child is different, so even the paed is not going to know fully whether or not your DC will get on well with meds - so the teacher is obviously not going to know.

Sorry, this is my pet peeve (as I'm sure others have noticed ). Teachers, sencos, TAs, headteachers... they are not medical professionals and do not have a say in the long run as to whether or not you give your child medication or whether or not it is best for them. They can only report back how he is doing before the meds and after the meds. The rest is between you, your child, and the paed.

And please, so you know, I'm NOT pushing for children to be medicated. We have the choice with DS2 and choose not to give him meds at this time. We were initially pressured by some school personnel, but we very quickly made it clear that it was not something that they had any say in - it's our decision.

I agree with triggles. Teacher are not doctors and tend to over exaggerate. Of all the children I have known with ADHD, I have only known of 1 case where the boy lost or changed his personality whilst on the meds, although he was the same with any meds even calpol so not really down to the type of meds.
I have said it before on here and will say it again. A lot of, if not all of the negativity around the meds given for ADHD is down to the media. What I will also say is that the meds will only have the correct effect if the person taking them actually has ADHD.
Ultimately though it is your decision to make.

My son (6) has been taking medication for ADHD now for 4 months and it hasnt changed his personality at all!!!

We still have the odd problem at school but nothing near to what it was like before the meds and his reading has improved dramatically.

Best thing you can do is research the meds you think would be suitable to your family (i.e. short or long release etc), discuss it with your other half and dont worry about what anyone else thinks!!

You will notice a difference pretty much right away and if it doesnt work you havent lost anything....

Star xx

I have come across children where it has changed their personality. I'm thinking in particular of one little boy where it completely flattened his 'spark' and was very sad to see. Parents agreed (well, I mean noticed themselves, and came and asked at school) and decided to stop the meds for him.
OTOH, I've seen some children for whom medication has been a life saver. It's enabled them to become calm enough to take on board behavioural and teaching strategies, and actually begin to access the curriculum.
The key is, getting the medication just right for each individual - and then it can change as they have growth spurts, etc.

Really hoping it will help with his school work as he really struggles. Thanks for the replies!

It's important to get the dosage right with meds for ADHD. Too often NHS psychs will start at a too-high dosage and that an cause sluggishness and what could be perceived as a change in personality. It's best to start on a low dose to begin with (usually 5mg methylphenidate) and only increase if there are no side-effects.

Medication is highly beneficial for most children with ADHD - if it works, it works very well indeed but if it doesn't then you've lost nothing as the dose will wear off in a few hours with no harm done. It's definitey worth a trial IMO. It's been life-changing for my ds.

My son started off at 10mg and is now on 20mg but I think we may need to look at slightly increasing it to possibly 25mg but this all depends on his weight I think as he isnt gaining any :((

The maximum is about 60mg I believe but I may be wrong, Im no expert.

It has definately improved my son's school work :) xx

Chazbomb my son was dx at 7. When I look back to him aged 5, schooling was a nightmare. He couldn't sit still, listen or pay attention long enough to get any task completed. His teacher said she was 'setting him up to fail;. My heart sank. Fast forward almost 4 years (now nearly 9) and he's a totally different boy (never been on meds). 5 is sooo young and the immaturity you see won't all be ADHD, it will also be just your little boy. He will mature over the next few years anyway, so don't think it's always going to be like this. My son progressed very little through infants, but now in year 4 is in the middle group for all his subjects which I thought he may never achieve. We have winged it really using supplements and exercise, but then again his diagnosis was purely ADHD/Dyslexia on the mild end, I don't have experience of Aspergers. Medication is a highly emotive and personal decision ... you'll know what the best thing is for your child as they are all so different. Good luck!

my sn has been diagnosed with adhd,at the age of four yr. his first week at school i found out he had been told off several times and put in isolation room,i was;nt aware they used it in children that young. his school report told me they were concidering exspelling him unless they got the help to suport them. now 6yrs fhes managing prritty well,yet still at a1 level, i send him to kip mcgrath for exra tuion witch has helped him loads, he also has social comunicaions disorder, so mixing in is hard,it afects his toileting and my main worry is being bullyed for it, as he now questions himself to why he dose it and no one else,. the pediatrition still says its behaviour related but when your own child questions himself we,then its time to over rule and go further at least ill no for sure,as iv tried everythink, i was told i was feeding him to healthy,iv tried rewards,and was also told that his meds would change his toilet habits to normal but still no.so now waiting for referal.

to chazbom; my sons senco also questioned me putting my son on meds, and at first things weere goinng well at school untill i noticed him being agressive to me and violent,so i and school,pedia took him off the dosege and gave him a rest,his teacher rang his doctor saying they carnt cope as they found he focussed more when on them.we then put him on a lower dose and has been great,although receently iv just uped his dose bk to wot he aridgenaly was on as hes gone threw a groth spert and today hes been an angel. its all trial and erra,good luck xxx