ADD and medication - did it help your DC to learn better?

[KisstheTeapot14]

Our DS is 11 and has had a diagnosis for a few years. It's manageable at home, other than wearing patience somewhat having to repeat instructions (auditory processing probably in play here - it just doesn't sink in). We have advice from ed psych on behavioral strategies.

Paediatrician seems very keen to try ritalin but we think side effects could outweigh gains.

At what point did you decide that your child would benefit from meds? What were the factors in your decision and did it have the desired effect and help the child in their daily/school life?

Bumping for you

Hi OP

I have 2 older teens who both started medication at 15 and massively benefited from taking meds

DD takes it 7 days a week and would be dead in the water without it, DS takes it Week days as it really affects his appetite so likes to eat at the weekends

My ds has adhd,

However he started meds end of year 4. He went from develoing to exceeding in maths in half a term, i straight away noticed he seemed happier more able to be in the here and now. If you ask.him he gets in less trouble medicated.

My 9 year old son has ADHD - he wouldn't get anywhere without meds! As soon as he tried it we felt we were discovering the real him. I understand you are concerned re side effects but why not at least try medication? If you feel the side effects outweigh the benefits you can try different medication, different doses - or even stopping medication. Nothing to lose there.

A large part of ADHD (as you will no doubt be aware) is a less than optimal availability of certain neurotransmitters. The medication affects this directly. And you see it!