Drugs to improve concentration?

[allytjd]

DS2 is a bright wee boy, who is now fairly relaxed at school (most of the time) but he underperforms academically, mainly because his concentration is so poor. He has trouble getting started on tasks and staying on task. I never would have considered medication in the past but I realise that i don't know much about them, i know a bit about ritalin but not newer ones that might benefit children with AS like DS2. has anyone found them beneficial or had problems, i like to know asout stuff before i discuss them with the docs etc.

Will watch this as DS1 (ASD) is similar. He can do well when on task but his concentration is poor and he flits about from one task to another without stopping at times.

I use natural supplements to help my ds dx ADHD. I use Omega 3,6, and 9 (EyeQ or Eskimo Kids). Have also dramatically altered diet to eliminate colours, preservatives and colours. I don't know if these changes will help with AS.

I support a child with dyspraxia and aspergers.. he has poor concentration and is under acheiving, he has recently started taking ritalin and the difference is amazing... he now concentrates much better and can stay on task... have to go to take son to rugby but will be back later...

Me too.

DS2 (asd) will be assessed for ADHD probably within the next 8 weeks (?)although Ed Psych has already told us he has ADHD; however, still the dilemma about medication also.

Have heard from a few people though that it has made a real difference.

allytjd does your child have a statement?
what year is he in? have the school come up with any stratagies to help him concentrate more?

DS is in primary four, he is on a stage 3 intervention. School has had a lot of advice from the ED phsych and he is generally happy at school, his sensory stuff has diminished a lot and school let him get up and go for a walk and sit him near quiet children etc.. He is also in a class of only 17 this year. Basically everthing, including social stuff is improving apart from his concentration. Even at home doing homework one on one with me his attention can wander halfway through writing a word!

concentration

unless the child has a lower then usual iq the flitting from task to task isnt likly due to concentration but because hes bored.
to keep a aspergers attention the task needs to be mentally intriguing but not overwhelming

i disagree with drug use on children mainly because for 15 years i was on an assortment of pills to help me concentrate, none worked, i never did homework, or idid it in class had to hold onto it and lost it.
but maintained a keen focus in science and maths english i only enjoyed the reading.

it may make a difference, but i doubt your child will like what else it does to there mind.
for me ritlen was like having my thoughts mired in mollassas slow unbranching and alien,
dropping additives and e numbers may make some improvment but it wont be drastic.
drugs work, but there not fun to be on.

That's interesting wraith - I'm not seriously considering this option but just wondered what the thinking was. Our new speech therapist has got DS1 working on tasks for up to an hour [shock:is this really happening? emoticon] and she also thinks he needs more of a challenge (at his level) to keep him interested.

Its true that DS2 can concentrate really quite well on things that he is interested in, the only thing that worries me is that the interests he has expressed a desire to pursue in the future would all depend on him getting into university. I'm not a pushy mother, I don't care about my kids going to uni but i do care if they want to but can't IYKWIM. I don't want to rule anything out although I hope we don't end up with him on meds.
I am not too fussy about eliminating additives as the kids eat a pretty healthy diet with things like fizzy drinks as a special treat when we are out. TBH, I have never noticed them having much of an effect on my lot.