My son (ASD and ADHD) is almost 13 and has no outward signs of puberty. I know he's still a good year and a half or so away from this being regarded as an issue, but his younger brother (age 10) is well and truly in puberty with lots of signs, and this devastates my older boy who is really really distressed about still - in his words - having 'the penis of a 5 year old'.
I believe their dad was on the older side, he says 13-14; I was 11-12, so in itself I am not overly concerned other than for the impact on my son's wellbeing because of his younger brother being almost triumphant about his development.
I hadn't realised till now that there could be a connection with his meds- he's been on Medikinet XL 20mg for almost three years with no breaks. I have recently come across some studies that suggest it could be affecting his growth/puberty. He's not short - currently 75th centile - but this has dropped from over 90th when he was first starting meds. He's also not underweight - the opposite, despite the meds affecting his appetite during the day and him eating barely anything till late afternoon/evening - but he's lost about 5kg since he was weighed last at the Dr in January (from 55 to 50kg; he's about 5ft 2)
I was wondering if anyone else's child had experienced delayed puberty and was on ADHD meds? I am NOT saying he is in delayed puberty right now at almost 13 - I know he's got a few years left before this is considered - but I AM wondering if this might be an issue for the future, and perhaps he should take a meds break. The meds have benefitted him tremendously in terms of how he copes with school (mainstream with an ehcp, and doing very well academically after struggling badly in primary) and in terms of his impusive behaviour in the home, so I'd be reluctant for him to be off them fully.