Adhd Meds or not at the parks

[bell.of.the.ball]

My ds 15 was just diagnosed weith ADHD in Feb. After many months I think we finally have a med that helps him. The only problem is it effects his eating times. He is not hungry most of the time untill late at night. He can be cranky when he does not eat as you can imagine. I do not med him at home on the weekends (he is in summer school so he takes it during the week) so he can eat more normally.

We are heading down in a month with a large gathering during free dining and cant decide what to do. He has requested not to take his meds as he wants to enjoys all the delicious meals and snacks on free dining. But i know the meds might help him cope with the situation better.

Any advice?

 

[SueM in MN]

At 15, I might let him decide if he is perceptive about his behavior.
One thing that might make a difference is whether he has been to WDW before. If he has, even though it is stimulating, at least he would have more idea of what that means to him.
Another thing would be who your big group includes and how he/they interact. If they tend to calm him down that's a lot different situation than if the group winds him up.

We went to WDW with my nephew who has ADHD and was 13 at the time. One morning he did not take his medication and we could all tell from his behavior. He could also tell too and could feel that he was very out of control. He realized that the medication would help him cope better and he didn't miss any other days.
We also had a large group (14 people) and found he did better if he was in a smaller group. Being in the whole group of 14 people, he was kind of bouncing off the walls.
We also found that he had a much easier time waiting for things he liked and wanted to go on. 45 minutes for a roller coaster was much easier than 10 minutes waiting for Country Bears.

You may want to look into TourGuide Mike or some other touring plan because those things can help you to be in the least crowded (and busy, stimulating) parks and areas. A lot of people have posted that using Tour Guide Mike, they never waited more than 10 minutes for anything.

 

[bookwormde]

It is probably a good opportunity to try it without. Often it is a matter of how much you want to accommodate for his neurovariations whether he will need them. It is probably a good change to work on his skills so at some point in the future they will be well enough developed that he can avoid long term dependence on the medication.

I also agree that he is old enough to honor his request to try it without, just help him with analyzing the issues that may come up so that he may learn how and when things get past where he is comfortable even with accommodations with his current skill level.

bookwormde

 

[Minnie]

My DS has ADHD and our 1st trip we tried the 1st day without meds.... never again. WDW is extremely simulating for him and meds make a large difference. We've returned to WDW several times since that 1st trip - and every trip he takes the meds.

We often don't eat full meals during our summer trps - too stinking hot to feel very hungry. We'll share meals or eat at off times. I would suggest having your DS try small portions at meals if you/he decides on the meds

 

[crzyeeyoreangel]

I'm 26 been diagnosed twice with adhd in my life, once as a kid and then at 19. I was 14 when I took my self off medication for the first time with mom and doctors consent then the last time after I got back from college. you should let him choose, I remember those days not wanting to eat. and disney has awesome food. what medication is he on?

 

[Selket]

TGM is great for touring the parks and not waiting - but you have to be willing to get up early to make it work.

My older son is ADD (not the hyper part exactly) - and he does not take his meds in the summer at all. Of course he wants to do everything all at once and right now - and would criss cross the parks constantly if I followed what he wanted. I have to often remind him of the plan for the day but he hangs in there pretty well. I am careful to avoid really long lines. He can get annoying at times but I guess at that age they are probably annoying sometimes anyway.

He really enjoys the dining plan and likes to eat so he definitely does not want the meds. He is 11 and I let him decide - I would definitely let an older kid decide but have them available if there is a chance he would want them.

 

[Leajess99]

What about seeing if maybe he could take a small dose of a different med if he needs it to help with control issues?? I have one with ADHD and one with ADD and my oldest with ADHD is taking 2 different meds (1 in morning and 1 in afternoon) to keep him on task. I would see if there is one like what my son takes in the afternoon that your son could take while on the trip so he can enjoy the trip while still having some control.

 

[Selket]

What about seeing if maybe he could take a small dose of a different med if he needs it to help with control issues?? I have one with ADHD and one with ADD and my oldest with ADHD is taking 2 different meds (1 in morning and 1 in afternoon) to keep him on task. I would see if there is one like what my son takes in the afternoon that your son could take while on the trip so he can enjoy the trip while still having some control.

That is a good idea. We have been given some shorter acting meds (supposedly like a 4 hour action). Something like that might work. If he prefers not to take them however, I would not force the issue as this is vacation and not school.

 

[hopefor4]

My DS 6 had ADHD, and had just started Concerta. We did not medicate on our last trip, as you we do not medicate except for times when he is not in school.

It is such a busy trip, having that extra energy was GREAT!!! He burned it off! There is so much to see and do, he always had something to focus on!

At 15 I would let him go without, take the meds, and if he feels he needs it you can give it to him.

Enjoy your trip!

Michelle

 

[toodycat]

I would encourage him to take them. There is so much stimulation at WDW. Also, if you go to Epcot and see some of the films in the World Showcase or to any attraction that has more of a "presentation" type feel such as Hall of Presidents, he will want to be able to focus.

 

[515_renae]

I would suggest talking to his doctor about taking only half of his daily dose. This may give him more of an appetite but still help him to handle all the stimulation.
Both of my sons have ADHD, ages 10 and 16. One takes Focalin XR the other takes Adderall XR. During the summer and on weekends they both do well on just half doses.

On our first trip 2 years ago they both took their full dose of meds. They couldn't of handled all of the stimulation and activity otherwise. We just ate most of our meals earlier in the morning and later in the evening with just snacks during the day.
When we go next month I hope to be able to do just half doses so they will eat more. but we will just have to see how they handle all the stimulation......