For parents of kids with ADD/ADHD...

[ChrisnSteph]

At what age was your child put on medication? Even though he is still very young, there is no doubt that our 4 year old son has adhd. He tested borderline when he was being evaluated by the school psychologist for speech delays. We've been going to counseling but the therapist seems to thinks it's RAD (reactive attachment disorder), which she says can present like ADHD. He's adopted, which is where the RAD diagnosisis comes from. Anyhow, he's a bundle of energy. He doesn't like sleep - it's like he runs on batteries non stop. He's constantly getting into trouble. If I tell him to not do something 50 times, each time getting punished, he'll do it a 51st time the minute I turn my back. He's destructive, and doesn't like structure. He won't sit still long enough to even watch t.v.. Please don't tell me this is normal 4 year old behavior - it's not. I have a three year old as well, and his behavior is nothing like Matt's. We have always been against medicating. We've read books, tested out different ways to discipline, time outs, redirecting - nothing works. We're ready to throw in the towel, but now his therapist is saying that they don't like to medicate kids that young, they like to wait until he's school age. WTH? Ok, let's wait until he's having problems in school before we try to fix it. My dh and I are so frustrated - and his therapist tells us not to "show" Matt we're frustrated, because that's what he wants and he'll feed off that. I want to drop Matt off with her for 24 hours and see what she has to say then! Any advice? I feel like if he isn't medicated soon, I will be! Matt's been through a lot - his bio mom took drugs when she was pregnant with him, he's been through foster homes, chemotherapy....we want him to be able to be able to be a normal kid, but he's so wild that I don't think he can't help but get in trouble, and it's taking a toll on our family.

 

[annie1995]

My oldest son was put on Meds at age 5. And for him, they have never worked. We have tried them all, but nothing seems to help. They keep him in his seat, but he is still very inattentive in school. He can't complete homework without someone sitting beside him to keep him on track. I am starting to wonder if he will ever respond to meds. Good luck, I totally feel your pain, I am tired of people also thinking that its the way you parent them. I don't buy that with a ADHD diagnosis, they cannot control the actions they have. Good luck

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I can't really help you with this issue, but did want to send to you and your DH. You've been through so much. Good luck figuring out the right thing for you and your son.

 

[Marseeya]

It was five with my son and they only gave him clonidine then and not the amphetamines. It helped some.

I think one of the things that was a concern was what it did to a kid's growth. After my son started taking Ritalin/Adderall/Concerta (not all at once ), he didn't grow hardly at all and he was as skinny as a skeleton. We eventually had to take him off so he'd grow!

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Did you guys go through a therapist or a pediatrician? I'm just wondering if I should bypass his therapist - who seems to think we need to be patient and try some regression therapy - or I can find a primary pediatrican who will really do something for him. His oncologist will only deal with his cancer treatment, but she has noticed his hyperactivity during his visits. I'm just so wore out at the end of the day with him, and it's very stressful.

 

[CharityLynn]

I belive my son was 4 and his pediatrician put him on the medication. We took him off for 2 years but just recently we have put him back on (Concerta) so far so good. I am with you with the stress and being worn out. Just watching him tires me out lol

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Did you guys go through a therapist or a pediatrician? I'm just wondering if I should bypass his therapist - who seems to think we need to be patient and try some regression therapy - or I can find a primary pediatrican who will really do something for him. His oncologist will only deal with his cancer treatment, but she has noticed his hyperactivity during his visits. I'm just so wore out at the end of the day with him, and it's very stressful.

I would only do it under the care of a pediatric neurologist.

 

[disneylizzy]

This has to be so difficult. I can't even imagine how tough it is for your family right now. DS started taking medication in 4th grade, but I didn't know about ADHD before that. I hope as your son gets older that things get easier. I would go thru your pediatrician for medication. If it doesn't work, you can always stop it and if it makes things better it could really help the whole family.

I resisted medication for DS, but then I thought about what it must be like for him to constantly be getting into trouble, it sounds silly, but I wondered what it was doing to his self esteem. Good luck.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I would only do it under the care of a pediatric neurologist.

Agree.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I know of a wonderful pediatric neurologist in CA, but I think she's in LA. She was my son's neurologist (my DD, too, for that matter), but she had a baby and moved to LA with her DH. I'm sure you can find someone a lot closer, though. We miss her--she was great!

 

[goofyforlife]

My DD has been on meds since 1st grade... No problem with growth at all...

In fact she's 12 now, about 5'7" and wears a womens 10 or 11 shoe....

 

[jbird327]

I have an older daughter who is currently on adderall (plus others) and a younger daughter who has fragile x (but is not on meds). I found that it was very difficult to get a physician who was had the knowledge to prescribe a drug or combinations of drugs to children. I ended up with a psychiatrist who specializes in children and was up on the current medications. With a special needs child, you need to be your own best advocate and find what you need to do to make things work for the entire family. A therapist may have their ideals, but they don't live in your home and deal with what you have to deal with everyday. I hated putting my child on meds but it was a disaster without them. She is doing much better - currently in college and doing well. She is thin and stays up until very late, but is a much better person. It was a little different with my youngest - the school wanted her on meds, but I refused. The school districts around here have an early intervention program that entitles the child to be in an appropriate school setting before kindergarden age, and provide the necessary support. Again, you have to advocate for yourself and request the services that you are entitled to.

 

[CherCrazy]

Wow, your son has cancer too? I'm so sorry to hear that. Is it possible that the cancer meds are somehow contributing to/ exacerbating his adhd?

I think you really do need a very educated specialist to help you in your quest. I have been through the rounds with a special needs child, and the problem is that every doctor has a different opinion, as I'm sure you have seen.

I would use caution however with the adhd meds. My cousin's son has experienced extreme growth delays because of the meds.

 

[Stacey2grls]

My DD 51/2 has ADHD. She has been on medication since she turned 5. Her neurologist put her Aderall XR to start, but this didn't work for her. She has been on Ritalin for 5 months and all is going good. She still needs alot of help with homework, but, the improvement is great. The only problem now is when it wears off around 3:00 the change in her very obvious. It is than very hard for her to attend. Her growth is fine, she is growing at the rate she was before she was on meds. I know this is a very hard choice, and at times get negative feedback from some people, but you have to do what you feel is best for your child. I fought the idea of putting my daughter on medication, but when I stopped to think how much harder it would be for her the choice was obvious, good luck to you and your family.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Wow, your son has cancer too? I'm so sorry to hear that. Is it possible that the cancer meds are somehow contributing to/ exacerbating his adhd? I would use caution however with the adhd meds. My cousin's son has experienced extreme growth delays because of the meds.

He has acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). He's in remission and doing well, and he'll be finished with his treatment next year!

His oncologist told us that behavior problems such as ADHD are very common in kids who have undergone long term chemotherapy at a young age. Combine that with the fact that he was drug exposed in utero, and his foster situation, he's like the poster child for precursors to ADHD. As far as his growth, it has already been stunted by the chemo. He's stocky, but short for his age. It's something I'll definitely bear in mind though. Thanks to all of you for the great advice!

 

[Mishetta]

My oldest (who is now 10) was put on meds when he was 5 y/o. I wish I could have started him sooner!

My youngest (turned 4 this week) is in desperate need of ADHD meds! We have an appt with a pediatric neurologist in 2.5 weeks. CAN'T WAIT!! Altho I don't know if they would start him on meds at age 4.

 

[simpilotswife]

DS has ADHD and was diagnosed when he was around 4. We did try Behavior Intervention and also dietary changes however nothing worked. He started taking Ritalin when he was 4 1/2.

I also disagree about only trusting a pediatric neurologist to treat ADHD. Psychiatrists are much more qualified to provide medication options to parents. They are much better versed as far as drug interactions and combinations than a neurologist.

Medicating your child is a difficult decision to make. When DD came along and was also diagnosed as ADHD I made sure to get earlier intervention and again tried a non-pharmacological approach.

Scientific testing has proven repeatedly that medication therapy (in combination with BM therapy and counseling) is the most effective method of therapy for an ADHD child and that definitely held true for my 2.

I would urge you to find a good pediatric psychiatrist in your area and have them evaluate your child. Given your child's cancer, someone with a substantial pharmacological background would be best. Perhaps speak to your child's oncologist to see if they have any recommendations.

 

[simpilotswife]

My oldest son was put on Meds at age 5. And for him, they have never worked. We have tried them all, but nothing seems to help. They keep him in his seat, but he is still very inattentive in school. He can't complete homework without someone sitting beside him to keep him on track. I am starting to wonder if he will ever respond to meds. Good luck, I totally feel your pain, I am tired of people also thinking that its the way you parent them. I don't buy that with a ADHD diagnosis, they cannot control the actions they have. Good luck

A couple of things.....

You are absolutely right, a diagnosis of ADHD should not be a license to let a child run amok. That is why behavior management therapy should go hand in hand with medication therapy. Medication helps a child to attend and focus so that they can learn to behave appropriately. A pill by itself should not be a replacement for active and responsible parenting.

Have you ever had your child tested for a Central Auditory Processing Disorder? Many times children with CAPD can appear to have ADHD when in fact they cannot process the information that they are hearing in school. Because they are having difficulties they tend to act up or out because they are lost and bored. Request an evaluation for this disorder in writing from your school district. Legally they are required to do the testing if you request it.

 

[gr8tpanther]

My daughter has been on meds since the age of 3, but she also has Bi-Polar and PDD. We have been in and out of psych hospitals and she is now in foster care for awhile, so she has alot more than just adhd. Now she is on 3 meds including one to induce sleep, as she doesn't sleep on her own.

 

[barkley]

my ds (now 8 1/2) was diagnosed and put on meds at 3. we did hearing, allergy and thyroid tests first to rule out other factors. he was on dextrostat for several years (but we also did the reccommended "medication vacations" during school breaks and the summer). he was completly off meds for the last year and a half but we recently started a partial dose each day to help with his concentration at school.

we have a pediatrician who does the meds. perscription based on a child psych. reccommendation.

we've been fortunate, our son has never demonstrated the violent or hostile behaviour many other children with this do.

we were initialy told it was impossible to diagnose or get med therapy (which we were initial very hesitant to try) at his initial age, but we refused to "wait until he starts having problems at school". i think by virtue of being able to address the situation and work with him from a very young age we've been able to recognize potential issues/problems for him and take appropriate steps.

behaviour managment and consistancy are a big factor with my son, we've been very fortunate to have him in a school setting where he's had the same teacher for k-3rd.