My 8yo son is in third grade. He had a full psychneuroed eval last September. Dx : Inattentivness & “minimal brain dysfunction NOS. He was anoxic at birth and has needed ST and OT(for 5 months at age 3 1/2to increase use of R side of body and organizational /control issues). He struggles with focus and it is hard to pick apart how much of his academic problems are related to focus. He tested within hi and lo avg. for all areas. We have tried behav. mod.,classroom accom. and 6 to 1 ratio in math and all lang arts. We used brain gym with some success. With all the options available(PACE,IM,Audiblox,etc.), where do I go from here? We could spend years trying things while he continues to struggle. Any help is appreciated.
Re: Where do I go from here?
Hi Kathy, Your situation sounds , at least on the surface, similar to mine . My son, 8 in 3rd grade, was evaluated last year. No real dx, although extreme variablility, and discrepancy between performance and potential. Inattentive, and yet not dx as ADD. Also did some OT/ST around age 4 for mild motor planning issues. He also is dyslexic we think. But its super hard to know where the reading problems begin and end, and the anxiety and inattentiveness begin and end.
We did do IM this summer , with somewhat disappointing results. I do see some improvement in focus at home, but its a problem at school. (although he may be better, the expectations for 3rd grade are different now too…)
We just, yesterday, handed out the conner’s questionaires to the teachers, and expect to meet with our psychiatrist next week to discuss meds. I think its a real border line case, and yet, he struggles as school. Perhaps you should consult with a good psychiatrist on this topic.
I have found that one person hasn’t been able to give us good direction, that we have to take a multidisciplinary approach, and then use our own judgement. Right now I’m focusing on the reading, but would probably go back to OT if he had time - work on the fine motor , and self regulation issues that way.
Re: Where do I go from here?
Thank you both for your input. Ritalin was suggested if his focus continued to be an issue(fron eval team &primary dr.). I know that opinion and studies are split on the issue of these types of meds for tx. I have had input from parents whose children are taking meds. I do not feel comfortable giving him the meds. I have come to this conclusion after thinking about this for over a year. I am a nurse so I agree with traditional medicine but I have also had success with nontraditional medicine (for myself & son). My gut tells me to try other ways. I know all parents with kids with LD have used that gut instinct at one time or another. So I have to admit that I am not sure where to go from here.
follow your gut
the meds will still be there if other attempts do not prove satisfactory.
It really is trial and error sometimes
Re: Where do I go from here?
I agree with Marycas. The meds will always be there. Exhaust all other areas and then make the decision. BTW, meds are not a life sentence.
Besides the diagnosis, did the drs. give any suggestions for treatment? If not, why not? Minimal brain dysfunction is what ADHD used to be called. The most effective treatment for inattentiveness/ADHD is stimulant medication e.g. Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall. Have the drs. suggested meds? What are your feelings on trying medication?