Tomorrow my 7 year old second grader who is LD as well as ADHD is seeing the dr. for his 3 month ritilan check-up. She is a developmental pediatrician I found on my own who is part of our HMO but not nearby. Anyway, my son only takes his meds in school - does not want to take it weekends etc. We rarely see him when he’s on the meds, but school says he’s very attentive with it. He’s getting more and more difficult to control at home - wilder, more whiny (didn’t think it was possible!). His appetite is nil. Last visit, the dr didn’t talk to him other than saying hello, and making pleasant comments as she did her quick exam. Should he be seeing a psychiatrist? I keep talking about us going to family therapy (he’s a twin) and have gotten some names, but haven’t done it yet. Should I have her speak to my son, asking him, alone, if he has questions or concerns? Aside from the eating, what specifically should I be asking the dr. He’s been on ritilan since Oct. Also, what kind of behavioral intervention should I be seeking? Thanks.
Re: What to ask the doctor
I agree with you . My 7yr old son is also on Adderall Xr full time and it is true that they are learning all the time. He is also ADD/Inattentive, and has been so aware of what is happening around him all the time now. He is asking questions and staying to listen to the answers. He is less frustrated when he tries to play on the computer. He is even getting good at riding his bike, he was clumsy before. He amazed us but putting on roller blades and taking off immediately with no help. He used to get frustrated doing things because he just couldn’t focus enough to complete it. Now it is totally different. He has no side effects except falling asleep. It seems he timing is from 11pm to 8am. If I give him his meds earlier, he would now fall asleep earlier but also wake up earlier. It seems 9 hours is all he needs.
I feel I shouldn’t take him off meds because he is to readjust to the meds again and it is like taking off his glasses. He cannot “see” without it. It is very confusing and frustrating for him if one day he is able to think clearly and the next day he is not.
Re: What to ask the doctor
Thank you bothfor your replies. The dr. gave me enough meds for my son to take 2 extra tablets after school. To the dr he said he would try it. A soon as we left he said no. I realize good behavioral intervention is necessary. He’s not saying why he refuses outside of school.
I think hes a little young to express his concerns alone but, if you feel hes verbal enough, go for it! My own kids are pretty shy.
My 11 yr old has been on meds now for a year and a half. We only did school days and ignored weekends, summers and holidays. My son is ADDinattentive and behavior is NOT an issue so I thought it was silly to keep him on meds at home; I also hoped he might eat more during those times
Well, the eating did not improve off meds so that was a worthless excuse. And I decided to put him on the Adderall full time because, as the dr pointed out, “we learn all the time.”
I have noticed a big change in his awareness of the world and even his vocab. Hes noticing more of life rather than being off in his own world. I regret I didnt do it sooner
The other benefit-and the one I think may apply to you-is that he no longer has sleep issues. I think he was having to readjust to the meds every monday(even more so with extended weekends)Once we went fulltime, he didnt have those couple days/week where he had trouble sleeping
I would ask her opinion on fulltime vs parttime. It may not be backed medically, but I feel fulltime smooths out the highs and lows(whatever they may be for each kid-yours sounds like behavior stuff)