my 11 yr old is dx’d ADD inattentive. As I researched and filled out the checklists 2 yrs ago, I couldnt tell 100% if the 11 yr old was indeed ADD but, boy oh boy, my oldest must be. He was a textbook case!
He is a senior now and coping without meds or a diagnosis. I have made it clear I will get him help any time he needs it. He works 30 hours a week in addition to his high school classes(which include junior college courses) He thrives on ‘busy-ness’ and organization. This is hyper organization-compensating Im sure-he has to shower, remove contacts, etc at the same time in a certain order or he forgets so he is ritualistic about many things(he doesnt become anxious if his routine is broken BTW-he just forgets something crucial)
He has now asked to be evaluated for ADD because he is concerned about college. He has one high school class now where he says he is “gone” the entire time no matter how hard he tries to stay focused.
I am on college discussion boards these days and see “my ADHD son is flunking/dropping out of school/on probation” on a regular basis. None of these parents say whether these kids are on meds or not(Ive posted and asked) so I am wondering…..
do meds have the potential to help kids this age? Any BTDT examples?
they sure do..
My son was on Academic probabtion and has gotten off of it with the help of meds. He never took them before he is on Strattera and it has helped him control his impulsivity, he used to spend money like water…now he saves it…he is less distractible… and he is able to focus and he said, “he can stay attentive during some boring lectures.” He isn’t sure if it is the meds but he told me he doesn’t even want to not take them because he is doing so much better.
Re: anyone believe meds have helped older adolescent or adul
Yes, the ADHD meds work for some children and adults with ADHD; for others with ADHD, the ADHD meds fail. That’s just the real world.
On another bulletin board for adult add’ers I have read of some college students who are newly diagnosed who are finding success using medicine. I also have read some adults who are late diagnosed or who were diagnosed as kids but haven’t taken medicine in years finding life to be much better since starting medicine as adults. More focus, better follow through, able to keep up at work. Many had self medicated for many years.
Hope this helps.
Amy