ADHD / ADD Support Group
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are more common than you might think. It is a syndrome that exhibits symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, mood shifts, poor impulse control, and distractibility. Join others who suffer from these conditions and share your experiences.
Hello all :) This is my 1st time posting in this forum, even though I've been on Daily Strength for the last year or so.
I have wondered for the last few years if my son might have ADD. I don't know if it is thought to run in families, but 2 of my brothers have it. Anyhwo, kindergarten started and it has been one downhill slide...lol My son and his teacher aren't that crazy about each other and the 1st half of the year was filled with notes and calls from the school. At the last parent teacher conference, his teacher felt that he may have to be held back. He does more for me when we work together, than he will for her. He can do more than he lets on, but at school --just won't. Even homework can be a pain...lol
We've been doing family counseling once a month and he does group at school once a week. They work on learning skills to help cope, etc. Our counselor suggested trying Attend since I am a little leary of meds. I am leary because back when my bros were on meds --they were zombies. Of course, I've heard that ADD meds have come a long way since then. I have heard some good things about different meds.
I decided to try Attend since it would be a while before we would make it to a doctor appt. My son's been taking it for 3 weeks now and even though it says it often takes up to 2 months for results, my mom and I have seen a difference in him. He listens better and seems in a better mood most of the time. For the last week, he hasn't brought any homework home where as he used to almost every day. He has been getting more smiley faces than sad on his work and this weeks spelling test had no X's! I was excited about that because up to last weeks test, he was missing almost every spelling and sight word.
So, we saw the doc yesterday and he seemed well meaning enough. However, he says that Attend doesn't really work and if we are seeing change it's just coincidental(sp?). He definitely isn't a natural remedy person. He gave us a prescription for Focalin. I've read som e good reviews for Focalin. Now, I'm not sure if I should continue with Attend and give it a chance or start the Focalin. He didn't really ask what I wanted to do and I felt kinda like he's the kind of doc that might get an attitude if I say no. However, of course I want to do what best for my son.
I have had success with natural remedies over expensive meds, so I know they can work. I also know a lot of docs don't believe in them. So, I'd just like advice from other parents who have experienced the same. Thanks guys :)
I have wondered for the last few years if my son might have ADD. I don't know if it is thought to run in families, but 2 of my brothers have it. Anyhwo, kindergarten started and it has been one downhill slide...lol My son and his teacher aren't that crazy about each other and the 1st half of the year was filled with notes and calls from the school. At the last parent teacher conference, his teacher felt that he may have to be held back. He does more for me when we work together, than he will for her. He can do more than he lets on, but at school --just won't. Even homework can be a pain...lol
We've been doing family counseling once a month and he does group at school once a week. They work on learning skills to help cope, etc. Our counselor suggested trying Attend since I am a little leary of meds. I am leary because back when my bros were on meds --they were zombies. Of course, I've heard that ADD meds have come a long way since then. I have heard some good things about different meds.
I decided to try Attend since it would be a while before we would make it to a doctor appt. My son's been taking it for 3 weeks now and even though it says it often takes up to 2 months for results, my mom and I have seen a difference in him. He listens better and seems in a better mood most of the time. For the last week, he hasn't brought any homework home where as he used to almost every day. He has been getting more smiley faces than sad on his work and this weeks spelling test had no X's! I was excited about that because up to last weeks test, he was missing almost every spelling and sight word.
So, we saw the doc yesterday and he seemed well meaning enough. However, he says that Attend doesn't really work and if we are seeing change it's just coincidental(sp?). He definitely isn't a natural remedy person. He gave us a prescription for Focalin. I've read som e good reviews for Focalin. Now, I'm not sure if I should continue with Attend and give it a chance or start the Focalin. He didn't really ask what I wanted to do and I felt kinda like he's the kind of doc that might get an attitude if I say no. However, of course I want to do what best for my son.
I have had success with natural remedies over expensive meds, so I know they can work. I also know a lot of docs don't believe in them. So, I'd just like advice from other parents who have experienced the same. Thanks guys :)
No, my son hasn't been on stimulants before. He was just diagnosed with ADD a couple of months back. I am divorced, but it doesn't help that his father is very against meds and so is my mother...lol
Sometimes, it's hard to keep my sanity. I have to deal with my son, the school, and my family. Since Christmas break, things have been a lot more calm. Sometimes, I wish someone was on my side. My mom is probably the person that gets me the most upset. If I don't deal with my son the way she thinks is right, then I'm a bad parent...lol Anywho, enough about that :)
I'm glad to hear your relatives are so successful! My son is smart and very able to do the work --and I know it. I'm hoping that this will help him.
Thanks for your advice deknee :)
The only natural solution I've heard of with any promise are the Omega vitamins, but even then, they're not a cure-all and tend to be used in conjunction with medication and only for focus.
Personally, I would go with the Focalin and start real treatment. Focalin is regulated, so you know exactly what you're putting in your child's body. Stimulants have a fantastic track record in treating ADHD. I know in our experience, they've done wonders for our son. These meds are started off at low levels and worked up as needed, so you simply won't see "zombie" activity levels anymore.
Best of luck!