I just wanted to share my son's progress and give some hope to others in his situation.

If you already know the background and just want to know how he's doing on the meds, skip down to the bold heading.

A little background for those who haven't read any of my posts:
When my just-turned-8yo 2nd grader was in kindergarten, his teacher called us a few times during the year asking our advice on how to get him to do his work. We would have a talk with him and everything would improve for a few weeks. Then, he'd slip again. His teacher ADORED him (all the women at the school love this child), and she thought he was gifted, but he didn't perform enough to be put into a GATE screening class for 1st grade; she did tell us to make sure he was tested with the other kids in the 2nd grade.

In the 1st grade, his teacher thought he was below average in abilities, even though he earned above-average grades. His teacher complained about DS not getting his work done and whining constantly. Of course, this incompetent teacher waited until January to tell us this was going on. As soon as I mentioned the problem in a message to the principal, the principal was in the classroom observing and talked to DS's kindergarten teacher. With about 2 hours of discussion and observation that day, the principal decided this kid was highly gifted and the teacher was wrong. (Apparently, there were 2 boys in this class with the same problem -- both my son and the other child tested intellectually gifted this year, much to the satisfaction of the principal and embarassment of the teacher!)

So, DS was placed in a GATE screening class this year with an amazing, well-trained, experienced teacher who doesn't take cr*p from ANYONE! The first day, the principal told me that a visit to the classroom got this response from the teacher, "Well, he may be gifted, but I can't tell because I can't get him to do anything!"

When I discussed this with DS, he had no idea what I was talking about. He said that he did everything the teacher asked. That same day, I received his SAT6 scores from the previous year in the mail. It was certainly confusing --- his reading scores were all above the 96th percentile; most were above the 99th. His math was weird. Math (understanding) was 90th, math calculation was 38th. So, overall he was 68th percentile in math.

Before a week had gone by, I got a call from the teacher. At first she tiptoed (I guess most parents respond defensively), but she listed a number of things that she'd noticed about him: he's awkward holding a pencil, doesn’t seem to know left from right, can’t seem to get started on his work, takes ENTIRELY too long to complete work, reverses letters and numbers much more than is age-appropriate, makes predictable mistakes (most answers are correct, but when they are incorrect it’s usually a switched sign or something like that), hates sports and won’t participate in team athletics. etc….. She suggested I request testing and confirmed when I said, “Do you think he has a learning disability? Like dyslexia maybe?”

So, we put him through the entire set of tests at the school and set up an IEP meeting. The school psychologist’s summary indicated that he primary problems appeared to be related to inattention. His academic scores were all above average to excellent, but his cognitive tests were inconsistent (reading comprehension 99.9th percentile, sentence memory 6th percentile!). DS was very receptive to testing and will do just about ANYTHING to improve his performance. He’s very unhappy with the time it takes him to do his work and the fun things he misses because he has to spend so much time on it. He’s thrilled that we could identify something in him that can be treated.


The school has been incredibly supportive. At the IEP meeting was the resource specialist, the school psychologist, me, the adaptive P.E. coach, the principal and the vice principal -- much more than was needed. The only one missing was his teacher, who had to be off campus that day. I would have been upset with any other teacher, but this one is so much on the ball that it didn't bother me at all.


Since he scored above average on the academic achievement tests on even his WORSE subject, he didn’t qualify for special ed services under anything but “other: medically disabled”. The teacher had already begun accommodations for him when he began testing, so we were not going to go the special-ed route. Then, it was decided that he would benefit from adaptive P.E., so we decided to go ahead with the services program.

After 3 weeks of adaptive P.E. (only 30 minutes/week), DS’s confidence increased SO much. He was proud of his accomplishments (getting all the way across the monkey bars, etc.) and started to “jump in” and participate during regular P.E. Before, he was afraid kids would laugh at him – they did.

So, after an unsuccessful search for a child psychiatrist, I decided that his pediatrician seemed to have enough experience to handle managing his meds. I was comfortable with his diagnosis, especially since I was diagnosed as well! Also, I figured I know enough (after research and what I already know about the brain) to deal with the other things like coming up with new ways to get through homework and such.

Here’s the update:


The doc wanted to start Ritalin, but was VERY flexible and we discussed Adderall as well as the pros and cons of XR and weekends off. We decided on Adderall XR with no weekends off unless, after settling on a final dosage, he started to lose weight (my kids are skinny as toothpicks).


DS started Adderall XR last Saturday. He started at 5mg and will move up to 10 in a few days. It took a couple of days to learn how to swallow pills, but he’s had no problems w/side effects besides a few headaches because he doesn’t drink enough water.

We have not tried schoolwork yet; we drove down to San Diego on Sunday and spent Monday – Wednesday at the Wild Animal Park and SeaWorld. But, in the car on the way down, I tried something. DS has had trouble memorizing and didn’t even know his phone number (something his smart**s 5yo brother knew at age 2). So, I asked him his phone number. Of course, he didn’t know. So I told his younger brother to tell him and made him repeat it. Before, he would have to repeat it in 2 parts; he couldn’t even keep it in mind long enough to repeat 7 digits! A few minutes later he still remembered it. So, for the last few days, he’s been blurting it out every couple of hours to show us he still knows it! He can even recite it late in the evening when the meds have worn off because he’s been able to memorize it now. We’ve started adding things and he’s gotten the area code and his birth year (finally got his birthday down a few months ago, but didn’t know what year) and he almost has his full address memorized!

He was so proud. He asked me if I thought his new medication might help him pass his timed math test. For those who may not know, they have to answer 100 math problems in 5 minutes. All but DS and 2 others in the class have passed it. DS hasn’t been able to answer 1/3rd of the problems yet. We don’t normally practice this at home; we’ve been concentrating on math facts and just get through a shorter version of his homework, but I promised him that we’d work on it during the break. He’s SO excited! He even remembers his pill when he sits down to breakfast.


So, success so far. I'll keep you updated on his progress (especially on this stressful timed math test).



So, overall, I’ve been very pleased and so has he. His confidence is up and he’s excited to get back to school and try out his “new abilities”.

Nice thread. I hope the medication works well for your son. So many similarities between my situation and yours. We also have a 5 yo girl who is in kindergarten. It frustrates the 7yo when the 5yo picks up on things quicker than she does.

What is the adaptive PE? Our daughter does not like to participate in PE very much either. Nor do team sports do not work very well for her. We have had some successes, but that is another topic for a long thread.

My daughter is very thin thin too. So, I worry about the effect that these medications would have on her weight. It is also nearly impossible to get her to drink much water. I will be looking forward to reading about updates of your sons experiences with the medications.

We do practice the math tests at home. There is a web site where you can make practice tests at home for free. I cant find it right now but I will get back to you with it if you are interested.

We also have a 5 yo girl who is in kindergarten. It frustrates the 7yo when the 5yo picks up on things quicker than she does.
Yeah, our little one is BRILLIANT (not that the 8yo isn't), and very academically successful. At our parent-teacher conference, the teacher basically said the kid's perfect.


What is the adaptive PE? Our daughter does not like to participate in PE very much either. Nor do team sports do not work very well for her.
It's like special ed, but PE. There's a coach that's specially-trained to assess and address specific physical weaknesses like coordination.


My daughter is very thin thin too. So, I worry about the effect that these medications would have on her weight. It is also nearly impossible to get her to drink much water.

Well, so far I've had to hound him to drink, but it doesn't seem to have affected his appetite (knock wood).


We do practice the math tests at home. There is a web site where you can make practice tests at home for free. I cant find it right now but I will get back to you with it if you are interested.
YES YES YES!! Thank you!

I was going to look for a book tonight. I'll try an online search also.

My 9-y-o has been on Adderall XR for 6 weeks now and it has made a huge difference around here. The Metadate just wasn't working for him, so we discussed it with his new doctor (a pediatric psychiatrist) and decided to try it. Adderall can have serious side effects so we get him checked pretty regular - our family does have a history of heart disease.

Unlike Metadate, we do not see any drops from the medicine wearing off. He seems so much more emotionally stable and better focused now.

I have a 17 yo son. Was diagnosed in 8th grade with ADD. tried Strattera, hated it, went off, then tried it again in 9th, hated it again. Haven't used anything. Taking him in tomorrow to a different doctor to see about trying something else. Will keep you posted. I believe he is very smart, but just doesn't always get things done or in and in high school, that really hurts.

I have a 17 yo son. Was diagnosed in 8th grade with ADD. tried Strattera, hated it, went off, then tried it again in 9th, hated it again. Haven't used anything. Taking him in tomorrow to a different doctor to see about trying something else. Will keep you posted. I believe he is very smart, but just doesn't always get things done or in and in high school, that really hurts.
I think you should not give up on drugs just because one does not work for you. It is good to try something different.

Sorry, I was slow to get back to you with the math web site. It is called www.mathfactcafe.com (http://www.mathfactcafe.com)

It has a page where you can make math worksheets. It takes a bit of tinkering to get it but I am able to make worksheets that look exactly like the school tests. You need to pick the "very small" font size, then pick 10 x 10 rows/cols, etc.

Thanks Mg!

When I was young my mother gave me a set of extracurricular homework of practicing handwriting. It was very boring and every time I did it I always looked out the window and just sat there spending more time daydreaming than doing the actual work. Could relate to your son with his math score.

When I was young my mother gave me a set of extracurricular homework of practicing handwriting..... Could relate to your son with his math score I.
Oh, he has trouble with writing, too!!!:)

Okay, normally DS will do ANYTHING to shorten or avoid a writing assignment.

Christmas Eve he suprised me by handing me a folded-over note addressed to Santa Claus. He asked me to leave it with the cookies. It was pretty long for him, asking Santa to leave him some information about the animals that live on the North Pole (luckily, books on polar bears and whales were among the others -- 3 about penguins and one on wolves -- that Santa was planning to leave). He even added a line asking Santa to say "Hi" to Rudolf!

Yesterday he tried doing some timed math and was still very slow. However, I raised his dose this morning, so I'm hoping that tomorrow he'll be ready to start getting down to business with it.

He's really become much more introspective when it comes to his own thought processes. This morning he told me that he didn't know if it would change with more medication, but he often loses track of what he's doing. He described going into a room to look for something and forgetting what it is he's looking for!

He's also a champ at swallowing the pills now and is great about asking for his meds at breakfast. He's excited to get back to school and show off to his teacher!

Raising the dose resulted in very minor tiredness, but no headaches if he keeps hydrated.

One thing is becoming a more serious problem. A few months ago, DS began to complain about car sickness once or twice a week. It slowly became more often. It's now about 75% of the time and worse in my car than DH's. Tonight he nearly threw up on a 2-mile trek to a restaurant. He hadn't eaten much in a few hours, and he was fine after dinner, but it's disturbing nevertheless.

Thanks for all your comments!

You sons experiences sound just like my childhood. I'm glad you are getting him some help. My 5 year old son has some ADD symptoms. But it has not caused problems in preschool, yet. So I've not have him diagnosed. Maybe I will later in 2006.

Okay, here's the update.

DS was having a little trouble getting to sleep (one night was really bad), but this seems to be more due to sleeping in than to meds. Now that we're getting him up earlier in preparation for school to re-start on Monday, he's been getting to sleep with shorter and shorter delays.

His math still suffers. He seems to have memorized a LOT more facts, but his speed on the "challenge" isn't getting much better. The most he can do in 5 minutes is 25. I'm beginning to think that the bigger problem here is writing. He has to write the answers. In addition, he'd do so much better if he could be kept on task.

He's been a bit weepy lately, which concerns me. I'm hoping it's just sleep deprivation (which will soon be in the past) and/or that increasing his dosage will help.

The last thing that bothers me is he's become more impatient. He used to be very patient, but now, on meds, he gets bored! This is somewhat consistent with my own Adderall experience, though. I feel a greatly increased cognitive functioning, but more "wandering" and impulsivity.

At first he was very excited about going back to school with his "new memory", but the last few days he seems to be dreading it. He misses his friends, but is taking a really negative attitude about everything else. He also seems to be angry with me asking him questions and making him do homework.

I'm not sure what to think of it all. I'm hoping that we'll settle on a dosage soon (I think he needs 25-30mg) and he starts to enjoy school again.

my ds has been taking 20mg of Adderall for a week now. Not really sure how it is helping in school yet, kind of waiting until the second semester starts. Next week he has finals on Thursday and Friday. Fresh start the following week. I can't decide yet if I should go talk to the Vice-Principal on setting up a 504, which I don't think my son wants. As for your son Barbyma, with his being weepy/angry, maybe he needs a higher dose. My sons doctore said that if I notice those things in my son before his next check up, to let him know and he would up the dose. So far, it hasn't happened. He did complain of dry mouth, and a headache last night, which are side affects with Adult type ADD, which is how he is treating my son since he is 17 1/2. I hope things work out for your son. As for the timed math tests, my son never was able to do well on that. I think with ADD, when they feel pressure, they get stressed. My son has always struggled with math, but this year, in Algebra II, he is actually holding B's. He has never done that. Barely held C's. This all because of his teacher. Not the meds.

As for your son Barbyma, with his being weepy/angry, maybe he needs a higher dose. My sons doctore said that if I notice those things in my son before his next check up, to let him know and he would up the dose.
I was thinking (hoping) that, too. I just bumped up his dose a few days ago and he's been less weepy, more grumpy. Today's been good.

Mine started at 5mg and has been moving up about every week. I've noticed that docs tend to start smaller and move up quickly with kids.

My doc started me at 15, then 20, now 25, for a month at a time. I think I'll end up somewhere between 30 and 40.


He did complain of dry mouth, and a headache last night, which are side affects with Adult type ADD, which is how he is treating my son since he is 17 1/2.
I noticed that both DS & I get headaches if we don't stay hydrated. It can happen with the slightest dehydration.


I think with ADD, when they feel pressure, they get stressed.
This might explain DS's behavior the last few days. I don't think he's really looking forward to going back to school. He used to love school, but not this year....

At any age it is sad when they don't like school or want to go but especially at such a young age. Went through that when my son was in 3rd grade. He had a horrible teacher. She just seemed to not be real positive with him, just always negative so he just didn't care. I am just hoping that this next semester goes so much better for him with trying Adderall XR.

My son's teacher is terrific and he really enjoys being at school, but I think he's so frustrated all the time that it's turned him off. I'm hoping the meds will turn this around soon.

The problem is, his most severe deficit is the time it takes him to do his work. So far, Adderall has only helped this a bit. Most of his improvements have been with working memory (which was a serious problem before, so I'm thrilled). But, his biggest frustration is never having time to play or engage in fun activities because he's always the last to finish his work.

DS has gotten to sleep on time the last 5 nights. Last week he brought home pages upon pages of writing. He likes to make "books", but they used to be mostly drawings. Now they are FULL of stories IN WRITING!!!:D

Since last week was his first at school w/meds and he had a DR appointment yesterday, I got the report from his teacher on Friday. She says "BIG improvement!"

Talking to DS, he is happy and satisfied. He says he is never frustrated at school anymore. The one thing we're worried out is his weight. He's always been scrawny -- he can't afford to lose any. Doctor suggested giving milkshakes w/dinner. He did this in front of my 5yo, too. Luckily, he doesn't have a lot of meat on his bones, either. So, I'll be switching them back to whole milk (I just switched to 2% a few months ago when my youngest turned 5!) and giving them milk shakes.

When I told DS that losing weight would mean we'd have to take him off his meds, he started cramming it in!

So far, Adderall has been a wonder-drug for both of us and the road to getting the dose adjusted has been only slightly bumpy.

Barbyma, that is great. My son just started his second semester at the high school, so I am not sure how the adderal is doing just yet. I think it is helping. Couldn't really notice the first couple weeks because a couple of his grades were not good anyway. I just wanted to get things going before the next semester. The hard thing with high school is, You really can't ask the teachers if they are improving because he only has 3 classes that are the same. Those are the ones he was doing ok in. Now he starts with a couple different teachers. The one thing I like about one of is new teachers is, He has her for both science classes, and also, she posts all assignments, now through the end of the school year, on her website. HIs worst issue is writing down the assignments and due dates, so we never know what he needs to get done. I printed off both class assignments and check them daily with him. Those two classes are Earth/Space Science and Botany. Looks like he will have quite a few worksheets in both classes, but these I think he can handle. He already has the vocabs in both classes done, and they weren't even being given till today due tomorrow. Has them graded too. Now, if he can at least keep up in English. He did great the first quarter, got overwhelmed the second quarter and not very good communication with his teacher. Glad your ds is doing better.

Question over here. I don't understand the concept of upping the dosage if the child tend to be weepy/angry. My son seem to function fine at his current dosage. However, at certain times of the day (morning and evening) he too tend to be easily brought to tears and anger. I figured that it had to do with his medicine wearing off or something.

My doctor never said anything about watching out for weepiness or anger. Somebody please explain.

My doctor said the reason for the anger/weepy would be due to the meds wearing off. In other words, a stronger dose would last longer. Is your son weepy in the morning prior to getting his meds?

sherigraph, yeah ... usually prior to getting his meds in the morning. I've been dealing with it all thus far as it doesn't happen every day. He's most likely to get weepy/angry in the evening when the medicine begins to wear off.

EveryReady, How long has your son been on Adderal? You may want to have him checked and see about upping his dose. My son had his checkup Jan. 27 and I think we are going to see about having his upped.

DS was weepy all day until I upped his dose. Now he's good to go until late evening!

Hit a bit of a snag.

I've notice that in the last few weeks I've adjusted to where I can feel Adderall "kick in" and I feel it "letting go" at the end of the day. Not really pleasant and not a very smooth day.

So, DS has also gotten to this point. He's still having a tough time with getting to sleep, but I believe this is unrelated to the meds because I know they've worn off by then. He's been getting a bit kranky/angry in the afternoons and this week he's been unable to get through his homework.

I try dropping his dose by 5mg today, but that resulted in headaches that hit right after lunchtime. He stayed at school, but his teacher let me know. So, instead we're going to try raising it 5mg.

I certainly hope this turns out to be a fine-tuning issue with dosage. I can't imagine giving up everything Adderall has given him. He is a little frustrated and angry that he has to eat when he doesn't want to and feel strange at times, but he doesn't want to go back to the way things were, either.

Instead of raising it this week, I kept his Adderall dosage it at 20mg.

It wears off by mid/late afternoon, so we've been juggling homework times and it seems like morning will be his only time to do it.

The results of this dose are still excellent, however. He has no trouble getting work done at school and is still able to do moderate amounts of writing and such when he wants to in the evenings. He just can't complete homework.

In addition, he feels better and eats a little better. He still has trouble sleeping at times, but I'm even more sure now that it's unrelated to Adderall.

My one remaining concern is that DS is often sad. He sometimes tells his teacher he is sad and doesn't know why, but he rarely seems unhappy at home. He often tears up when I talk to him about things he is sensitive about, but this sensitivity isn't new and doesn't seem to be depression. I'm hoping it's just side effects that will diminish or emotional immaturity. The latter is likely, but strange considering his incredible maturity in so many other areas.

I hope his story has been of help to some. DS seems happy overall and is thrilled with his ability to do some things that were difficult before meds. He's very proud of himself and we're proud of him!

Wow Barb -- I can sure relate with your son's experience -- minus the meds of course (I'm very glad to hear they're helping). Not having time to finish the math sheets, missing recreation time, very sensitive nature -- all real familiar territory. When I took my TOVA last year and got to the last section, I was almost in tears -- I kept impulsively hitting that button when nothing was there and the memory it evoked was how I tried so hard and was always kept in to finish my work. I think that is the worst thing you can do to an ADHD kid in the classroom -- they need those breaks more than most for their brains to function -- as long as they stay on task a fair amount of the time, I believe they should be allowed to go out whether or not they're done -- they can always finish it at home. Even in college I used to literally run between classes and go the long way to get in more exercise -- that was the only way to keep my brain up to snuff (no meds of course) was to give it a exercise break every hour between classes.


My math computation was also well below my math concepts scores -- I think just keeping the figures in the correct column, quick access to basic math facts, not forgetting to carry and lots of mechanical things like that can really slow down math computation or render it inaccurate. Even on my GRE my math scores were 60 percentile below my scores in my major field and 45 percentile below my language scores. I expect if his self concept can be kept in tact, that once he is farther along in school and is able to pick his own curriculum he'll be able to avoid some of that and really get into the areas in which he flourishes! He's lucky to have a mom whose so aware and supportive!

Take care,
Scattered

- they need those breaks more than most for their brains to function -- as long as they stay on task a fair amount of the time, I believe they should be allowed to go out whether or not they're done -- they can always finish it at home.
His teacher (I have to say "bless her soul" whenever I mention her because I'm so greatful for her!) began accomodations before he even started testing. When it came to classwork, she shortened his assignments whenever she could, and sent him home with them when she couldn't. Of course, his homework also had to be cut in half at least, so sending it home wasn't much of an accomodation. But, it got him through the fall months while we figured out what was wrong and what to do.

I expect if his self concept can be kept in tact, that once he is farther along in school and is able to pick his own curriculum he'll be able to avoid some of that and really get into the areas in which he flourishes!
He actually has only one problem area left -- writing. He's producing a LOT more and a lot more quickly, but it's so messy it's pathetic! But, his teacher is working on this and has a new teaching assistant working with him on it.

His confidence is a ton better and he's able to show his teacher just how great his math understanding is with very little practice. So, he's just got to get up-to-speed emotionally & he'll be flying high!

It's just so strange to see a child that's so intelligent and yet so unable to reason his way through emotions......

Anyway, thanks for the kudos, Scattered!

It's just so strange to see a child that's so intelligent and yet so unable to reason his way through emotions......
Barb, my counselor has talked to me a lot about that emotional part -- it's not that he can't reason his way through, but that there isn't time to before he reacts. When I'm overreacting to something, there is part of me that is sitting back and saying, "Whoa, you're overdoing this!", but that part doesn't have immediate access to the brakes. In a short time, it can regain control, but in the full feeling of the moment -- it's more of an observer. It's that primitive brain kicking in with an unfiltered response before the higher functions can take over. I was one of those emotional kids and have one myself. I always felt I was a disappointment to my parents even though after puberty I brought home excellent grades and won many honors, because I couldn't be as rational and objective with my emotions as they wanted me to be.

Have you had a chance to read Thomas Browns book yet? Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfiltered Mind in Children and Adults. In his chapter on "Six Aspects of a Complex Syndrome" (p. 46) he writes, "Not every patient with ADD syndrome experiences such improvements in mood and social interaction when on stimulent medications, but many do. Whether their mood problems respond to stimulant medication or not, it appears that many with ADD syndrome suffer from chronic problems in managing frustration and modulationg emotions."

I know it can be pretty tough on families -- I understand what my little gal is going through, but it's still very wearing at times.

Take care,
Scattered

-- it's not that he can't reason his way through, but that there isn't time to before he reacts.
So coaching him to slow down before reacting might help?


Have you had a chance to read Thomas Browns book yet? Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfiltered Mind in Children and Adults.
Not all of it, but I got that far. Of course I don't remember it, though!:p

Thanks!


I know it can be pretty tough on families -- I understand what my little gal is going through, but it's still very wearing at times.

You know, I can't complain. If this is the worst thing we have to deal with, we're doing VERY well!

It's certainly a problem, but it's not as if he's going to be kicked out of school or anything...... He's doing GREAT academically and he'll catch up emotionally. It's just a difficult phase....

So coaching him to slow down before reacting might help?Yes and no! (Did I mention that my dad's a lawyer?:p ) From what my counselor has explained to me (BTW he did part of his student research internship at the National Institute of Health - so he's a pretty bright cookie -- unfortunately, I won't be able to explain it as well as he did), is that because it is a neurochemical problem training him to slow down in the moment won't be real effective. Teaching him to everyday practice relaxation breathing and calming his mind will help -- waiting until the crisis to try it will be too late.


Not all of it, but I got that far. Of course I don't remember it, though!:pYeah, I hear ya! I'm currently rereading it myself -- like reading a new book! It's especially weird to see something I highlighted that I don't remember at all!:eyebrow:

What has worked best with our eight year old is rewards. She had been throwing herself on the floor and tantruming about little stuff. We cut out all electronic media (that helped a lot all by itself) and then had her work toward earning something she really wanted at the end of the week. She would start to throw a fit, catch herself, and say, "I almost blew it! I really want that present." Throwing a fit is also breaking Rule #1 which says "No begging!" Violating that will lose you the day's allowance. Anyway, there has been a real improvement especially in her self monitoring.
You know, I can't complain. If this is the worst thing we have to deal with, we're doing VERY well!

It's certainly a problem, but it's not as if he's going to be kicked out of school or anything...... He's doing GREAT academically and he'll catch up emotionally. It's just a difficult phase....His emotional control will improve -- it may however always be a vulnerable spot for him (speaking from my experience). Some of us are just a little more sensitive and reactive. The biggest negative impact in my case came from trying to hide how emotional I was from my stead, calm adoptive family. I resorted to some pretty unhealthy behaviors to push the feelings down so I could come across as a cool cucumber. Learning it's okay to be sensitive and emotional, developing safe appropriate ways of dealing with those feelings, and most of all knowing it's okay to ask people to be there to support and accept you and your feelings are real important factors.

Scattered

Boy -- I can go on and on after the meds wear off!:rolleyes:

I can't back this up with any references, but it really seems like anything that is boring or tedious is very difficult for my daughter. Writing is boring, coloring is not, math facts problems are boring, word problems are not. I gave my daughter a workbook that had worksheets on different states in the US. It was above her grade level, but she took to it immediately. I do not think there is a good way to teach them to write. She is learning to "keyboard" so that will help. She will wade through the math fact sheets (part at school, and finish up at home) but she does not like them. However, they are getting harder because they are including subtraction, so she actually accomplishes more a school now.

I relay this as a way that I try and modify her homework. Actually giving her harder work seems to help her concentration. Harder work, artwork and verbal work. These three things really help my daughter.

There is a website called www.themathworksheetsite.com (http://www.themathworksheetsite.com) that has a lot of timed tests too, you can set it to be 25 problems, or you can do the 5 minute one, each time you click it does a different page.

Does your son write in cursive. If not, at what age does your son's school allow the children to begin writing in cursive? It may help because the letters flow and the pencil or pen does not need to be picked up as much. Of course, for some it can be worse for that reason, but it's worth a try.

There is a website called www.themathworksheetsite.com (http://www.themathworksheetsite.com)
Thanks for the link! I found a lot of these over winter break, then they stopped doing the tests! But, his teacher and I have accepted that he will probably carry a calculator his whole life! I don't mind as long as he understands the math, which he does.

My son is in the 2nd grade. I think they start cursive writing in 3rd.

The writing is still a severe problem. He will write easily now, but it's mostly illegible. He reverses even more now -- I suspect because he's working much faster.

Bad news, though. Adderall isn't working out.

DS is very angry at school. He's beligerent and disruptive. That's a complete 180 from his personality. The tolerance thing has gotten out of hand, too. He's much better at home (with his brother), but he's screaming at kids at school to be quiet or to leave him alone.

So, it's back to the drawing board.

Wow I'm sorry to hear that Barb. It can be frustrating trying to get just the right thing/mix and in the right amounts. I hope your next try is more successful.

My eight year old second grader (I'm homeschooling) hates math and has a terrible grasp of basic facts (2 + 5 = ?) but understands the concepts of word problems easily. I think we may have to go the calculator route as well. She also has trouble with handwriting -- she can do a good job sometimes but it's very labor intensive, and usually it's pretty hard to read. I'm just starting to teach her cursive to see if that's better or worse for her. I would really like to get her a Ritalin prescription to take for her studies at home (her non school behavior isn't enough of a problem to medicate most of the time -- I have a pretty high tolerance for hyper ADD behaviors), but still can't sell her dad on it. I want to talk to her pediatrician again. Her pediatrician would support it and my counselor definately would like to see her try a trial of medication. Today she was writing a thank you note (her idea) and made a mistake and pounded herself on the head several times -- that kind of reactivity and frustration with herself really breaks my heart -- one of the biggest reasons for wanting meds for her.

Take care,
Scattered

Barbyma - hang in there. There are so many versions of long acting "ritalin" out there and they all work differently due to different release systems. I have heard of others where Adderall just didn't cut the mustard and they had better luck with Concerta. My experience with Concerta was that it worked wonderfully initially but after many months became unpredictable, like it worked sometimes and not others. We are not on a generic version and it has been absolutely great.

We also messed with when to give him how much and the end result was 1/2 the dosage first thing in the morning and the second 1/2 dosage 2 hours later.

Scattered - I feel for you, too, and would encourage your husband to consider the fact that forcing his daughter to try and cope with things beyond her capabilities can be debilitating. A small dosage of ritalin to help the brain function better allowing her to learn with more ease, retain better, and find some success is a "gift" he could give her, not a crime. I hope he will reconsider.

Keep us posted.

Kim

I would really like to get her a Ritalin prescription to take for her studies at home (her non school behavior isn't enough of a problem to medicate most of the time -- I have a pretty high tolerance for hyper ADD behaviors), but still can't sell her dad on it.
Our son has no behavior problems usually, but especially not at home. The occasional fight with his brother, intolerance of annoyances and inability to follow directions are pretty minor. His school problems were only apparent when doing homework.

When he was first evaluated, my husband was extremely reluctant to try meds. My strategy was to have him attend a conference with DS's teacher, who's wonderful. I also let her know ahead of time what I was hoping for.

While she couldn't come out and recommend meds (against the law), she was great about describing in detail what my son was going through and what he was up against. She made sure she covered the fact that, although he was currently doing well, he would continue to slide and eventually fall far behind if he didn't start doing more.

Hubby got the message and agreed to try.

Since Adderall became a problem, though, he's hesitant again. He actually suggested taking DS to some quack non-med program. We bickered about it the other night. But, he seems to have accepted that I've done the research and he hasn't.

I don't know for sure how many other meds we'll try. His symptoms, while severe, are limited to math calculations and writing. If we can find "work arounds", he may be able to avoid meds until he's mature enough to deal with some of the side effects. The problem is, everything involves writing to some degree.

I can't believe this, but I'm actually considering Strattera. I hate that it will take so long to make adjustments and I'm afraid of side effects. Besides, it just doesn't seem to me that a norephinephrine RI could help that much.....

Barb, I was reading that approximately 1/3 respond better to Adderall and 1/3 respond better to methylphenidate and another 1/3 respond to either -- maybe a different stimulent would do the trick. I was reading that they're even looking at certain genetic factors that may indicate why one works better than the other for some folks (I know that doesn't help you much ATM)-- I'm sorry I'm too foggy right now to give you the source, but it was a reputable one.
As far as my husband talking to my daughter's teacher -- since I'm homeschooling -- I am the teacher. I may have to let her go to school and fall on her face, but it seems like there should be a better way than that! She's very sensitive and may not bounce back from that very quickly.

Scattered

Barb, I was reading that approximately 1/3 respond better to Adderall and 1/3 respond better to methylphenidate and another 1/3 respond to either --... I'm sorry I'm too foggy right now to give you the source, but it was a reputable one.
No problem whatsoever. I'm still waffling over what to try next, but I appreciate the info. It's encouraging. I'd defer to his pediatrician, but I feel like his pediatrician defers to me....


As far as my husband talking to my daughter's teacher -- since I'm homeschooling -- I am the teacher.
DUH! I knew that. It was even in your post. :cool:

Maybe her doc could do it?

any more updates? Your son describes my daughter to a T. The writting, the math, the speed problems, the gifted imagination, the gifted reading, the reversals!!!!. Even the scrony part!

Please give us an update! I'm struggling with the decision to medicate or not medicate. Since my DD's ADD suggestion by her IEP panel, I was diagnosed as ADD also (ofcourse I thought her behaviour was perfectly normal since I was like that!) She's not a behavior problem at all, on the contrary, she's THE sweetest girl you'll meet and every teacher seems to know her by name and want to take her home. On the other hand, she just will not do any work. Nothing written..or 1/2 of it will come home, or all on several days. There are days where the teacher meets me in the car and says: she wrote two words today, her first name and last name.

Please, I hope you can tell us what's been going on.