Hi.
My middle child was diagnosed with ADD/ADHD the combined type along with other things 2 weeks ago.. I am joining all these groups on myspace and stumbled across this one tonight. I am here to try to get more info. on this so I can help him hopefully without meds but if I have to go that way I might.. So if anyone could please help me with some suggestions that would be great..
thanks a bunch in advance..

Welcome. :)

Suggestions we can give. There are alot of parents here that are in the trenches with this. It might help to know a bit more, like what you have been having trouble with, and what kind of information you would like. That way we aren't telling you what you may already know.

Hi,

It is a scary thought to consider putting your growing child on medications, and it took me a year after my daughter's diagnosis to finally agree to a trial. And it was the best thing I could have done. First, let me share that I am a nurse and a very skeptical researcher - so I had a pretty good understanding of the biological basis of ADD and what the medications were doing in her body. Most research clearly shows that medication, along with behavioral therapy (and sometimes diet changes) are the most effective means of treating ADD/ADHD. Brain scans of children with ADD do show differences in function from non-ADD kids - but when the ADD kids are on medication the scans are virtually identical.

On a more personal level - when my daughter came home from school crying that she was the stupidist kid in her class and was so embarrassed, and when I saw my happy child's self-esteem start to plummet I agreed to give meds a try. I also felt okay about it because I knew that we would be able to tell right away if there was improvement, and if we didn't like the side effects we could take her off the meds right away. No building up or weaning off period needed. The first day we tried the meds (Adderall XR 10mg) she sat down and read a 30 page book - this was HUGE for her. Since then she is catching up academically quite fast, getting mostly A's and B's, and her confidence in her abilities has increased.

My daughter has been very fortunate to have some wonderful, flexible teachers and she has become an advocate for herself in school (i.e. asking to change her seat if she can't concentrate, etc..). We now give her meds on weekends as well because she seems happier, less volatile, and is able to curb her impulsiveness (therefore less getting in trouble).

So many people (adults and children) share similar stories - the medication changed their lives for the better. It isn't always easy getting there, and you may need to try several different meds and doses before you find the right one. But it is probably worth the try.

So, take your time and learn all you can. But do keep an open mind about trying meds. ADD/ADHD is a biological disorder, as is diabetes, epilepsy, etc... And ADD meds will stimulate the understimulated parts of her brain, just as seizure medications will quiet the overstimulated parts of the brain.

Good luck.