ADHD and my child

ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a disorder that makes it difficult for a person to pay attention and control impulsive behaviors. Someone could have more inattentive or hyperactivity symptoms.

Back in November my son got the official diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, with ODD the only treatment seems to be cognitive behavior therapy which was going good but not enough. His 504 plan and accommodations were helping at school but still not enough. He was still having a hard time staying focus and doing his best, he would still have his meltdowns that went from 1-100 in a matter of a second.

He needed more help than therapy and the vitamins I was giving him.

It was time to go back to the doctor and possibility talk about any medications that may help. After the appointment his doctor and the other doctor in the office thought it could be ADHD but wanted us to fill out the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale before the next step. It’s a questionnaire the parents and school fill out to help diagnosis ADHD and other conditions.

After reviewing the assessment scale, besides showing ODD, it showed ADD/Inattentive ADHD. After some discussion, we decided to give adderall a try. We weren’t sure how it’d go, or if it’d help. It’s been two months since starting adderall and all we have is great experience. He takes a larger dosage in the morning to last during school and then a smaller dosage immediately after school so it’s worn off before bed.

The only negatives we’ve noticed is if we miss a dosage or if he’s up later than bed time he can get very emotional. We also have to watch the weight loss, in the first month he lost 8 lbs, but he’s still eating just not as much snacking as he normally did.

The positives definitely out weight the negatives. He’s calmer but not a zombie like some have experienced, he still has energy. He’s able to focus more, complete and turn in school work. The biggest change we’ve seen is he’s able to control his outburst more and takes being told “no” much better. It’s amazing to hear him talk about how the medicine makes him feel better and it calms his brain down. He talks more positive of himself and life.

I’m just so glad we decided to put all my fear of medicating my child aside and gave adderall a try. My son is still himself, not a zombie like I was afraid of. Adderall has given him that “thing” he was missing to have more control over himself.