My step son was diagnosed with ADHD about a year ago and as a step mom it gets hard.

My step son is 6 years old we thought him getting older he was going to learn a little to calm down but it has actually got a little worse. He's behavior at school is not so great there is times he's good and others he hits and doesn't listen. We never wanted to put him in medication but me and his father been thinking about it. Do you guys have any recommendations or or any experience with ADHD medications?

[MomOfAMermaid]

Hi, my daughter is 6. We tried everything but meds for a year. We tried non[stimulants first and they made her too sleepy and constipated. We then had a mouth swab test designed to recommend the meds best for a child based on their genetic make-up. I found the test to be helpful in avoiding some of the trials and errors of the medication process. She is now on a stimulant and it has its own list of side effects (loss of appetite, upset stomach and a certain amount of time of support/help). If you have not heard of the mouth swab test I would ask for one. I wish you all the best!

[Mjaniszewski]

The meds really do help. If ADHD is the only diagnoses. My step son it on the generic form of Ritalin. It does help, it has improved his schoolwork tremendously. However he was now also diagnosed with ODD and Autism just yesterday. I don't know what way to turn.

[illboobear]

Hello! I am in the same boat as you. I am also a step mother to an 11 year old son that has ADHD and is also mentally delayed. My son is on medication and the mornings are still the roughest times for all, including the school. My son will still have meltdowns in the mornings or get frustrated extremely quickly if there is too much commotion going on. Medication does help! Our lives are little easier, we only have to survive the mornings now instead of an all day battle. Also, a restrictive diet will help as well. Limiting processed foods and certain dyes and also fish oil supplements.