Hello :)

[Marion3andme]

I'm Marion. I have a thirteen-year-old boy with ADHD. He was just diagnosed and he is taking 5 mg dexmethylphenidate er. I think he will need a higher dose but let's wait and see.I always knew there is something but it has gotten so bad that we finally had him tested.I'm glad they have communities like this to share and to get advice.

[ChristinaR1967]

This sounds like my life, my 13 year old was diagnosed this year, but I was told previous years when he was in 2nd and 3rd grade by teachers in a private Christian school that they felt he had ADD. I refused to get him tested at that time, because he was an honor student and had NO discipline issues whatsoever and I didn't want him labeled. He went to the private school k-5. He was homeschooled 6 and 7th grades. That's when I saw his focus issues. I had him tested and he was diagnosed. Given Ritalin prescription, but didn't give meds because he was homeschooled and I wasn't a fan of medicating. Enrolled in a charter school now for 8th grade--did NOT tell school of diagnosis. He started meds, which did nothing to help. Changed Ritalin, put on XR. Complained it makes him jittery and still didnt help, as he is failing his classes now, has missing assignments, teachers telling me he struggles with focus. Now that he's failing for the first time, I need to let the school know his diagnosis, but I'm worried of what to say. I feel horribly and distraught about this. My dear son is frustrated as well, his self-esteem has dropped. Now I have to find a way to help him, so I'm hopeful this school will work with me. My son likes his school and doesn't want to return to homeschool. I want to help him be successful, he definitely has the ability. In retrospect, I wish I had tackled this year's back, but it's so hard. I pray and hope for the best and will do what I can to help him.

[MomofTeenGirls in reply to ChristinaR1967]

I totally understand. I have a 15 year old daughter and we are dealing with a similar situation. She does not like the way medicine makes her feel so I allowed her a semester without it. Struggling in a couple of very hard classes but excelling in others that she feels creative in. I have guilted myself over and over about not really tackling it earlier. I know that God directs each step and I know his timing is perfect. We are going next week to be formally tested and put a plan together. She is smart and creative and loving and definitely has the ability as well. We will both get through this and our kids will thrive!

[Cstreet in reply to ChristinaR1967]

I found out too late that 10th grade is when a lot of successful people hire tutors for their kids. Learn from my mistakes.

[anirush]

My 13 year old grandson was on Focalin XR from kindergarten until middle school, top of his class, accepted into a magnet program. In middle school everything fell apart. Finally switched him to Concerta which was a disaster, I was afraid he was going to kill us or himself - no exaggerations either.

Now he is on Intuniv and Seroquel for the anger and depression which doctor thinks is causing the anger. After a few rocky days things seem to be better. Medication is so hard to figure out.