Any treatments when meds cause too many side effects

[Lanego]

12 yo with Tourette’s diagnosed first and later ADHD inattentive. We’ve tried Jornay, Adderal, Concerta, intuniv and Strattera for ADHD and all have made her tics more frequent and noticeable. We stopped meds about 3 weeks ago and her tics have returned to being barely noticeable. She doesn’t want to try any more medication because she doesn’t want her tics to worsen even though she knows she has trouble focusing at school.

Does anyone have recommendations on how to help when meds don’t seem to be an option. Her biggest problems are focusing in class, staying organized and forgetfulness.

Thanks in advance

[Aspen797]

Our son has found electronic reminders helpful—smart watches that vibrate to remind, using electronic calendars, and timers ( we have at least six! Cube timers you flip, time timers, etc.). When he was younger we would write out a plan together and he would cross off parts as he completed them. If your child has an IEP, asking for executive functioning training goals would be helpful. PACER has videos on YouTube with tips and tools for executive functioning as does their website.

Edited to also add that you might want to check out Sara Ward. She is a well regarded OT who specializes in developing EF skills in clients. She presents at school conferences and is excellent. Her website is here: efpractice.com. Though you can likely find a lot of her presentations on line.

One last resource is Seeing my Time at executivefunctioningsuccess.... Great planners and free videos.

There are lots of other resources out there but those are what’s been helping with similar issues here.

[Lanego in reply to Aspen797]

Thank you that’s so very helpful. I’ve been using a list that she gets to mark off as she completes things and we use a timer, but I probably need to be more deliberate in how I approach increasing her EF skills,I will definitely check out those websites.thanks again!

[Turbinetrouble]

Good morning. I have a son that has not yet been diagnosed but when he is, I will most likely not choose the medication route. I believe in natural solutions. This is what I have learned: Our cultural norms help foster many of the symptoms ADHD reveals. I choose to allow my child to get what he truly needs despite societies expectations. He needs sunlight within an hour of waking, and I make sure to go for a walk early in the day. He also needs a sugar free diet, and I make sure he has protein and natural sweeteners on any toast, in oatmeal, cream of wheat, or smoothies such as honey, stevia, or maple syrup. I allow him to play and imagine rather than just jumping to you have to do this and you have to do that. A highly controlled environment creates resistance and oppositional defiance. Now, that is not to say I allow him to do whatever he wants. I acknowledge appropriate choices and give a consequence for unacceptable choices. Ignoring minor inconveniences is necessary. Sometime children make choices as an attention seeking solution to boredom or feelings of abandonment. He must get at least an hour of outdoor/physical activity everyday. I give him "a job to do", or responsibilities, and the praise his efforts, despite the final result. Finally, adequate sleep in paramount, and a relaxing bedtime routine without screen time for an hour prior is paramount (I also greatly limit screen time throughout the day). Girls and boys are different, individuals are different. Each child learns and functions differently, but there are similarities. Our biggest challenge as parents is to consider our own reactions and look beyond the action towards the reason for behavior we consider wrong. Accentuate your child's strengths and forget their weaknesses. Do not take their unique tendencies on your shoulders. I struggle everyday, but medications are not a solve all. I have been on them and they just made me feel less. The side effects are not worth the benefit. Now, some individuals absolutely need medication, and that is fine, but we much also promote lifestyle changes and tools to rewire neuro pathways through a different action when triggered. I have a long way to go to help my child thrive in this world, but I am enjoying the journey and will embrace the outcome.

[Lanego in reply to Turbinetrouble]

Thank you!