14 year old son has ADHD - seeking confirmation/guidance

[L33tXtian]

A bit about myself:

- 46 years old, happily married

- ADHD myself (formally diagnosed a few years back

- successful senior server administator and huge nerd

Now, onto our son. He's 14 years old and currently attends a private school. By and large he's a pretty happy boy, though like most 14 years old, he's sometimes in his feelings. With that said, he was diagnosed 2 years or so ago by his primary care physician. Currently on Concerta and has been for 2 years.

With this being said, for some reason, since the beginning of this school year, he's struggled *quite* a lot - to the point where the school has either said something needs to change (e.g., I sit in on classes for a week, meet with the principal, etc.) or they will need to consider suspension and possibly expulsion. All of the teachers recognize, and tell me, he's the quintessential 'good kid' - likes to help, wants to be liked/likes others, etc., but he just can *NOT* shaddap (lol), stay quiet and defuse situations when others are picking on him/goading him into something, etc.

We do all the things that we know to do - e.g., give him grace with assignments/tasks requiring multiple steps; eat healthier; exercise; read up on ADHD; etc. I'm completing an intake assessment with him tomorrow so that we can begin seeking professional treatment from a specialist. Additionally, I'll be working from his school for a week or so, in order to be able to sit in on classes and determine whether he really *does* struggle that much (although I'm sure he does) or if he's using what he knows about ADHD to be 'a crutch' (which I'm pretty sure he does not, but hey, I'll allow for any possibility).

Past that, I guess I'm looking for a bit of guidance on what else may be of help. I've no doubt that one day (one day...lol) he'll be happy and successful on his own, but holy smokes...getting through these teen years and TO that point seems to be a herculean task.

[BlessedLady]

It sounds like his medication needs adjusting. He may need more of his current medication or change to another medication. Talk with his doctor.

[L33tXtian in reply to BlessedLady]

Definitely checking in with his doctor, and that may indeed be indicated...but with that said, he's never been 'formally' diagnosed by a specialist, so I would think (and I could be wrong on this) I at least 'owe' him that, to make sure nothing's going missing.

(Side note: Wife is a diabetic educator, and I've got diabetes...and I've found a HUGE gap between the knowledge level of PCPs/GPs and endocrinologists...so while I may be wrong, that's where my logic is coming from when I apply it to this situation.)

[BlessedLady in reply to L33tXtian]

I assumed he had been properly diagnosed. I apologize. He needs to see a psychiatrist or psychologist for proper diagnosis.

[NissanSkyline]

No one can give you confirmation here, but we will certainly support you. It's best to get confirmation from a doctor who may also be able to guide you.

[L33tXtian in reply to NissanSkyline]

Well, true. I suppose I meant confirmation more along the lines of "Hey bud, yeah, you're on the right track with the actions you're taking,' but I see your point.