Adults with ADHD--advice for parents of ADHD kid?

[Anonymous]

I'm curious what advice you have for parents of kids with ADHD based on your experiences. I'm trying to figure out how best to help DS who is 7 and was recently diagnosed with ADHD, and I don't have personal experience with ADHD. One area I'm concerned about regarding treatment is whether significant long term side effects are common are in adults who were prescribed ADHD medication as children. We're also trying to figure out how to deal with the school system to help DS. Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

[Anonymous]

Ask your question on the Special Needs board, you'll get a ton of help there.

[Anonymous]

This is an area of active research. Recently it's been found that people medicated as children have lower leves of GABA in the brain., but it's unclear if this is caused by medication or just that more severe kids are more likely to be medicated and therefore have lower levels of GABA to begin with. It is also not clear what the behavioral impact, if any, of the brain chemistry difference is.

There are known to be better outcomes from medication that lead to more successful adult lives - better grades in school, higher self esteem, lower rates of substance abuse, and fewer accidents.

As far as dealing with the school system, you need to determine if there is an educational impact. Is he performing poorly on tests, not completing work, or behaving poorly in school? If he has any problems along those lines, you can ask for an IEP evaluation, by sending an email to the principal. Include a list of areas you think are impacted. Be sure to have backup documentation, such as examples of work, teacher reports and report cards.

An IEP will provide accommodations and services to help him in school. You can also get a 504 plan, which just provides accommodations if services are not needed. But ask for an IEP first, since it provides more process protections to help parents get what they need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm curious what advice you have for parents of kids with ADHD based on your experiences. I'm trying to figure out how best to help DS who is 7 and was recently diagnosed with ADHD, and I don't have personal experience with ADHD. One area I'm concerned about regarding treatment is whether significant long term side effects are common are in adults who were prescribed ADHD medication as children. We're also trying to figure out how to deal with the school system to help DS. Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

There's currently an active discussion on this board specifically about meds and long term side effects. some good insights on that thread.

[Anonymous]

I do not have adhd myself, but dh and adult dd do. I have to remind myself frequently that their brain chemistry is different. I plan and execute accordingly. I know that they will forget, srcew up, loose stuff, etc. I take that into account daily, hourly. I do not judge. It is what it is. Both of them are very smart and talented people, they just function on a different plane that is mostly invincible to NT people.

It is very different relationship dynamics. Set yourself up for success by learning about adhd and looking at the world from adhd angle. Help yourself first to be an understanding parent. Then help you child.