Reply to Tween with ADHD refuses medication

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous] OP here.  Yes he knows exactly what he likes. Video games. All day long. No other interests.  I feel like we’ve tried all other options and nothing has peaked his interest. [/quote]

Mom of aDHD kid here.  Homework isn't about "piquing" his interest.  Homework is boring.  No one likes it, not even non-ADHD students. One of the major keys to a successful life is learning how to suck it up and do the boring stuff when necessary.  Your kid needs your support to face tasks, find a way to get thru them and move on as quickly as possible. His main job is school, just like you have ajob that you have to go to whether you like it or not every day.

Why does he have access to video games at all?  Our ADHD kiddo is not permitted any screen time except for homework purposes (and that is monitored) until he shows me his daily planner, and shows me all necessary completed assignments.  If assignments are not being written down in planner then you need a go for organization w/ an objective that quantifies planner use with daily sign off by teachers. You do have an IEP or 504 plan, right?  Then and only then is he allowed 1/2 hr of screen time during a school weekday (timer set).  When I have found out he has cheated on screen time, he has been suspended or blocked from it for days or weeks.  I do it calmly.  The possibility was known in advance, so the penalty is not a surprise.  I am not angry.  I just explain it is a privilege that is earned after obligations are completed.

You need to have more student buy in to medication - the student has to be an equal partner in the choice.  It is valid to say, I don't like the way this makes me feel.  The response back mustn't be "you have to take it".  you have a wide range of options and prescribing psychiatrist should be helping explain and educate about meds - sometimes side effects subside after a few weeks, sometimes it helps to fill out a form at the end of every day about the meds (mood, energy, tasks accomplished or not, eating, sleep, etc.).  That way there is objective data to evaluate med trial.  You are getting rx thru an experienced child paychiatrist w/ ADHD experience and not a pediatrician, yes? Once a med has been adequately tried, then if it's not working a patient can try another med under advice of psychiatrist.  Or strategies can be put in place - habits, routines, etc., instead of meds where possible.

Working with ADHD coach can be helpful.

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