Anonymous wrote:GAPS diet
Exercise
Sunlight
Consistent routines

This. Outside movement every day is critical BEFORE experimenting with risky drugs.

Transcendental meditation. I've tried everything for DS 16. TM combined with meds help a lot. You can lower the dosage a bit but I am telling you, to go cold with zero meds is almost impossible in order to achieve academic success. We've tried. DS runs varsity XC as freshman and eats well. Did therapy. We've tried the gamut without meds and it simply isn't enough.

This is all IF your kid truly has ADHD as it's so misdiagnosed. Poor Working memory and not being able to manage complexity effectively - the hallmarks of ADHD is not a joke. It very much is like an actual health illness. If you had a heart defect, whatever disease, you'd have meds to help you and that's applicable to ADHD. It's simply not just something that's optional to treat. Just because you aren't clinically ill does not mean you don't need meds.

DS was diagnosed just before 5th grade and is a rising HS sophomore and I am just being honest - as someone who rarely even takes Advil - the meds are really important because I've had him off and on and on is so. Much. Better.

Anonymous wrote:OP I understand where you're coming from, but I learned the medication is also beneficial in the long term. It helps rewire the pathways in the brain as they're growing so they're less likely to need stimulants as an adult.

Have you looked at brain scans to see this?

Anonymous wrote:I’ve just switched my daughter’s prescription from Concerta to Vyvanse (she’s 11), but overall I’d like to get her OFF these drugs. Her condition is pretty severe and she’s been on these drugs since age 6. I worry about her development, physical and mental, and am just looking for an alternative to this mode of treatment. TIA.

News Flash:
OP is looking ONLY for ALTERNATIVE treatments. Am always amazed how pharma reps are so relentless on this forum.

There are non-stimulant ADHD meds. DS is on Guanfacine, which is not a stimulant.

Anonymous wrote:Not just exercise but a specific sport (Gymnatics) has been good for my daughter. The body awareness, reward of learning new skills and performing them well, and structure have all been good for her ADHD.

I've heard martial arts and other individual sports are particularly good.

https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/best-sports-for-kids-with-adhd/?

Agree. Swimming is great in some many ways for my 11 yo DD.

Anonymous wrote:ADHD is basically like any other medical/ mental condition…you need the medication along with counseling. You wouldn’t deny antibiotics if your child had strep throat-same concept applied plus denying medication may cause the brain to not fully develop.

This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever read!

ADHD is basically like any other medical/ mental condition…you need the medication along with counseling. You wouldn’t deny antibiotics if your child had strep throat-same concept applied plus denying medication may cause the brain to not fully develop.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the basis for your worry about the medication?

What could a parent possibly worry about when placing a child on stimulants? are you really that much in denial?

I am aware of the array of possible concerns. I am asking OP what their specific concern is.

Details do not seem to be your strong suit.

OP I understand where you're coming from, but I learned the medication is also beneficial in the long term. It helps rewire the pathways in the brain as they're growing so they're less likely to need stimulants as an adult.

Have you read any of the studies on adult drug abuse and not being medicated for ADHD? I’d give her the stimulants she needs to function. You’re setting her up for failure by having in your head you know best.

My kid grew out of the real troublesome stuff around 13. Managing well now. Never did meds for a variety of reasons

GAPS diet
Exercise
Sunlight
Consistent routines

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have adhd and managed my whole life without medications.
Both my kids are on them though.
If the issues are largely organization and focus and executive function, then you deal with it by being very patient and not caring if not everything gets done while you scaffold skills and learn tricks for filling in the gaps your brain has left. As they get older and have better metacognitiojn that will be somewhat easier. There are lot of books and coaches that help.
If the issue is impulse control, that’s much harder and medication may be necessary to keep them and others safe.

Impulse control is a huge issue, and developmentally she’s immature (even on medication). I think there might be a component of autism as well but think I need to get a neuropsych work up to really understand the full picture- the last time she was assessed was five years ago, when she was first prescribed these medications.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I hate to think she’ll be on these for the rest of her life, but also struggle to see how she could operate “normally” without them.

She's only 11. Just because she needs medicine now doesn't necessarily mean she'll need it forever. She's developing skills and outlook now that will make it more likely that she'll be successful in the future. For example, if the meds help her with behavior and task management, she's not going through life feeling like she can't do anything right -- and that's a huge benefit that will help her forever.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the basis for your worry about the medication?

What could a parent possibly worry about when placing a child on stimulants? are you really that much in denial?

Stimulants are far better than being depressed and non functional due to your limitations.

But please site your studies. Adderall is the MOST studied med for kids.