My DS is an 8th grader who is dyslexic and add; I'm an elementary teacher. We didn't have to medicate DS in 5th grade because his resource teacher was amazing and was able to make many accommodations and he was able to access the curriculum.He passed all his SOL's in 3rd -6th grade. DS has been medicated since 2nd grade. It is a struggle to watch his personality change every day once he takes his medicine. But as a teacher I know if he wasn't on the medicine he would be driving the teachers nuts.

Middle school has been VERY difficult. We have had to meet with teachers to "clarify" his disabilities, IEP goals and accommodations that he is LEGALLY entitled to. I have threatened to take him off medication if they don't do their job. I don't know why elementary teachers bend over backwards to meet the needs of students but middle school teachers (there are always 2 teachers in his classes ) can remember to give him his accommodations.

For my DS 8th grade has been academically and socially difficult. He spends a lot of time trying to figure out if he is liked or not liked. Building self esteem is important. Thankfully he is involved in soccer and that gives him a self esteem boost. You do not have to medicate but I would be vigilant and make sure your child is accessing the grade level curriculum and your accommodations are matching your child's challenges.

My kid with ASD/Asperger's already had an IEP and was getting a lot of supports, services and accommodations at school: 20 hrs a wk of Sp Ed support and 8 hrs a month of speech therapy for pragmatic speech, behavioral support, and OT in a general education inclusive classroom in 2nd grade.

But when DS was diagnosed with ADHD and started meds, it was still miraculous. His life at school improved dramatically and we have a much happier kid who loves school and has a group of friends.