My Child Has ADHD: Now What?

If you find that your child does, indeed have ADHD, it’s important to educate yourself as much as possible. There are numerous books on the subject. Consulting with a mental health professional to help you with the many challenges ADHD can present, is invaluable. Finding support by attending local groups such as CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder) also are immensely helpful in not only learning more about ADHD, but also to connect with other families who are struggling.

Since the treatment of ADHD often includes parenting strategies, it is imperative that you work with a professional to help you learn new techniques to not only help manage your child’s behavior, but to also help him learn organizing strategies, homework management, social skills and more.

Treatment also often includes medication to help quiet the hyperactivity and impulsivity and/or improve attention. Many parents are reluctant to give their child medications, but stimulants (the most common and beneficial medication for ADHD) are safe when given as directed. Still, all parents have concerns. Here are some questions to ask your doctor to help you in making the decision as to whether medication is right for your child:

  • What are the risks vs benefits?
  • What side effects might I observe?
  • Which medications will work best for my child?
  • What options do I have if I don’t want to use medications for my child?
  • How will I know if the medications are working?

For more information visit www.helpstartshere.org.

    Posted in Healthy Parenting, Help Starts Here, Kids and Parents, Mental Health, Mind and Spirit |

    9 Responses to “My Child Has ADHD: Now What?”

    1. Martha Waltien Says:
      May 13th, 2008 at 11:17 am

      You make the assumption that a child “has” ADD. I am not sure that ADD is a disease or illness in the first place. And I do not believe that children usually should be given medication.

      Children can be hyperactive, impulsive and have attention problems but these behaviors, IMO, should not be addressed with medication. As social workers, we should know that behavioral problems in children - and adults - can be symptoms of other problems or issues. Yes, there are children (and adults) who tend towards anxiety and other behaviors, but these behaviors usually should be handled with non-medical intervention and understanding, not drugs.

    2. Patty Eaton Says:
      July 4th, 2008 at 2:32 pm

      I would have to differ to your comments about the medication. I was diagnosed with ADD when I was 38. I have been taking the medication since that time and my life is more organized, and I am one class short of getting my Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling. I wished that my mom knew about this when I was a kid as I was wild. Anyway…..medication is ok!

    3. Shawnacy Purvis Says:
      January 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pm

      I have recently been asked by my child’s teacher to have him evaluated for ADHD. I called his pediatrician and found out that it would probably be March before I could get him in. In the meantime, I have found a lot of research stating that a change of diet, less sugar, Omega-3 and a change in behavioral patterns such as limiting TV time, video games, too many toys and adding in puzzles, organizational games, directional games, etc. May help improve his symptoms. If I find that this does control his symptoms, is it wrong for me to cancel his appointment with the doctor? I really don’t want to have him on medication if it isn’t necessary. He is only 6 and I just think that would be harder for us than to adjust diet, working with him and maybe seeing a counselor or psychiatrist instead. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

    4. Allison Bonilla LCSW Says:
      February 19th, 2009 at 8:39 am

      Medication, though helpful for some, does pose some risks. It should be used as a last resort after behavioral, nutritional, and psychological interventions have been explored. If you are noticing positive changes without the medication, continue to do what you are doing. You may still keep an appt with child’s doctor, but consider it a consultation which may provide you with added information that will help you make a decision about what is best for you child. You are the expert on your child.

    5. Rebecca Says:
      April 29th, 2009 at 10:31 pm

      My daughter (7) was diagnosed & ADD with severe anxiety 12mths ago. I to was hesitant to have her medicated. I changed her diet, started her on fish oil & minimized over stimulation. None of it worked. She is still in the same position as 12mths ago if not worse. Her pediatrician put her on Ritalin a wek & 1/2 ago & I am still to see any improvement. If anything her behaviour is worse. Given that our children have their ups & downs I would keep the appointment. If you son is like my daughter he may be ok for a week & awful the next. Just see how you go. Make note of behaviours that concern you so when you have your appointment you have all the information in front of to give the doctor a clear picture.

    6. worried mommy Says:
      July 31st, 2009 at 12:16 am

      my son’s doctor, and several other people are suggesting that i have my 5 year old son tested for adhd. i have seen his impulsiveness, and lack of focus, but i am so afraid that a diagnosis will put him in that special needs, special disadvantage category. i want my son to have a fair chance at life, and i don’t want him to have the stigma associated with adhd, nor do i wish to medicate him. he is a brillant kid, he just jumps all over the place(doctor’s office, bank, checkout line). i am so conflicted. although i have agreed to having him tested for adhd, i don’t want him to take medication. i need some advice on other approaches to handle this. i want my son to be a successful highly functioning kid, and i want him to succeed in school.

    7. cristine scattered Says:
      October 15th, 2009 at 2:53 am

      please help me to recognized..I am worried so much of my son because all the symptoms of adhd is in him…what should I do to lessen his hyper activeness and he also lack of control most of the time in school…??

    8. jo Says:
      May 6th, 2010 at 9:11 am

      my 5 year old son was diagnosed with adhd today, i always knew there was something different about him but never admited it and now its final and on paper im a little stuck how to deal with this, i mean were do we go from here?

    9. Worried Mommie :-( Says:
      July 23rd, 2010 at 9:59 pm

      Well, my son has seen everyone doctors, teachers, family and friends. And everyone says the same thing, he has adhd. What do I do now? Medication? Help

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