(Note: I received my son’s permission before sharing this story.)
Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) diagnoses have been increasing, often due to factors beyond just medical reasons. There are claims that schools may pressure parents into seeking diagnoses to boost test scores, and some suggest that pharmaceutical companies are promoting medications for children who may simply be restless or misbehaving. While factors like diet—especially sugar—have been pointed to as potential culprits, research often finds that these aren’t the key issues many believe them to be. However, it’s crucial to recognize that some children genuinely struggle with ADD/ADHD and require medication for effective management. Unfortunately, parents of these children frequently face blame and judgment regarding their kids’ learning challenges.
My son, Alex, received his ADD diagnosis at the age of 8 after a teacher raised concerns about his focus. While my husband and I hoped it was merely a phase of immaturity, we soon realized otherwise. Alex wasn’t disruptive in class or unruly at home; rather, he was a fidgety, distracted boy who found solace in screens—watching TV or playing video games, which is a common trait among kids with ADD. Despite his intelligence, his academic performance fell short of what we, including his teachers, anticipated. He was placed on a 504 Plan for additional support, but enforcing this plan was often a struggle as some educators overlooked its importance. There were moments when I had to step in fiercely to ensure Alex received the help he deserved.
No parent wants to resort to medication for their child. The decision to medicate Alex was not taken lightly, but witnessing the positive impact it had on him was a significant relief. Contrary to popular belief, medication wasn’t a miracle solution; it didn’t instantly transform him from a distracted student into a focused one. While it aided him to an extent, it took years of devoted parenting and his own personal growth before his maturity and self-drive aligned with his intellectual potential, whether medicated or not.
Navigating the right dosage of medication proved to be a continual challenge throughout Alex’s childhood and teenage years. There were instances when he received too much medication, resulting in a zombie-like demeanor, leading us to reduce his dosage. As he entered adolescence and experienced significant growth spurts, adjustments were necessary again. Unfortunately, during his junior year of high school, we made the grave error of consulting a new psychiatrist—who came highly recommended—who drastically reduced his dosage by nearly 80 percent. His grades and behavior suffered severely that year, and I deeply regret that decision. We hesitated to act sooner because we lacked faith in our own instincts, a hard lesson learned.
I firmly believe that Alex’s ADD diagnosis was accurate. Was his diet flawless? No. Were we as consistent with him as we could have been? Maybe not. But it wasn’t solely about him needing to “calm down” or “behave.” The relief and focus he experienced on medication were undeniable. Would it have been better to forego medication and let him remain fidgety and distracted? Should I have spent months or even years eliminating sugar, preservatives, and other factors to see if they contributed to his ADD? We chose not to gamble with his well-being by delaying treatment. For a child with ADD, it’s not just about learning; it’s a matter of overall life quality.
In the end, maturity played a crucial role in Alex’s journey. While some may argue that we should have simply been patient and he would have outgrown it, they are mistaken. Now at 21 and on the verge of graduating from college, he adeptly manages his ADD, aware of when he needs his medication (primarily for school) and when he can forgo it. He sees a mental health professional monthly for his prescriptions rather than relying on a general practitioner, which many do. He has become a dedicated student, utilizing his university’s support systems to thrive. Whether he will continue to need medication as an adult remains to be seen, but the choice is now his.
To those who dismiss ADD/ADHD as nonexistent disorders, attributing them to lazy parenting or undisciplined children, I would pose this question: What would you do if your child faced a legitimate health issue—like asthma or allergies? Would you choose to medicate or risk waiting for dietary or behavioral changes to resolve it? Wouldn’t you want to ensure your child has the best chance at health, happiness, and success? We didn’t want to experiment with our son’s well-being while he dealt with a treatable condition. Our choice was clear.
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Summary:
This article discusses the author’s experience medicating her son, Alex, for ADD. It covers the challenges faced in seeking a diagnosis, the impact of medication on his focus and academic performance, and the importance of parental support. Ultimately, it emphasizes the significance of maturity and the ongoing management of ADD as Alex transitions into adulthood.
Keyphrase: ADD medication for children
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