First main thing-- No red dye or high fructose corn syrup! 
1 Like
To sit on a yoga ball during school… just small movement will help… also give him half a mt dew or a cup of coffee before school and half one at lunch time… also chewing on stir straws helped my boy… fidget toys may help him focus also… work with his school and they will do what they can to help… my sons teacher would give him half a mt dew during school I just had to supply them.
1 Like
Have you ever consideredHave you ever considered Medicinal herbs, oils, cbd. Do you some research, there are a lot of great things that help that are not pharmaceuticals.
1 Like
When I was younger my cousin came to stay with us. He had ADHD, undiagnosed. My mom did some research and the whole time he was with us he didn’t eat any processed foods or red food dye and it was like night and day. Completely different kid. Good luck!
No sugar alot of activities. Keep him busy
Whats wrong with meds? They help my daughter tremendously
5 Likes
I was told my son was gonna need meds and I am totally opposed to it. Get a good schedule keep to it, good diet take out most of the sugars, and make sure you have enough exercise they need a lot. A trampoline was amazing. Good luck.
1 Like
I recently put my son on medication and that’s about the same age I said I don’t want to medicate but now I’m thankful I did but now I wish I didn’t wait as long as I did cus i feel it’s too late to try and get him involved more in school which part of it is the online learning but the therapy alone wasn’t helping him I started with a non stimulant and it’s working well so far
Diet, diet, diet and hydration. A very clean diet will help wonders. I agree with no medication a million percent. Food put together in correct forms, herbs and minerals is all he will need.
Check for sleep apnea if you haven’t already Factors related to pediatric obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in different age groups - PMC
1 Like
My 5 yr old was recently diagnosed with adhd and anxiety. She is in therapy and works with a counselor
The medicine will really help him. He will thrive on it. You’re not doing it for you, you’re doing it for him.
3 Likes
Diet can help. Cut out dyes and sugar. Extracurricular activies can help too. Martial arts are supposed to help them focus their energy.
1 Like
Vitamin b and magnesium!
Therapy there’s a place called amber wing in duluth mn that helps with behavior issues I would think this would help a lot with coping with adhd without medication look it up and try to find something similar in your area! And screw all these people that say medicate my husband had bad adhd growing up and never was on medication for it and he thrives in life now!!!
They just put my 4 yo grandson on a very small dose of something and sending him to the childrens hospital to get tested for autism as well… but the meds have made a tremendous diff for his focus at prek he has learned so much more in the last 3 weeks because he isn’t always running wide open…
1 Like
Exracurricular activities like sports work wonders without needing medication. Especially martial arts. Children with adhd need an energy outlet. If you are a very involved mom and have the time to be there to really help them thrive without medication then its not necessary. My brother had adhd and he tried many medications that never worked or would only work for a short period of time before needing to up the dose or change it again. Basically making him a guinea pig or a zombie. Sometimes medication isnt always the best option but it may work for some. My brother thrived better without it. He was able to be a normal kid. There are medications available that dont have these kind of side effects that you can ask your doctor about. Or even vitamins you can try to help with focus. I recommend asking your doctor about these options to see how it goes because only you can decide the best options for your child. Sometimes all a child needs is patience and understanding and most importantly alot of love and support 
1 Like
So my oldest was also diagnosed at a young age, the teachers were adamant about medicating him. I am a nurse and I knew there was something else we could do except meds. Extra work and keeping him busy only helped so much. The Dr who diagnosed him looked us in the eye and told us she knew we didn’t want to medicate our son, and she wouldn’t either. She told us she had numerous families try gluten free to help with ADD/ADHD. It was tremendously beneficial for him, we did this when he was younger and now he isn’t on this special diet and does have some issues but he is also a teenager. This was harder back then because we were making all the gluten free foods, but now you can buy everything because it is not new anymore. I have also heard of cutting the red dyes out too. Good luck, and go with your gut. What works for one child doesn’t always work for the next.
Following, im going through the same thing with my 8 year old son. I have appointment on Wednesday.
Strayers is a prescribed herbal(nonaddicting) medication my son functions fine on it plus diet watch out as I was told for foods with the red dye in it
My middle son has ADHD. I cut out as many artificial dyes as possible but especially red dye. I also cut out as much refined sugar and processed foods as possible. And find an outlet for the energy. Figure out what he’s interested in and go from there.
1 Like
A healthy, clean diet, and schedule
2 Likes
As an adult who has struggled with ADHD/ADD I struggled in school, and had trouble until I was on medication when I turned 15, then stopped from 16-17.
You could tell when I was wasn’t on my meds because I would start failing classes.
I grew up in a home where “medication wasn’t the answer”.
I was in school activities, did diets, vitamins, etc.
I went 5 years (age 18-23) without medication and struggled with anxiety, depression and just feeling overwhelmed.
Try diet, vitamins, activities, etc and if they aren’t working consider a small dose of medication.
I agree that age 7 is young, and medication dependency is scary, but you need to do what is best for your child over all, even if it means a small dose of meds along with a strict schedule.
Depression, anxiety, etc can all be negatively affected without treatment.
Over all do what’s best for you and your family, and get multiple medical opinions.
2 Likes
They have certain therapies that can help with ADHD. Counseling, diet, & exercise also helps but it’s almost always recommended that medication is part of the treatment plan at least in the beginning. It can be difficult for the skills learned in therapy & counseling to stick without the medication. I completely understand not wanting to have a child on those meds but sometimes it’s the only option. Thankfully there are multiple options for which medication is used & they have non stimulant & stimulant meds.
Encourage finishing projects/ seeing things through to the end. Also try to not be upset when he starts something and doesn’t finish it whether that be sports, hobbies, or games. We thrive on routine so ease him into transitions.
1 Like
When my son was 5 my self and his dad also some family members was pretty sure that he had adhd. He had him in sports and doing other activities hoping to get that energy out before needing to put him on medication. Once it started effecting his school work that’s when he was diagnosed he was 7 also at the time. He takes the lowest dose possible. I hated putting him on meds but the difference was amazing. He’s now the top of his class in math and reading even with the social distancing. The hardest was finding the right medication for him but once we did it’s been great. I would talk to his doctor and tell them your worried about the meds. I hope it goes well for your lil man.
I didn’t medicate my daughter even she was diagnosed at 12. She struggled with paying attention in class and became so anxious about being called on that she started avoiding school. She didn’t tell me what the core issue was until years later.
The medications available don’t have to control them. My daughter takes adderall on school days. It hasn’t brought back her confidence in the classroom but it’s a tiny step in the right direction.
If I could do it over, I would have medicated my daughter.
1 Like
Food allergies can mimic ADHD also.
2 Likes
Sports. Kept my boys busy helped a lot
1 Like
Eliminate red and blue dyes, additives in diet
3 Likes
Small cup of a coffee in the AM. It has opposite effect and tends to mellow down the ADHD
Please do not put ur 7 year old on medication. He will be dependent on them for the rest of his life. I was put on meds when I was 3 and I now can not function without medication. There are other ways to deal with ADHD. My 4 year old has it and I’m like I I refuse to put my son on meds
3 Likes
I tried to keep my son off meds. He is the only one who suffered. He now takes Concerta only on school days and he told me he can tell the difference. He is 14 now. I know you asked non medicated ways to help but I want to tell you if you don’t find what works for her, don’t be afraid of meds. My son also takes meds for seizures. It was hard for me to accept that he needs these medications but he hasn’t had a seizure in over 1 year and a half. Good luck.
3 Likes
Red dye is generally an issue for kids with adhd.
Have you tired chiropractic?
•remove food dyes
•watch the amount I nitrates/nitrites consumed
•limit overstimulation in the home (don’t have tv on and phones ringing or radio playing at the same time)
•limit screen time
•get a chiropractor adjustment
•watch for food allergies (food allergies can present themselves in behavioral ways)
• de clutter play areas, removing excessive toys or toys that have too much stimulation such as noise and lights (we as adults can’t function very well if there’s chaos everywhere)
2 Likes
my brother had very bad adhd. He started medication when he was about 7. It was trial and error. Some meds wouldnt do anything, other made him worse, and others would make him fall asleep. Eventually my mom decided to take him off of meds. She put him in a basketball and a volleyball team. He started to do good in school, his grades went up and his behavior improved greatly. Now he is a sophomore in a private high school back home (PR), for which he got a basketball scholarship. For his senior year he will come to the states to a prep-school for which he also got a scholarship for basketball. He doesn’t take meds nowadays and he is doing great.
I am with you that he is too young to be on meds. There are other behavioral interventions that can be used to help him. I never had that so I didn’t learn how to manage my adhd. Now I have to use meds but Im an adult. I think your son can learn to manage just like my brother did. Stick to your guns, momma. It can be hard, but it will be worth it. Best of luck.
I had two sons diagnosed as adhd one was on Ritalin and the other not but then went off in high school only to be in adderal now as a young man of 30 . He needs it to stay focused
My son was diagnose with adhd and other disorder he was heavy on med until i took him off and let him be a kid in 4th grade he did not know his abc he could not write or read cuz of the med after watching him depress n cry not eat and all i got mad and took his meds off i met a teacher who told me no med i will watch him n teach him before his 4th grade ended he learn everything even one a certificate from the state amd his school he became a example his teacher told me soon as he see him jumping all over he change his activity they get bored now he is 15 n yes still hyper but he only 1 yr behind in school that because he had to repeat 1rst grade i rather have him hyper than a zombie yes he needs to be tell what to do n i tell his school he see a phychistrist he has adhd and that he not the boss get ahead of him first and since then they never have a problem w him
Child therapist/behavioralist is what helped me. I was on Adderall for years, really messed up my brain. My dad put me in the program for counseling when I was 10, really helped. The earlier you can get them in, the better. I do want you to know it gets better, we go on to lead perfectly normal lives. Just have a hard time focusing and sometimes temperament. That’s where the child therapist comes in, teaches your child how to properly regulate their emotions. Also the extra support could boost confidence in school. Xoxo momma
1 Like
Studies have shown omega 3s help and they help my daughter. Also magnesium.
Make some diet changes.
2 Likes
I tried so hard to keep my son from taking meds. I thought he would turn into a zombie. But after having a discussion with his dr, she said it would help give him those 5 seconds to think before he acts.
I regret not putting him on meds before. I did him a disservice by postponing the meds.
Of course, I put him in counseling previously, and they helped him find coping methods, but that only got him so far. Not only did he do better in school with meds, but he made better decisions at home as well. It’s trial and error, always starting with the minimum dose. It’s not based on weight, but their own brain activity.
1 Like
Listen, medication made my life and my child’s life bearable. I think it is always good to avoid meds when and where you can, but quality of life is more important than anything else. If those meds make his life easier, then he needs them. If they only make it easier in school, then only give them on school days with summers and weekends off. If you find lots of physical activity does the trick, great. But don’t deny him something that is a game changer because you don’t like the idea of medication. Don’t knock something until you try it. Let him decide after a month or 3 if it is right for him. You can’t just write something off that could make the difference between him growing up to self medicate or him growing up well adjusted and functional. Keep an open mind and try all roads. Different therapies, different doctors, different meds, then stick with what works and dump what doesn’t. Going heavy on the first med you try is no better than denying meds to a kid that needs them. Find a good balance, work with his doctors and teachers, and do what is best for him first and foremost, regardless of how you feel about it.
1 Like
Swimming is great for focusing and excess energy!!
We took years to decide to put our daughter on medicine for it. She only got it at school. Never even kept any at home. The nurse at school gave it to her. It never had a negative affect on her and she never got it when she was not in school. However, it did absolutely help her while in school.
2 Likes
Some research shows that a protein named casein, that is found in milk can increase symptoms of ADHD and some other foods so just like someone suggested above, to review his diet and make some changes to ease those symptoms hopefully 
1 Like
Look up alternative ways to keep his attention. And monitor his diet. My son and myself are borderline Asperger’s. I took my son off Adderall when he was 11 because of the side affects. And I’ve never been on any medicine. My son was diagnosed at 10 and I was at 37. My son doesn’t eat any sweets because of his diet. He is 21 now and is leading a normal life. I’m been leading a normal life just knew something was always different about me.
1 Like
Martial arts, some form of daily exercise so that he burns off that excess energy.
ADHD is neurological and most people’s feelings about withholding medication is likely based on what OTHER people THINK about it and old stereotypes about medication that have since been improved. It can’t be counseled or dieted away just like cancer and down syndrome can’t. The reason you should put your child on ADHD medication is because THEY will FEEL better! It’s a common misconception that medicating a child with ADHD is for the benefit of the adults around them and that’s simply not true. I put off ADHD meds for my child for a year or two and it was the worst time I’ve ever wasted. My child literally cried once he was on medication and told me how much better he felt and that I should have put him on it sooner. You need to find a great psychiatrist and not just let some general practitioner medicate your kid. Take him to a specialist and best of luck.
47 Likes
My son was diagnosed at 6yrs old. The doctor first wanted me to try the omega 3 supplement along with melatonin for a whole year before he would put him on medication. That didn’t work so his doctor started him on low dose and build up to were he was calm and had control of himself yet functional and not out of it. He was not heavily medicated. He also went through behavioral therapy. And had a sensor room at school where he could go.
I was the same way until he was getting in trouble daily in school. Once I got him on medication, his teacher said he’s a completely different kid. His grades are better and he’s rarely in trouble. He only takes it when he’s in school though, so weekends and school breaks, he’s his normal self
Coffee and any kind of caffeine
1 Like
My son has add/adhd and we avoid any foods with red dye, we can tell a huge difference when he has had red dye and when he hasnt. We do not allow caffeine. If his schedule changes he really struggles. We do not medicate and we have learned a lot of ways to help him along the way.
Im 27 years old with ADHD i was diagnosed at 11. Why it took so long no idea. But i was never put on medicine for it. When my brother was 5 he was on some serious stuff for his and at 5 he told my mom he didnt want to take them anymore because he didn’t like how they made him feel and my mom took him off them. I think he should have been put in some kind of therapy he’s 24 and its very prevalent in him. I think my mom didn’t put me on any because of how my brother reacted. I think if I had been diagnosed earlier I would have been able to learn methods on helping if medicine wasn’t an option. I’ve built my own methods and use them frequently but I’ve always wondered how it would have been different if it was caught sooner or if I was given the chance of medicine. So its always been a weird subject for me but as his parent you know whats best so if you don’t do medicine try therapy at least. Its a very tough subject as every person is built different
What were his signs? I have my son that’s super hyper and would like to know your experience on his symptoms.
1 Like
If your child had diabetes, a heart condition, or any other physical illness, you would treat with medication and not question it. i will never understand the thought process behind refusing to treat issues of the brain (such as ADHD) with medication…
2 Likes
I know it sounds funny but 1/2 cup of coffee it worked for my son calmed him right down
1 Like
Keep them busy busy ! My nephew was adhd my sister refused medicine and 25 years later he is extremely successful
I have recommended a product that is amazing with incredible results. I would love to share it with you if that’s ok. I have 2 adult sons with ADD and they are both on it. PM me if interested. I don’t get on Facebook as much anymore.
Healthy diet and activities plus exercise keep him active but also challenge his mind
Vitamins!!! Make sure he gets full vitamins everyday. Have his vitamins checked to see if hes lacking in anything. Honestly, I see SUCH a difference cognitively whenever my kids are low. Its not a cure for adhd, but the brain runs sooooooo much better when all of its needs are met.
Amazon.com: HERB-E-CONCEPT - LTO3 No Taste with L-Theanine, Omega 3 and Skullcap - Concentration & Focus (90 Caps) : Health & Household this is all natural and it really works.
LOL at people saying lifestyle change. I’ve lived with this my entire life. Yes, avoid medication if you can at such a young age. Magnesium has helped me but patience, research and understanding that there are mental parts of this that require understanding not judgment. I don’t envy anyone with this diagnosis. Especially kids who can’t understand quite yet
1 Like
We do behavioral therapy and it helps a lot
Sign him up for Swim classes and let him lap swim.
I am add and ADHD and two of my kids are as well. We tried medication with my older child and no that didn’t go well. So we started trying different things. We cut sugar during the school week. No caffeine and we play outside as much as possible. Screen time very limited not always though. Truthfully I need a break sometimes.
3 Likes
Surprisingly caffeine helps! My brother has ADHD and his doctor even said that we could try it and it has helped some people. You could also try CBD oil/hemp oil.
3 Likes
My son always wanted coffee. Now he’s 29 and realize it makes him calm.
2 Likes
As silly as it sounds my friend and her son would go out for a run in the morning and give him a caffeinated drink before school.
1 Like
I would recommend changing his diet to a healthy diet and adding in a powder called Calm. It helped my nephew bc my sister was the same way about not medicating my nephew.
Coffee and routines are very important…stay in on a schedule
CBD oil!!! Such a page turner for my 11 yr old sever ADHD, ODD, Mood disorder & congestive disordered stepson!!
1 Like
My daughter has ADHD and I was also against meds. Her grades were bad and she couldn’t remember anything. I put her on her meds and now she’s passing in school and doing so much better. I felt bad for not putting her on it sooner.
1 Like
My son is 7 and a half and he was diagnosed with adhd , odd, and anxiety when he was 5 and a half. I was always very adamant that I did not want to medicate him. I was afraid of side effects and it making him feel like a zombie or taking his appetite away. So I didn’t medicate him. Then when he started first grade he was in trouble all the time because he couldn’t focus. Taking tests were not possible because they take too long and his brain would tell him nope we’re going to do something else. He has an above average IQ for his age as do most children with disorders. He finished kindergarten two months before he was suppose to but because he couldn’t keep calm and focus in first grade it began to negatively effect his grades and that on top of him telling me, “ I guess I’m just a bad kid.” “ I wish I could just be like other kids why can’t I?” That broke me. So I talked with his doctor and to him and I we decided to give some meds a try. I promised him that if it made him feel bad or if it made him not want to eat or even if he just didn’t like it, that I would not force him to take it. We tried it first while he was home and so I could see how he reacted to it. He was calm I checked and asked him constantly how he felt and if he was ok and he said yea. He told me that it felt good to not want to move around and be hyper all the time. He told me thank you for helping him slow down and think. So a week on the meds ( only one chewable before school a day) and he came home in high spirits and actually got good notes sent home from the teachers. He felt so proud of himself and no longer felt like the bad kid. If you do decided to go with meds( it’s totally yours and your child’s decision) then just make sure his doctor picks the right dose and meds for his particular strain. I told mine that I refuse to use ridlin or aderal and she agreed with me. Said that not all adhd requires a stimulant( which those two meds are stimulants) he was prescribed qulichew which is a non stimulant and a very low dose. My son only gets it during the week for school and none on weekends and none for long periods( holidays) out of school.
I had to convince the Dr my daughter needed help. Took me 3 years. Finally… someone listened. Why make them suffer with things they cannot change about themselves. They only grow to hate themselves more and self confidence is hard to build after the Trust from a parent not helping them is worn thin. Take it from me… why put him thru more pain? It could be short term until he learns his own way of controlling or contributing to his behaviour. Help him… you will be happy you did.
Think of it this way… its one pill, short term and it was a complete 180⁰ with my daughter. So worth it!!
We use Vyvanse and it’s a game changer for my son. Hes thriving now. We did a very low dose, so he wouldn’t turn into a “zombie”
I refused Adderall and Riddilin, absolutely refused.
However if your looking at just wanting him to focus and have a solid routine, I’ve heard fidget cubes help
1 Like
Essential oils can also help if you’re hell bent on a natural approach and no medications.
1 Like
Diet can be a factor. Red foods set my son off, tomatoes, apples anything red
I have NY son in ot therapy to help him self regulate and to know when he needs to understand his body.
I have adhd and tbh understanding and learning how to manage emotions and feelings is such a big thing it’s very difficult to understand them and their meanings certain foods can cause hypo outbursts and for concentration I’d say a stress ball with very simple step by step instructions waiting until finished the first task I haven’t been on medication for 7 years now was only diagnosed at 13 I wish I had of been diagnosed earlier so I could learn to control and manage and understand everything and how I learn he’ll have his different ways of learning and retaining things in his mind you’ll find it’s only things he’s very interested in
Cut out Red 40 die or any dies they are horrid
2 Likes
You are really doing him a disservice if he needs medication and you just dont want to put him on it. I am a teacher. I dont believe all students with ADHD need medication but some do, especially if it is interfering with academics and behavior. It is sad watching a child struggle to learn and behave when they truly cannot help it. Just think about him and what is best…take the stereotypes out of it.
10 Likes
I know parents who would allow their children to have a caffeinated soda, daily(1/2 in the morning with breakfast and the other 1/2 with lunch). What this amount of caffeine did for this child was amazing. It is worth trying.
3 Likes
I have a son who is now almost 32 , he had/has ADHD . Is was a vary good child but vary active and impulsive and smart . He was given meds by his doctor due to school related complications. He was a great student but was fast and done ( his work was neat , Correct, and done) faster then the class so he had time to be distracted/ distracting in class . Well the meds made him loss his appetite and he lost weight he could not afford to lose. I felt due to the fact he would listen and had great control at home that I work with school staff to create a signal that represented a pre- discussed expectation so it was like me ( mom) being there when the teacher or yard duty gave him this signal when they saw concerning behavior. It took alot of communication and for me to be able to intervene if necessary with a call from school but it worked like a charm . He excelled at school and knew his mom had his back and his a** if he needed a tune up . We let him play sports and that really helped . I also found that he listen better if he was playing basketball or doing a puzzle instead of trying to make him just sit and listen to me . I made a bargain that if he didn’t get into stuff he could watch a few movies and do puzzles in his room as he never needed much sleep . I tried to give him structure but choice and a clear consequence if he crossed the line . It takes alot of clear communication and follow thu .
Like I found time out didn’t work he just wanted out and would ask repeatedly when , to a point where he was not thinking abt why he was in time out just that he wanted out and I was the one in control ( he hated it ) So I decided to give him control of when he got out by requesting he write a short ( young age ) to a longer ( older age ) story abt what he did and how it could of been better or how it affected others . He could get out when HE was done . He had to age appropriate do a proper job on the paper . So in short lol if you set clear boundaries and consequences with solid follow thu you can skip the meds imo.
Plus if I new then what I know now I would have tried CBD and THCA non psycho treatment as that’s vary helpful to him as a adult.
1 Like
Create a care free and relaxed environment. Chose the correct disciplinary methods (non physical punishments) therapy.
I’ve read stories of parents saying truvision helps their kids. They are natural plant based pills. Gluten free. It can be used as a way to lose weight. To clear your mind, also give you energy no jitters. Definitely something to look into.
My daughter was finally diagnosed at the age of 9.
I am not for or against meds but it’s made a huge difference in her ability to express her self, her feelings and achieve her goals.
When I asked about the severity of it, they told me it was a 12 on a scale of 1-10. I can not express enough the importance of finding a pediatric specialist who listens to YOUR CHILDS feelings and goals. My daughter use to cry so hard because she couldn’t tell me why she couldn’t follow direction. She would ask me, “Mommy why is there so much ugly in me!?” It’s heartbreaking. She told the doctor she liked who she was but just wanted to be good (she has an insanely cool personality). The doctor listened and worked with her in her goals and listed to how her meds made her feel. We ended up with an medication that allows her to use as little as possible, and she is able to still be her, and listen. My doctor is retired now, and we miss her dearly, but she really really made a difference in the whole process.
I say all of that to say this. Regardless of which way you choose to go, meds or wholistic, find a PEDIATRIC specialist who truly LISTENS to your child AND you. Good luck 
My Son was diagnosed with ADHD and ODD. He was on medication from 6yrs to 12yrs. He hated the medication, he said it made him feel bad. Not to mention he wouldn’t put on weight and his growth was slow. I decided to take him off his meds and I put him on CBD. What a difference. He is now 15 and is doing great! Good Luck with your journey. It will be a tough one. I hope you find something that works for your son!
I refused to put our son on medication at first to. We seen a counselor and a therapist. Made food changes, did a different discipline technique but wjen i came done to it. His biggeat issue was focusing in school and it wasn’t fair to him that he could not help not focusing in school. It took us probably 4 differnt medications and trying different dosages to find the right combination for him and now he is happy and triving.
I limited sugar, cut out red dye 40, and gave my daughter a cup of coffee before school. The teachers saw such an improvement, they thought she was medicated. Caffeine actually helped her focus. She was 7 then, now she’s a very well functioning 21 year old adult.
2 Likes
some adhd meds aren’t meant for the body past a certain age.
I was Eleven when the dr told me it was my last year on them. as you get older you’re brain fights off the adhd.
normalizes it so to speak.
just make sure if you choose no meds.
keep her entertained alot! focus her in school a sip of coffee or mountain dew
no red dyes either
If your son was diabetic, would you withhold insulin? Would someone else in your family having it make a difference in your decision?
If your sons leg was not formed correctly, would you withhold a brace?
If your son had any other sort of genetic mutation, disformity, malfunction, disease, condition, etc. would you withhold the sort of medical attention he needed to live a “normal” life?
How is treating your brain any different than your heart or blood or leg?
Do not base your sons needs off of a family members needs. One persons ADHD may not be the same as your sons. There are a lot of different components to it. Why take him to someone to get a diagnosis if you aren’t willing take the treatment?
Maybe you should get a second opinion from a different counselor? Maybe talk to a counselor about your concerns of medication. Perhaps a better understanding ADHD and how the medications work would ease your concerns.
—from a mother of a teenager who suffers from a major anxiety problem which was stemmed from untreated ADHD. Please listen to the medical / psychological professionals. They are professionals for a reason.
Also, if u chose to medicate, talk to your son about how the medication makes him feel, observe his actions and reactions. Take notes. Listen to him. Talk to the prescriber and if they don’t listen to you, find a new one that will! Not all medications are the same, they react differently to different people and doses can be adjusted accordingly also.
It’s a journey, but well worth taking to gain good mental health.
4 Likes
Finding the right balance of caffeine has been very helpful in a lot of my research
A healthy balanced diet and meditation work for my boy. He can still have things like biscuits and muesli bar etc in his lunch but I balance it out with scroggin, with nuts, seeds, dried fruit and bit of choc in it. Also fruit and veges that he actually likes to eat, so that he does actually eat them. If they have a full tummy it will defs help them concentrate. Also talk to his teacher and set up a specific plan with that teacher, where say he gets restless in class, then he can go to the teacher or the teacher sees he is restless and say I think/you need to run around the courtyard or field for 5 mins to exert that energy that has started bouncing around inside him… these things work most of the time for my boy… Goodluck finding the right balance for you and your boy
It took me a few years
Pay attention to the diet and no red food coloring.
I tried medication with my son and the side effects were worse than his behavior issues. I finally just got him into every sport and activity he was interested in. I initially stayed away from sports that encouraged violence like football until he got older and more in control of his emotions. He was in track, wrestling, football, basketball, t-ball and soccer. He stayed with wrestling the longest. It taught him discipline and self control. And if he wasnt keeping his grades up he was disqualified from participating so that motivated him to do better. I think the hardest part with my son was learning how to help him learn. My girls came home and went right to homework. He needed a hour or 2 of outside play to unwind enough to focus.
My son is about to be 10. He was diagnosed adhd about 4 years ago. He also has odd. We tried adhd meds and mood stabilizers. Found out he has a folic acid gene mutation through a gene site test. Switched to a methylfolate supplement and omega 3! He’s thriving now! Doing great in school! He does still have some issues with impulse control. Good luck!
My family was very against labeling me and medicating me. When the Dr would say I had it, my parents thought it was just drs trying to sell medication. I struggled a lot and got in trouble for hyperactivity. As an adult, when I started medication for it I felt calmer and easier to focus. I have 2 college degrees but struggled big time. I always think I could have been so much more had I started on meds earlier in life. There’s such a stigma but if your child truly has it I would say try it and you will see the difference and possible allow them to fulfill their full potential