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Today I am writing about what I think is probably the most debated and contentious area of ADHD. I think that the debate is fueled by ignorance and lack of understanding in the public domain. Obviously a great deal of research has gone into medication and ADHD.
Let me begin by saying this.
ALL parents of ADHD children wrestle and wrestle with medication. It is the one of the biggest decisions we have had to make for our sons.
We love our boys with all our hearts and would NEVER ever do something that endangers them.
We have researched and listened to the professionals.
We have prayed and asked for wisdom
and then we have acted.
Our doctor is a top Cape Town Paediatric Neurologist. She knows her stuff.
She asks the right questions. She is totally thorough in her physical. She does not mess about.
If there is a problem, as we had initially with medication, you are in her office at the crack of dawn.
Her trial period is carefully monitored and feedback from the teachers at this point is invaluable.
The way medication works on an ADHD brain is different for each individual. Sometimes it does not work. But when it does, you can see the effects on the child in half an hour.
There are a variety of methalphenidate drugs on the market. The best known one is the brand Ritalin but essentially they are all the same. They just work differently in terms of time delivery.
Ordinary Ritalin is in and out the body without lasting effects. In other words it does not build up in the system and stay there after it has worked through the body.
Let me tell you a little about our experience with Ritalin.
This is essentially a series of post about our children who are ADHD but actually the story of Ritalin begins with my husband who is ADHD. ADHD is strongly genetic. The stats are , if 1 parent is ADHD the chance of having a child on the spectrum is 50%.
My husband was diagnosed as an adult and began using Ritalin as an adult. He can obviously articulate what happens inside his head which was very helpful.
His life changed in so many ways after he was diagnosed and one of the key changes came about through the use of medication. Suddenly his ability to focus on his work increased and so his productivity increased and his self perseption improved. This is a very brief summary of his experience.
When our older son was in grade 1 we began a trial of Ritalin towards the end of the year. He had a darling teacher who actually was free and loose around the edges. A perfect fit for our ADHD boy. I remember the first day he took the drug. I was waiting outside the classroom door . The first thing she saw was my shiny little expectant face.
Her words were...." Like chalk and cheese Caren, Like chalk and cheese."
In other words, there was a profound difference in output behaviour.
This is the concluding sentence to the question on medication.
For us!!!
There is a significant, positive change in all areas of struggle and behavioural output that medication allows the child to experience. He is calmer, happier, less anxious , more tuned in, more focused and more in control. He is less chatty, less busy, less restless and less of everything but in the same way there is much more of him. There is more of my son available for learning and on offer for us.
Are there things I do not like about medication?
The answer is, yes.
I do not like that he does not eat. I do not like that he does not talk as much and is quieter.
If I am honest, I do not like that he has to take it at all but the positive consequences are a great rewrd for him and for us.
It WORKS!!
It does what his brain can not do on its own.
Now that he is older, he is able to articulate the benifits of medication for himself. Studying and homework are the most challenging times because often the drug has lost its effect. Not much studying gets done and lots of tears are shed
On days when he forgets to take it , he is in trouble a whole lot more.
Medication has transformed our lives as a family and our sons life as an individual. It is one of the things that help him to manage himself successfully.
Making the decision to mediacte is entirely personal.
If you are in the situation of having to decide to medicate or not. here are a few hot tips that I learnt and will share with you.
1. do not just google Ritalin . Avoid it at all costs. Ask around for some good and helpful sites. ADDITUDE Magazine is very informative and helpful.
2. find a well known and good specialist doctor to walk this journey with you.
3.read some good books like Dr Green s Understanding ADHD. Your specialist will have a list of helpful books too.
4. attend some talks around ADHD and medication at your local support group and have your questions answered
5. meet up with other parents who are on the same journey
6. take the time you need to make the decision - do not rush
7. Ritalin is in and out of the system so why not run a weeks trial and see. You might only truly know if you try it.
Statisitcs show that children who need ritalin and use it are less likely to fall and become one of the many other statisics that ADHD children land up becomming.
Medication is a help to many children.
Remember that unless you actually have a child on this spectrum you do not really know how difficult life can be and how big a decison this is. Please do not judge us or advise us. Would it not be great if you walked aong side us instead and prayed with us.
I can not tell you how many times a person has lectured me on why they think my child should not be on Ritalin.
The bulgy eyed and frothy mouthed brigade. Those who know very little on this issue but speak a great deal.
Parents who have ADHD children are already under enormous pressure on many fronts. They really would value your help and support rather than you condemnation and critism.
Enough said!
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