Contrary to my Behavioral Pediatricians recommendation, I do not give my 10 year old son his ADD medication (he is on Focalin XR10mg ) during the summer. He is on a neighborhood swim team and he says the medicine slows him down too much. I mean, what's there to focus on during the summer - TV or video games? He is also more friendly, talkative, and outgoing without the medication. We have to talk more about self control and how to control his impulses but he is old enough now to realize that he can try to control certain aspects of his behavior. I will occasionally give him a short acting Focalin on Sundays to help him make it through Sunday School and worship service. I have also given it to him for day camps such as golf or tennis.

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I do keep my daughter on meds during the summer. She goes to camp and I find that she really neesds the meds to help her with her social interactions and impulsivity.

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I keep my 10 year old son on his Focalin XR 15 mg during the summer and also give him 15 mg of the short acting Ritalin in the late afternoon. He is so much sweeter, calmer, nicer and more helpful on his meds. He is able to concentrate better, nicer to his brother, no huge outbursts or anger. Admittedly, his creative energy is a little diminished and when he was taking an acting class I did let him stop his meds during the class, but for the most part, we are all much happier with him on his meds. He has less side effects on the Focalin than on previous meds Concerta, although the Focalin does make him more anxious. It seems to be a trade off. Good luck as you search for what's best for your child.

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My daughter is 12 and on Daytrana 15mg. We have decided to keep her on the patch over the summer. I try to keep a good part of her day structured. academically she struggles with Math so during the summer I have her work on a computerized math program so she can retain and be on target upon return for school. She also competes gymnatics and this takes focus and discipline. When time is not "structured" video games, riding bikes and swimming fill the rest of the day.The patch and dicipline seem to go hand in hand, it helps her to think before impulse surfaces. Without the patch she bounces from one thing to another without completion, attention is short lived and friends tend to be scarce. The patch helps her socially, academically and with her love of the sport of gymnastics. It is a mutual decision, she is an active part of her treatment.

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This summer, we've switched our 11 year old son from 36 mg of Concerta, to 27 mg. During the school year, he needs 36 mg to stay focus, organized, academically productive and self confident. When school is out (including the school year weekends) 27 mg is enough to keep him "on track". It also increases his appetitie, which was the main reason we switched. I also like the fact that he can take 27 mg later in the am (up until 9 am) and still be able to fall asleep at a reasonable hour. Sometimes I will give 36 mg if I feel the social situation may be overwhelming/overstimulating. For our family, it seems to be a good compromise between no meds and school meds.

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