Hi there, welcome to the forums.

Just saw your comment on medication and wanted to comment. I'm 16 years old, and was diagnosed ADHD predominately inattentive only 9 months ago. It has completely changed my life, I still wake up in shock sometimes to think of how much life has changed since being diagnosed and medicated properly.

I've been on the two major stimulant drugs to treat ADHD (Methylphenidate & Amphetamines), had success with both but only use a once-daily Adderall XR (amphetamine) stimulant a day. The medication has changed my life, I can focus in my studies, remember what my boss tells me at work, etc. Stimulants have a huge safety profile if not abused, and really minor side effects to what ADHD symptoms cause.

I just urge you to stay open to it. I had a lady at my church who had a son with ADHD (predominately hyperactive type) and talked to her one day. I asked her if he was taking medication, to which her reply was "No! Never! All the side effects, I've heard kids are like zombies on that stuff!" I then told her I was on a stimulant, and, well, as she could tell not a zombie. I encouraged her to try, and saw her a few weeks later. She told me about how her son can sit down and read books now, and they only got one call from the school compared to one every day.

There is a huge stigma with medication. But, I urge you to be open to it if it can really help your son. Side effects from stimulants are temporary and you can stop the side effects by stopping the drug. Just start the dose low and find the right one from there. That's something you would have to work out with your doctor.

On the other side of the stigma, I see lots of parents who give their kid a pill and that's all they do. Make sure you encourage him lots, and spend time with him to see how he learns. That can make a world of difference. Make sure you also try to implement lots of structure in his life. Structure and rituals is what us with ADD thrive on, but rarely do because we can't focus or remember anything for too long ;-).

Good luck! If you have any more questions, just ask. Wish the best for you and your son!

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