ADD medication?
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ADD medication?
| Fri, 02-02-2007 - 11:06am |
DD14 was diagnosed with ADD this week. I have wondered for a while, she certainly has all the symptoms. Not finishing, forgetting to turn in, or loosing homework. Difficulty paying attention, disorganized. We tried homework logs but she couldnt keep up with that. Anyway, her therapist recommended medication. It would be nice if there were a magic pill that would make her work to her potential, but I have been researching different meds and I am very concerned about the side effects. Does anybody have any btdt advice? Something needs to change. DD failed the last grading period of biology with a 54, but made an A on her exam. The failing grade was because of missing work. DD is in a magnet school, she is very bright and creative. She seems to learn best in calm environments, like the library or one on one settings. I have arranged tutoring, and thats how she scored straight A's on all of her exams, but she is so disorganized and forgets important things, like turning in work or not loosing jackets. She takes 10 classes at school so this year it is increasing difficult to keep up with, as opposed to elementary school and junior high where I could assist a little more.
DD also has mild depression, according to the school psychologist. Would the medication affect that? Would I be sacrificing her emotional health for good grades? Has anyone tried alternatives to mediacation, maybe vitamins?
DD also has mild depression, according to the school psychologist. Would the medication affect that? Would I be sacrificing her emotional health for good grades? Has anyone tried alternatives to mediacation, maybe vitamins?

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Janet,
This child needs behavior modification techniques written into his IEP - and fast. All suspending him is going to do is make him feel like a failure.
Unfortunately, most school personnel are poorly trained in behavior mod, because they're trained to TEACH - they shouldn't have to control. One of the methods we have employed with my son is the "safe place."
If my son's behavior begins to escalate, he is asked if he wants to go to his "safe place." This year, it's the VP's office. If he leaves without incident, he receives no punishment...although he has to make up whatever work he misses. If he refuses to leave, or if he returns and continues the inappropriate behavior, he receives the same punishment as any other student.
By employing this method, a teacher can sense when he's starting to get out of control...he gets to leave BEFORE things become nasty or violent, and the teacher can regain control of the classroom and teach the other students...everyone wins.
There have been times when teachers refuse to use this approach - claiming it's my son's way of "getting out of class." I remind them it is not their place to question the IEP, but to follow it - an IEP that is approved and sanctioned by THEIR child study team. My very first question when I'm called and told my son has received disciplinary action for his behavior is to ask "did the teacher follow the behavior modification techniques in the IEP?"
Unfortunately, in your case, the mother is not supporting the system either - which means the child is losing valuable education time (and yes, I agree that a one-week suspension for fighting - in second grade - with no weapons - is very extreme). I am in constant contact with the school system regarding my son's behavior, and I am forever thankful and beholden to those teachers who have figured out how to reach him.
I would ask that he be reevaluated and that behavior mod be incorporated into his IEP - sometimes kids (my son is a typical example) are not going to follow rules "because I said so." In J's case, we constantly remind the teachers that engaging in conflict or argument with my son is just what he wants - to remove him from the situation allows them to teach AND him to cool down.
As for zero tolerance, I've seen examples where it works, and examples where it doesn't. Having a black and white "hard and fast" policy usually ends up punishing the students who can't control their behavior - when simple behavior mod would have worked.
And congratulations to you for figuring out how to reach this young boy and helping him to achieve things he didn't think he could achieve - we are lucky to have people like you in our education system.
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http://www.pnhp.org/news/2009/october/meet_the_new_health_.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQTBYQlQ7yM
Part of her problem may be that the expectations of that school are not working well with her abilities. Academically she is fine but the orgnaizational part is hard enough without 10 classes to worry about all at once.
Our high school year is divided into two semesters. The students are allowed to take 4 classes total each semester. For a total of 8 courses per year. The courses last 90 mins each and you get an entire year's worth of material presented in one semester. So at no time does a student have to concern themselves with more than four classes and one or even two of them may be non-cores or electives such as theater, gym, music or art.This is a regular public highschool.
Perhaps taking honors level or advanced courses at a non-magnet school that features a less damanding schedule would help.
Just a thought.
stacy
My dd was diagnosed with ADHD/innattentive at 7, she is 9.(I also have an 18yo, thats why I am here).
If your DD was not diagnosed by a Pediatric Psychiatrist with the proper tests being done, Bloodwork, EKG's EEG;s etc then it may not be adhd.
I would see a psych before trying meds, but Omega's and magnesium have proven effective in treating adhd to some extent. I have alot of info on them, way too much to post here, but if you email me I will send you the links.
edbson1@hotmail.com
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