Thanks for Med. Advice

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2003
Thanks for Med. Advice
1
Fri, 03-09-2007 - 5:37pm

Many thanks to everyone who posted such thorough advice about the medication issue. We are at least going to go for a consult. I think I am going to at least take my son for a consult.

The reason the psychologist wants us to wait and see, is she doesn't want to medicate "unecessarily". But, my husband and I lean towards testing things out NOW.

I also am going to puuuuusssshhh for LRE with an aide if necessary. It is a bit delicate though, as I am a nontenured teacher in the district. I am not going to let that stop me from advocating for my child, but I also have to be careful.
Chrissy

Avatar for njbeachma
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-22-2003
Sat, 03-10-2007 - 9:48pm

Hi. I'm coming in really late on this but thought I'd share our story. My DS is in Kindergarten this year. He was never on medication and we also tried everything else imaginable to help his anxiety and aggression in school this year. He is mainstreamed in an inclusion class and has an aide for him and two other kids. He was beginning to be anxious and aggressive to me the summer before kindy so I can't blame it totally on the school but mainstream kindy was a tough transition. Lots of sitting still, the other kids were quiet little "angels" and DS just did not fit in. Too much punitive action on their part had me in their office every week.

Anyway, DS's doctor knew my position on medication but suggested something to help his "fight or flight" responses. He takes 1/2 of a Clonidine tablet every night and it has helped him tremendously. In addition to helping him sleep (he would lay away until all hours of the night staring at the ceiling, unable to stop his thoughts). He is much calmer and less impulsive. Overall a much happier child and his self-esteem is so much better. His teachers have also come on board with more positive reinforcement.

Only you know what is right for your child. Just thought I'd share our situation.
Good luck.

Shelley