Basically - I am at a loss. For years, I have been told by teachers and doctors that my younger son (15 and in 10th grade) does not have ADD/ADHD. Instead, they said his problems with focus, self-discipline, organization, concentration, etc were due to him being very young for his grade level. Of course, these teachers were all in our overseas schools, so maybe they just weren't as familiar with the issues.
While there has been improvement every year, these basic "skills" just haven't developed. He is easily distracted, makes lots of silly/careless mistakes on tests, insists on frequent "breaks" from doing homework, is constantly losing things, and is always in some sort of panic (usually about 9:45 on a Sunday) because of things that are due on
Monday that he hasn't done. He can't manage to keep track of his assignments (I have purchased every type and variety of planner under the sun to try to find something that he will use), so he is usually panicking and trying to
finish major projects in1-2 nights....instead of the 2 weeks the teacher intended. In spite of all this...he has always managed to make good grades (As and Bs.....with an occasional C thrown in), but now that he is in high school (and some pre-AP classes) it is really starting to be a problem.
I have 2 appts set up this coming week with psychiatrists. I want to see how/if their evaluations and recommendations differ. I also want to see which one he "clicks" with in case we need to do some ongoing counseling. I am not happy about putting him in meds, but if that is what is needed - I'll do it.
So -I'm asking for input from those of you familiar with ADHD kids. What about the drugs that are often prescribed? Do they really work? What about teaching coping strategies along with the meds? Is this something a psychiatrist would do? Or do I need to seek out someone else?
Any help, suggestions, advice, (or sympathy!) would be most appreciated!!!!
