Updated: November 24, 2020
Originally Published: September 5, 2015
Before sharing our family’s journey, I sought my son’s consent to discuss his experiences openly.
The prevalence of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has noticeably increased, influenced by various factors beyond medical diagnoses. Concerns have arisen regarding schools encouraging parents to seek these diagnoses to enhance academic performance. Additionally, some argue that pharmaceutical companies may pressure healthcare providers to prescribe medications to children who display mere impatience or misbehavior.
While diet has been proposed as a potential contributor to ADD/ADHD—often singling out sugar as a primary culprit—research has not consistently supported the idea that dietary factors, such as food additives, significantly impact these conditions. Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that many children genuinely suffer from ADD/ADHD and require medication to effectively manage their symptoms. Unfortunately, parents of children with these disorders frequently face blame and judgment regarding their child’s challenges.
My son, Alex, received his ADD diagnosis at the age of eight after a teacher suggested that he might be exhibiting symptoms of the disorder. Although I initially hoped his inattention stemmed from immaturity, I ultimately accepted the diagnosis. Alex did not exhibit typical behavioral issues; he was not disruptive in class or unruly at home. Instead, he was often fidgety and easily distracted, finding solace only in television or video games—common traits associated with ADD. Despite his intelligence, he struggled academically, falling short of what we, his teachers, and his father and I expected of him. He was placed on a 504 Plan for additional support, but the implementation often faced obstacles due to inconsistency among educators. There were times when I had to advocate vigorously for his needs.
No parent desires to medicate their child, and the decision to start Alex on medication was not taken lightly. However, witnessing the positive impact it had on him was a tremendous relief. Contrary to popular belief, medication was not a miraculous solution that transformed him overnight from a distracted student to an engaged learner. While it provided some assistance, it required years of dedicated parenting and Alex’s own growth for him to align his maturity and self-discipline with his intellectual potential.
Managing Alex’s medication throughout his childhood and teenage years presented challenges, particularly in finding the right dosage. There were occasions when he received too much medication, resulting in lethargy, prompting us to adjust the dosage downward. As he entered adolescence and experienced significant growth, further adjustments were necessary. Unfortunately, during his junior year of high school, we made the grave error of consulting a new psychiatrist, whose misguided decision to reduce his dosage by nearly 80 percent had detrimental effects on both his academic performance and behavior that year. I deeply regret that decision and learned a difficult lesson about trusting one’s instincts.
I am fully confident that Alex was accurately diagnosed with ADD. While his diet was not optimal, and perhaps we could have been more consistent with his routines, it was clear that his medication helped him significantly. The question arose: would it have been better to avoid medication and allow him to remain fidgety and unfocused? Should I have experimented with eliminating sugar, preservatives, and other potential triggers for months to identify the cause of his behavior? Ultimately, we chose not to risk making his life more challenging when we could offer him the chance for improvement. ADD affects more than just behavior and learning; it can significantly impact a child’s quality of life.
In the end, maturity played a pivotal role in Alex’s progress. While some might suggest that patience would have allowed him to outgrow his symptoms, I can attest that at 21, he is preparing to graduate from college and effectively manages his ADD. He recognizes when he needs to take his medication, primarily for academic purposes, and consults a mental health specialist regularly for his prescription. Through utilizing the support systems available at his university, he has developed into a dedicated student. Whether he will continue medication as an adult remains to be seen, and that decision is now his to make.
For those who dismiss ADD/ADHD as nonexistent disorders or attribute them to lazy parenting or poor diet, I pose this question: if your child faced a health issue—like asthma or allergies—would you prefer to medicate them or wait to see if lifestyle changes could resolve the problem? Would you experiment with your child’s well-being while they endure a manageable disorder? We chose not to.
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In summary, my son’s path through ADD has been shaped by a combination of medication, maturity, and support. Each child is unique, and the decision to medicate should be informed, compassionate, and above all, focused on their well-being.