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The diagnosis rates for Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) have been steadily increasing, often influenced by factors unrelated to health. Many parents have reported feeling pressured by schools to pursue these diagnoses to boost academic performance metrics. Additionally, there are claims that pharmaceutical companies are encouraging doctors to prescribe ADD/ADHD medications to children who may simply be exhibiting normal childhood behavior.
Diet has also been posited as a potential contributor to ADD/ADHD, with sugar often cited as a primary offender. However, studies have debunked the notion that food additives and sugar are significant culprits in the way many believe. While these factors may hold some truth in certain cases, they do not negate the reality that many children genuinely suffer from ADD/ADHD and require medication for effective management. Unfortunately, parents of these children frequently face blame and criticism for their kids’ learning challenges.
My son was diagnosed at the age of 8, following a suggestion from his teacher that he might have ADD. While his father and I had hoped that his difficulties with focus were simply due to immaturity, we were not entirely surprised by the diagnosis. He wasn’t a disruptive child in the traditional sense; he didn’t cause chaos in class or at home. However, he was prone to fidgeting and distraction, finding calm only in front of a screen—whether it was the TV, a computer, or eventually video games, a common trait among children with ADD. His academic performance was not reflective of his intelligence, prompting the implementation of a 504 Plan to provide him with the additional support he needed. Implementing this plan was often challenging, as not all teachers adhered to it, leading me to advocate fiercely for my son’s needs.
No parent wants to resort to medication for their child, and the choice to medicate our son was not made lightly. Yet, witnessing the positive impact it had on him brought us immense relief. Contrary to popular belief, medication didn’t magically transform him from a distracted student into a focused achiever. While it provided some assistance, it took years of dedicated parenting and his own personal growth before he could align his maturity and self-motivation with his intellectual potential, with or without medication.
Managing the right dosage of his medication was an ongoing challenge throughout his childhood and teenage years. At times, he received too much, leaving him in a zombie-like state, prompting us to reduce it. As he entered adolescence and experienced significant growth, adjustments were necessary once again. A crucial mistake during his junior year of high school involved a new psychiatrist (who came highly recommended) who drastically reduced his dosage by nearly 80%. This decision led to a sharp decline in both his grades and behavior, a regret I carry with me. Why didn’t we correct it sooner? We simply didn’t trust our instincts, a tough lesson learned.
I am confident that my son’s ADD diagnosis was accurate. Was his diet flawless? No. Did we maintain as much structure as he might have needed? Possibly not. But his demeanor noticeably improved with medication. Would it have been wise to forgo medication and allow him to remain fidgety and unfocused? Should I have experimented with eliminating sugar, preservatives, junk food, and screen time over months or years to uncover the root of his behavior or ADD? We decided against wasting precious time improving his life by risking it getting worse.
For a child with ADD, it transcends mere behavioral or academic challenges; it impacts their entire life. In the end, what mattered most for my son was maturing. While some may argue, “With a little patience, he would have outgrown it,” they’re mistaken. At 21 and about to graduate from college, he effectively manages his ADD, recognizing when to take his medication (primarily for school) and when it’s okay to skip it. He visits a mental health professional monthly for his prescription, rather than relying on a general practitioner, and has become a diligent student who utilizes his university’s support systems to thrive. Whether he will continue using medication as an adult remains uncertain, but now that decision lies with him.
To those who dismiss ADD/ADHD as non-existent disorders, attributing them to lazy parenting, undisciplined children, or even external factors like fast food or video games, I ask: What would you choose if your child faced a health issue—perhaps asthma or allergies—and had the option to medicate or wait for dietary or behavioral changes to take effect? Wouldn’t you want to give them the best chance at success, health, and happiness? We didn’t want to gamble with our child’s well-being while navigating a treatable disorder.
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Summary
: This post shares the personal journey of a mother navigating her son’s ADD diagnosis and the decision to medicate. It emphasizes the complexities involved in managing ADD, the importance of maturity, and the challenges of finding the right treatment. The author highlights the necessity of giving children the best possible chance for success and happiness, countering common misconceptions about ADD/ADHD.
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