Drugs

Steve had an interesting and all-too-familiar conversation with a co-worker today. The gentleman and he were discussing their sons and attention difficulties. The guy said his teenage son was having trouble paying attention and he suspected ADHD might be a factor. When Steve said his son has the same problem, the colleague said, "But you don't have him on medication," to which Steve replied, "Oh, yes we do."

It is ironic that four years after Ian's diagnosis, the advice a friend gave to him is the same advice he now gives to other fathers who are beginning their journey into the autism spectrum.

If a single pill - or several - could give us back the son we had 7 years ago, we'd do it in a heartbeat. With drugs such as Ritalin, Concerta, and Adderall, we have been able to give Ian - and Ainsley - the ability to focus, to complete important tasks, to learn with less frustration and anxiety. Things make sense, and there is less "noise" in the brain when the right meds are given. Ainsley told me last week that she feels less nervous when she takes her methylin. That alone makes it worthwhile; but I can see the confidence my kids have when the drugs kick in. It's a beautiful thing.

Let me just say to any parent who thinks that putting off medicating your ADHD child is doing him/her a favor - WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING???

If your child had cancer, would you wait and see if he outgrew it? If your daughter breaks her leg playing soccer, are you going to hope it heals on its own? C'mon. ADHD is a neurological disorder for which there is excellent drug therapy. Kids with ADHD don't learn how to focus just because you tell them to. They don't "shape up" because their parents and teachers get tough with them. They don't outgrow it. With the help of medication and some educational strategies, your child can become successful at many of the behaviors that have been elusive. Without it, you are sentencing your child to a lifetime of failure.

The stigma of ADHD and having your child on drugs for it is in your own mind. GET OVER IT!

With that being said, let me confess that I was once in the same boat with the same mindset. A very wise developmental pediatrician helped me to realize that we had nothing to lose and everything to gain for our children.

And now, my currently sleepy children whose medication has left their bodies for the day, need some assistance getting ready for bed. Good night, dear friends. Good luck.