One of my friends called me tonight to ask my opinion about medicating her son. No, I’m not a doctor nor do I have any formal training in medicine. What I do have is 24 years of experience; parenting nearly a hundred children with various special needs. I guess you could say that I’ve come full circle. When my 24 year old son was in elementary school I’m ashamed to say that I looked down on people who medicated their children. I thought it was a cop out from involved parenting or from having to discipline your child.

In hindsight I believe he could have benefited from medication for ADD. He had all the classic symptoms which at the time I was blissfully ignorant of. He would finish homework and then loose it and not turn it in. He would forget the books that he needed to do the homework or forget that he even had homework. He struggled with completing projects that he started and avoided things that required prolonged concentration. He is very intelligent; he could study for five minutes right before a test and then get an “A” on it. This is how he managed to pass the classes that he didn’t turn in homework for.

So how do I feel now about medicating children? I believe that medicating a child is preferable to a disrupted placement. I believe that medicating a child is preferable to a child getting yelled at or getting in trouble numerous times throughout a single day. I believe that medicating a child is preferable to a parent not wanting to spend time with a child because of behavior. If the child’s behavior is hindering family and social relationships and outings then it is time to try medication. Start trying before there is a breakdown in the relationship between the child and the parents because it is so difficult to rebuild a broken relationship. Once you’ve gotten to a point where you can’t stand to be around that child it is nearly impossible to get back to a loving, positive relationship. It’s also very difficult for a child to loose that “problem child” stigma which they will earn.

A. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
Inattention
1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
5. Often has trouble organizing activities.
6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
8. Is often easily distracted.
9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

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