Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi
We are trying to make the decision medicate fully, partly, ad-hoc or not at all.
Our son has ASD with very likely ADHD although not officially diagnosed. He has significant problems with concentration, impulsive behaviour, distraction,hyperactivity which inevitably makes safety difficult, especially in new surroundings on holiday etc and means we just don't do a lot of things which the whole family could enjoy and things he would love to do himself. I anticipate only 50 - 60% of his ability is accessed at school due to concentration probelms.
Our paedatrician has suggested Ritalin and states it is safe and has been proved to be for the last 50 odd years. She has suggested we try it on a trial and low dose. I have heard the odd snippet of info. that is controversial on Ritalin and wondered if anyone has any experience they could share. Side effects, long term, did it affect them later in life, are they still on it years later or did it help them learn strategies to cope with life? So many questions in my head.
It feels such a big responsbility making this decision. We want him to have the best quality of life and educational opportunity he can but do not want to put him at greater risk of potentially more sinister impacts.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks
That is great that he can see the benefit and that the books worked to influence him.
I am swaying as to whether we should give him the medication without him knowing. I am worried if he knows he is taking it and it has a positive effect, when he is older he will go looking for other drugs as a teenager to give a high as he feels it is familiar and "safe". He does have an obessive personality with no regard for health etc. It is possible we would come up against this even if we do not use medication though. Hopefully not, but I think it is best to be prepared and have a contingency plan.
Will he feel strangely different do you think if he did not know?
Have you heard of other parents and children it works for or has not worked for?
Many thanks for sharing your situation, it is such a help.