12 Year Old Son May Have Adhd.

Hi. I just wanted to let you know that I have adult adhd. I wasn't diagnosed until I was in my mid-twenties. I went throughout my educational career stuggling to make decent grades and this also caused me to have low self-esteem. The teachers just told my mother it was behavorial issues and that I didn't take school seriously. When I was diagnosed and started the medication, Ritalyn at first and then Adderall, it made a huge difference. My concentration got so much better and my self-esteem rose too. Don't give up. It may be awhile to get a diagnoses and get the right medication, but if it is ADHD the medicine will help. If one doesn't work, ask your doctor to switch.

I have a son who is almost 9 and has been struggling with the same issues starting in kindergarten. I have had my son thouroughly tested within the school district. I have had him tested my the special ed department as well as the school psychologist. My advice to you is get him tested for everything, learning disabilities, add/adhd, behavioral, etc. Before any doctor precribes medication be really sure and satisfied with all evaluations. I started my son on medication this past fall and I was totally and completely against it. It took me 2 years to finally break down and do it. I have to tell you that it has made a world of a difference as far as behavior and academics. I too have been divorced for 2 years and I have 2 smaller childen as well. It has been very difficult and I did blame a lot of his actions on divorce. I also would suggest divorce couseling within the school district or anywhere.. it has made a great difference. Also, learn about ADD and read a lot. My pediatrician explained to me that if medications to do not improve his issues that a child does not have true ADD.I too have an ex who is not consistent with anything and it is very hard.Be very involved and ask lots of questions to Dr's and school teachers. Request from his teachers what they think and have evaluated. Be very patient and be very positive when you are dealing with hyperness. Praise him and encourage him, I have found it works better than getting myself frustrated and wound up. Homework was a major major catastrophe at our house, it was so awful that I feared it every night. I almost had to drink a glass of wine before I even thought of bringing up the word. But I changed myself and my attitude and I saw that he settled down. I could not even get him to sit while eating meals. I understand your frustrations and I have sympathy. Make sure you get very extensive evaluations before medicating, I am sure you know there are dangerous side effects. I got lucky and my son is doing well. Good luck!!

This is so hard. I have a son with mild autism and learning disabilities. He is going into the middle school next year. One thing I do know is to get right on an IEP plan to help him. If you take him to a psycholigist they can give you some suggestions then take that to the school and get an IEP for him. My sons psycholigist has been very helpful in planning IEPs. Keep open and often communication with the teachers and pricipals. Once we had our sons meds and IEP put in place it made a night in day difference on his behavior both at home and at school. Good Luck, M.

Hello J.,
I have a 13 yr old son with ADHD. He has a IEP in place at school so to ensure he gets the right help and accomodations with testing etc. Your First step is to take him to a Psychiatrist. They will be the ones to do the diagnosis and be able to provide you with Meds if you chose to use them. Being 12 is hard enough then also having to stay on task and focus. With our insurance Mental Health is separate. Where are you located? I may be able to assist you in where to go. A Psychologist will be able to help him through tough times and with the dx but not to give meds. What you do is put headphones on with loud music and try to read or do a word puzzle. It is the same for ADHD children. They have so much that distracts them , that is where the behavioral problems arise and also your son is going through many other changes right now that are tough. Like Puberty, finding himself etc.

Please email me offlist with your information and I will see what I can do to help you. Also what type of Insurance do you have?

It may very well be that your son has ADHD, but your son may also be struggling with issues that you may be unaware of that are manifesting themselves in his behavior. I would suggest reading "The Mind of Boys" or "The Wonder of Boys" by Michael Gurian. Both of the books give insight into the adolecent male brain. The Minds of Boys is about how to keep boys from falling behind in school.

Hope this helps--- Good Luck