He's just been diagnosed...!

[dontjudgehim]

After 6 months of back and forth to the specialists and varied opinions, my son aged 8 has been diagnosed with ADHD. He was extremely high for impulsiveness and hyperactivity and moderate for his attention. They originally suspected Apergers but have ruled that out.

 

I am writing this purely to share and to let you know that it feels like the world has been lifted of mine and my wifes shoulders. All that time thinking "are we bad parenets?".

 

We now need to think about medication and have been asked to consider using Equasym and start with the smallest dose. Has anyone any experience or tips or advice...? we need to think about him and and not us.

 

oh... and by the way....my boy is perfect and very special.

 

[Mandapanda]

Hi

 

I'm very pleased you have something definite to work with now. I don't know about ADHD, but wish you well for the future.

[JsMum]

Im pleased you have a dx but can I ask what basis did they rule out Aspergers syndrome?

 

Also was he dx at a CAMHS?

 

J started on ADHD meds at 7yrs old but due to Autistic Symptoms worsening and his weight dropped to dangerous low level he had to come off his medication, J may need to go back on meds in the near future and we researched Concerta xl.

 

JsMumxxxxx

 

 

Edited October 20, 2009 by JsMum

[madme]

My son has a dual dx of Adhd and Aspergers. He was dx as ADHD and autistic traits and then aspergers a year or so later. He currently takes concerta. There is a good website called adders.org where you will find lots of advice about adhd and medications and lots of other eally useful things. They have a forum.

It is trial and error as to which one suits. At 8 concerta didnt but does now. At 7 ritalin was the best fit. Good luck.

[Sooze2]

My son also has a dual diagnosis of ADHD and Autism too and he takes concerta xl, he started on the lowest dose - 18mg and it has improved his and our life. He is unrecognisable to what he was in January, the consultant wanted him to go on it when he was diagnosed in September '08 but I said no because I was scared!!!! In February '09 she called me in and said the teachers were finding him hard to manage so told me to give it a go, I was horrified at the thought of putting him "on drugs" but it is the best thing I have ever done. The result is that he is now very happy, talks to other adults and has even stated writing more than a couple of words at school which now that he is 10 is a great relief.

 

You said - it feels like the world has been lifted of mine and my wifes shoulders. All that time thinking "are we bad parenets?". -- I can totally relate to that and the feeling of releif has stayed with me ever since so well done you for doing everything you can to get through it all.

 

 

 

[dontjudgehim]

Thanks for all of the replies!!!

 

jsmum - yes, he was diagnosed at a CAMHS office by a neuro-paediatrician. She said that just based on our screening results and her observations of him at home and school, he does not have Aspergers.

 

The Equasym is the short lasting one to start with. Apparently it lasts for 4 or 5 hours. She metioned a whole load of others but suggested we start with this. I have to say she is very good and caring so happy that he is under her care.

 

Thanks

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[bjkmummy]

my son joe was dx about a month ago - we suspected asd but they dx adhd - he has startd on equasym and it is working very well - it really has made a difference - i was so worried about giving him the drugs but i think it was thebest thing i ever did

[dontjudgehim]

Thanks bjkmummy - its so reassuring to read things like this. My wife and I are also terrified of the big medication step. seems so drastic but if it helps boy wonder then so be it....

 

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[Lindyloo]

DS was first diagnosed with ADHD when he was 4. He has recently had a diagnosis of Aspergers added to that.

 

He has been on Equasym for the last 5 years. It really does make a huge difference to him. As the psychiatrist who initially diagnosed him pointed out, we were medicating to make his life easier NOT ours. I know it is a very difficult decision to make, but it is definitely one we have never regretted. You can really see a difference in him when he has not taken his meds.