Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a subject very close to my heart. My son has been formally diagnosed with this condition and has become the inspiration for this paper. These children have difficulty with schoolwork, chronic academic failure leading to demoralization, and an eventual lack of confidence which can lead to major depression issues. Due to high levels of misdiagnosis and the apprehension by most parents to immediately medicate their children, Medical Professionals have come up with a list of five things to consider when making the determination to use medications as part of a therapy program to manage symptoms of ADHD. These five things include: .
1. Starting with an evaluation by a trusted professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
2. Deciding whether behavioral interventions will suffice? Determining if medications will decrease danger when it comes to a child unintentionally putting themselves in harm's way, and will it benefit the student/child academically, socially, etc.?.
3. Always get accurate information regarding side effects to medications.
4. Don't rush to a decision, and .
5. Know that your decision is reversible.
My son's journey began at a very young age. I, obviously saw him as cute, friendly, and polite, however strangers saw him as impatient, having no impulse control, and always on the move. This shrouded the goodness within and my fear was that people's eye-rolling disapproval would diminish his self-esteem as he got older. People say you shouldn't have to conform or change who you are to lead a good life and to be treated fairly, however, those people don't look into tear filled eyes every night because their child can't turn their ability to focus on and off to complete simple tasks such as homework, chores, or even playtime. As a parent and a strong advocate for encouragement and counseling for kids, especially highly individualized children, I was initially strongly against medicating my child.
