In my experience, it is a wise thing to get to know your
doctor/psychiatrist that prescribes the medicine. By giving him/her
the most accurate and detailed information you can, he/she should be
able to lead you down the correct prescription path. In my opinion,
don't be afraid to try stimulant drugs. My two boys, now 15 and 11
were diagnosed when each was around 6 or 7 years old. They started
out on low doses of Ritalin. They have tried Concerta and are now on
Adderall. They have never developed any "tics" and I don't believe
that this makes them more likely to try drugs. Both of them hate to
swallow pills. While I realize that not all stimulant drugs work for
every child, my sons have been lucky to have found what works for
them.
My next advice is to read everything that you can get your hands on.
One book that I have recommended over and over again was "Driven To
Distraction". It really helps put things into laymen's terms and get
things in perspective.
My oldest son, also played sports and really loves to play football
and wrestle. While these sports allow him to exert all that excess
energy, it also makes his blood pump more, which can be a drawback in
ADHD kids. Hence the reason some doctors say keep the sugar away
from them. It just doesn't help matters.
Also you could talk to his teacher about putting him in a different
area of the classroom. My middle son, does extremely well when he
has to face the teacher and everyone else is behind him. This also
makes it easy for the teacher to see when he's turned around.
And last of all, remember something that I heard a when my kids were
first diagnosed. "You are your child's best advocate." No one knows
your child better than you do, because no one spends as much time
with your child as you do.
Hope this "book" helps! LOL
Mel M.

--- In ADD_ADHD_Online_Support_Group@yahoogroups.com, momx4boys21
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
>
> my son Josh is 8 years old. He has adhd. He seems to be active in
> sports. He plays on a elite baseball,plays football at the y and
> Football as well. The coaches love him. He is so agressive and
> plays with heart. My concern is school, he seems to be up out of
his
> seat alot, and can't focus. Last week he was so mad at another
> student for getting his pants wet, that he choked him. I don't
know
> how to help. We tried Strateria, but his mood swings were so bad,
> that he wanted to quit all sports. That is so unlike him. I don't
> know where to start.