aidel -“He was taken to a professional who diagnosed him. He said he’s only a 3 on a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the worst).”
What is the occupation & degree of the professional?
Name the scale.
I posted this in a previous topic on ADHD and I feel I should repeat it here:
“In my medical opinion and I think Aries once posted this -what your saying could be true. A lot of Mechanchim don’t know how to teach or discipline. Anything they can’t handle is labeled ADD or ADHD. They force the parent either to get the kid treated or he/she has to leave the school. The Parent comes crying to the Pediatrician and he/she puts the kid on meds to save the kid from being expelled.
Now, in spite of this, there is a disorder called ADD/ADHD. If s/o thinks or the school thinks that the kid has this -the kid should be tested by a professional usually a social worker or psychologist. If the kid is diagnosed with this disorder, then and only then, should the kid be medicated. Stop being so scared of the schools -do what’s right for your kid. If the kid needs meds -give it to him/her. If the kid doesn’t need meds -don’t be bullied into getting the kid meds because the school doesn’t know anything about Chinuch!”
“The parents chose not to go with the medication, but are considering all options at this point.”
This is a common error. If the kid does have ADD/ADHD he probably will need meds. The sooner -the better.
“My questions to the CR are:
1) Anyone know anyone who takes Concerta? Has it helped? Side-effects? Etc…”
All meds have side effects. Look it up online to find them.
Also, all these Meds work, but some work better for others than others. In other words, it’s always a trial & error. Sorry, it’s not a perfect world.
“2) Anyone know anyone who takes the alternative items available instead of the meds (omega 3 etc)? Have they worked?”
If the kid truly has ADD/ADHD, these things hardly ever work.
“Then parents are trying to keep him off the meds as long as possible since the side effects are not great.”
The kid needs to be tested by a professional who specializes in this, unless he was already. Then the next step is therapy. If the therapy isn’t working -then you’ll need to add Meds. This decision will have to be made together with the therapist.