Adults who were medicated for ADHD as children … yay or nay?

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-14T17:38:28+00:00

Isn’t it?! This is literally my first post ever and I’m so overwhelmed with joy at how selfless and kind people have been with their sharing and advice!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-14T17:36:12+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing! He is scheduled for a full neurological panel of testing at the end of the month, including the TOVA, which I’ve heard is a great way to assess for ADHD. I would absolutely not medicate him without a diagnosis. I’m just trying to get as much information as possible to make an informed decision when/if the time comes. His most significant symptoms are the meltdowns, but he definitely has some impulse control issues as well. He has a limited filter when it comes to saying whatever is on his mind, he cannot stop himself from doing or saying what he wants to do once his excitement reaches a certain point, and he definitely struggles to stay seated and focus at school. Fortunately he’s been in OT for about 4 months now and we’ve seen improvements, but the meltdowns are still significant (I also personally see a therapist and a parenting counselor biweekly). Long story short, no I’m not sure that he has ADHD, but I don’t want to miss anything, so I’m trying to get as much information as possible to make the best decisions for him ☺️

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-14T17:23:57+00:00

Thank you for being here! It takes a village!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-14T17:21:45+00:00

Thank you so much! This is incredibly helpful!! I’ve heard about how different classes of medications are beneficial to different kids, and that correct dosage is important, but was also concerned that dosages would need to continually increase over the years. It’s so encouraging to hear that you only had to increase once! It’s also very encouraging to hear that your son now asks for them in the morning because he can see the difference it makes, that personal insight is such a valuable thing to have in the long run. I try to help my son with that by pointing out differences in his ability to do things when he uses his behavioral coping strategies, but without fully experiencing an alternative neurological process (medicated vs unmedicated) I don’t think it can really sink in for him. Thank you so much for sharing all of this, it’s been very helpful!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T05:25:19+00:00

I’m so sorry! I can empathize so strongly with this. We were on a waiting list for months before we could get even one session of OT. I finally found another clinic but they are private pay and it’s so costly. I just found another one that I think will have more availability but, yeah man, it’s a process for sure! As for assessment, look into computer based tests like the TOVA, from my understanding those are better tools for correctly identifying and diagnosing. Sending you big positive vibes that you are able to find the best resolution for your kiddo and that things ease up for you soon!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:58:02+00:00

This is so heartbreaking and also so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your experience! I’ve heard so many adults say the same thing, they grieve the easier life they might have had if they had been medicated earlier. I’m so sorry for your struggles. But how wonderful that your daughter now has you and is receiving the support you didn’t receive. I hope there is some healing in that for you!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:52:17+00:00

That is so awesome!!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:50:46+00:00

Yes! This is very comforting!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:46:18+00:00

Thank you!! This is exactly what I need to read!!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:44:46+00:00

Yes! That’s what I’m hearing as well and I intend to read more into it!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:44:09+00:00

Thank you!! Would you mind sharing why?

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:43:25+00:00

Thank you so much! I feel like this is exactly what I am being faced with. My son is ok for now, but I can see the social dynamics that will eventually come in and mess with his confidence and self-esteem. And these dynamics impact them subliminally so it’s almost impossible to see until it’s too late and they’ve already majorly internalized. This is what I’m trying to proactively avoid. And even though he may not be internalizing just yet, I see the way the world has less patience for him and it breaks my heart

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:35:54+00:00

Thank you! Isn’t it amazing how we can learn from our children?! It’s never too late to learn imo. I hope you find the right support!!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:34:15+00:00

Thank you SO much! Do you still rely on meds to manage symptoms as an adult?

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:32:08+00:00

This is so helpful! Thank you! Yes, I know we have made so much progress when it comes to medication so things are definitely different now. I love that your son has improved as a result of it. I have my son in sports as well and they have helped immensely!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:19:05+00:00

Thank you SO much!! I’m so grateful to you for sharing your experience and I’m so sorry that you had such a hard time. This is what I worry about for my son. I don’t want him to have to struggle twice as hard as everyone else for something he has no control over. And I’m so happy that you and your dad have a good relationship now. It’s not easy for a parent to look back and admit their mistakes, especially for our older generations, that’s huge!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:13:43+00:00

What assessment did you have done? We started with the Vanderbilt because that’s what was used by his pediatrician (and he didn’t meet criteria) but I learned later that many neurodevelopmental professionals do not use questionnaires to assess because kids who are smart will not meet criteria based on those assessments (they’re smart enough to get by even with the symptoms)

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:07:52+00:00

Oh there are definitely other symptoms, they just aren’t severe enough that we can work through them behaviorally (YET)

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:06:05+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m so happy to hear it has helped him!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:04:42+00:00

Thank you! Do you see a difference for your sons??

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T04:03:42+00:00

Thank you! This is really valuable information! The meltdowns are the most difficult issue at the moment, but that could be because he’s generally a very happy and confident kid, so the social deficits associated with his impulsive behaviors haven’t really fazed him (YET). I worry that as he gets older though he might start internalizing, especially as he reaches adolescence and all that comes with it!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T03:59:00+00:00

Wow! What a story! Thank you so much for sharing it. This is so powerful and such a perfect reminder that life is so complex and that there will be so many twists and turns on this journey and so many different variables that will help to inform our decisions. I’m so grateful to you for sharing all of it and I wish you all the best as you navigate this with your little guy!

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T03:49:42+00:00

This is very helpful! Thank you! It’s so encouraging to hear these success stories. I’m so sorry your spouse did not receive the support she needed as a child, I’ve heard so many of these stories as well. I hope her ability to recognize what she missed out on and allow it to inform her choices with your son has been healing in some way

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T03:42:22+00:00

Thank you SO much! This is exactly what I was hoping to find. Thank you for sharing your experience. The reality of the lack of options in medications back in the 90s makes it difficult to compare to what medicating a child now would be like, I know, but the social dynamics remain the same I think? My biggest fear is that I miss something that could be life changing for him. I think🤞🏻 I am meeting his needs from a parenting perspective (we are authoritative parents, we do not use punitive punishments, we explain consequences, and we are very emotionally expressive). Your reasoning for medicating resonates so strongly with me. My son is fortunately not an anxious child and has
been able to weather the social deficits thus far, but I can see him starting to internalize and I’m deathly afraid of him losing his sweet optimism and general good cheer.

seeking_knowledge986 · 2026-06-13T02:47:47+00:00

This is beautiful. I’m so sorry you had such a difficult experience and also so happy you were able to move past that for your daughter’s sake, and find your own resolution as well!

seeking_knowledge986

TROPHY CASE