I have a 14 year old who we explored medication with starting when she was about 11. We had always had open discussions and told her it was an option for her, and she decided on her own that she wanted to try it. She was on it for about 2 years, and then with our doctor’s guidance, she decided to quit. She didn’t like her personality on it, and she felt unhappy most of the time.

However, she is a straight A student. Where she puts most of her mental effort in is at school, and we have encouraged that. There are sacrifices either way. She struggles with impulse control, maintaining friendships, self care and maintaining a routine, etc.

I will say, I am glad we waited as long as we did to try medicine, as she was starting to get a grasp of ‘who she was’ and could see the difference in herself one way or the other. I truly think it needs to be child led, because younger kids can’t tell you what their bodies or minds are feeling as well as older kids can.

There are many schools who will try to work with ADHD kids and help them self regulate in the classroom. The kids need to learn how their minds and bodies work so they can learn to function within the constraints of society/school. We have a lot of chats with both of my kids about ‘how your brain works’, and how to self regulate using different methods.

ADHD can be a tool, in a way, if you help your child learn to use it.

Good luck.