Should I tell my son he has ADHD?

Question

My son is almost 9 years old. He was diagnosed with ADHD in first grade, he is now going to 4th grade. He is medicated with Strattera. The other day he asked what his pill was for. I've been telling him it's his vitamin. Do you think I should tell him he has ADHD? I'm thinking he might be able to communicate his needs better if he knows he has it.

Answer 1

Absolutely!!!!! It should be in his school records too! Kids with learning disabilities get extra time on special tests, such as achievement tests, ACT exam, all the way through high school. Also, the med is not a quick fix! There are so many different ways of learning that help those with ADD such as sensory learning. My 10 yr. old also has ADD and his medication just helps him focus more, it's not the total answer and once he learns a new way of learning (it might take years), he may not even need the Strattera forever!

Answer 2

Tell him. Its always good to be honest with your children. But, Doctors miss diagnose ADHD quite often because its a convenient way of dealing with a hyper child. I'd get a second and third opinion as to wither or not he really does have ADHD from somebody you trust has your child's best interest in hand. And even if he does, Try to deal with his problem without medication. What did they do with people when you were growing up? This might be an inconvenience to you as a parent dealing with your child's supper outgoing behavior but that is what makes him unique. There is a reason your child was born this way. God, karma, what ever you believe in. Hyper behavior could turn into Hyper compassion for what ever your child my set his mind to in the future. Plus, your child didn't have a choice to get on the medication. I was an extremely hyper child and don't think I would have turned out the same way if my personality was dramatically subdued by the forms of medication out there for ADHD. Einstein was a Hyper child growing up before he came into his own. You never know what this world has in store for your child, don't hold your child back due to behavioral problems. Deal with it. You signed up for this. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

No Way! If you do, please don't fall into the same trap.

My brother in law has been told all his life about his ADHD. It has been more of a tool of self defeat rather than a constructive one. The extra consideration he got due to the disability only festered procrastination and laziness. He's got a pure heart and is a brilliant artist.

The best experience he's ever had in relation to learning was the military. Even though he hated it and it wasn't for him; to this day, he draws upon that mind set when he needs to accomplish a practical task.

Answer 4

I personally think its better that he knows, because that way he can understand more what's going on with his body. Just be careful because he might start using as an excuse as he gets older - "oh I can't do well on tests or homework because I have ADHD" "I can't cooperate with others because I have ADHD" "I can't follow directions because I have ADHD". It is best that he knows, but at the same time it can also be a great excuse maker.

Answer 5

I feel that you should know if your child is able to handle that situation.You wouldn't want your child to feel like their not normal in any way. This sometime affects a child self esteem and we all know the consequences behind that. Hopefully your child can be taken off medications slowly. I know I would want this for my son who is diagnose with ADHD and is 9 years old too.

Answer 6

im 27 now. i have adhd, pretty bad but it was worse when i was younger. i think i was about 9 when i first went on meds for it. i stopped when i graduated high school at 18. shrinks and social workers, i saw them all, and it was always the same story. i was different and needed to change my behavior. i couldn't act normal at school or at home or with my friends. always being told in a round about way that something was wrong with me. well i can tell you now that im grown, im still just as messed up. im not blaming my parents because they did the best that they could and loved me very much. but now my adhd comes out in substance abuse. im all screwed up. to answer your question, no don't tell him that he has a problem, he's not going to communicate his needs any better if you haul him around to specialist and doctors. just talk to him and listen to what he says , really listen. do not judge harshly any wierd behavior.

Answer 7

I think that as a mother you should follow your heart and do what it tells you do. If you feel like your son is mature enough to understand what is going on with his body then I feel as though there is nothing wrong with telling him. If you are unsure of how he will respond or if he will develop a complex by thinking he is "different" I suggest taking him to his family doctor and together you both can explain to him what his condition is. Once he realizes that there is nothing to feel ashamed of or be bashful about I think he will respond just fine. Everyone is unique with different needs and that is why we are all special in our own way. I think you will make the right choice. You know what they say, Mother knows best!!

Answer 8

no because he will use it as an excuse to act up wait until hes older i also have adhd and i used it as an excuse to get out of work all the time my mother always said she wished she would have told me when i was older

Answer 9

Tell him, but don't go into a long, drawn out discussion. If he seems satisfied with the answer "You have adhd" and leaves it at that, leave it at that. :-)

Answer 10

I don't think it will hurt him, he would under stand a little better if he knows why he is a little more hipper or can't seem to constraint in school.