I'm 15 and I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was about 12 or 13. I did very bad in school when I was in sixth grade, (I wasn't diagnosed with ADHD yet) and I had to go to summer school, I finally got medicine for my ADHD in seventh grade, then in eigth grade I finally pulled everything together and started doing better because I my mom got me in special ed. finally even though I should have been in teacher consultent. I'm a freshman in High School now (9th grade) and i'm finally doing so good this year, i'm getting all A's and B's and all of my teachers like me. My question is what am I going to do later though when I go to college? What should I do since there won't be the teacher consultent there? And also, am I going to have to take this medicine for my whole life even when I have a job? because I don't want to take this medicine for my whole life.
2006-12-02 17:42:42 · 7 answers · asked by marah 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
First of all Good for you! I have been there and done that. I am 24 and a college graduate, I was diagnosed with ADHD and a learning disability I was a Little younger than you I was in 3rd grade. I found out when I got to college it was still difficult but was much much easier. Where as in High school you have to worry about 7 classes a day, in college you have to worry 6 classes throughout the week. Which makes things much easier. The classes you take are things that are in your major plus core classes(that everyone has to take) so hopefully you like your major and you will enjoy your classes. I also used the vocational rehab center in my state and they can get you free tutoring through your college and that is a BIG BIG help. I majored in Parks and Recreation Management and it is something that I love and I find it much easier than something that doesn't keep my attention so it is very important that you find something that can keep your attention. Also most colleges have a program to help people like us and you will have faculty that will help you with classes and shceduling and testing and all kinds of stuff. I personally haven't taken medicine since I was about 16 and that just depends on you and your doctors but you may not have to. Lots of people have to take meds all their life and it can me something that you will just get used to. Good Luck and you will be great! WHATEVER YOU DO DON'T EVER EVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT YOU CAN'T ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS BECAUSE YOU CAN.
2006-12-03 15:01:03 · answer #1 · answered by seeotterdee 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Taking medicine will help later on down the road but you may not need it, as you may have learned to cope with it by then.
As for college, you may not have a teacher consultant, but you will still do fine especially with you doing as well as you are doing in school.
In college you will find that most of the Teachers there are willing to help you out!
So don't worry you will be able to make it through life one way or another you will be fine.
2006-12-03 06:45:33 · answer #2 · answered by dragonbloodus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have ADHD and found that medications were too strong for me. I now live on daily doses of caffeine, which help me just fine. But don't be ashamed of taking medications if they'll help you out. Better that than getting fired for jobs due to your ADHD. As for college, many colleges offer different types of assistance, like tutors. Also, many teachers will type up their class notes/lectures for you to study later with someone else.
2006-12-03 13:20:50 · answer #3 · answered by J-Dawn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many colleges will have a person in charge of services for students with disabilities. The college I went to had an office for students with disabilities where students could go (with proof of their disability) and request some of the same accommodations and modifications they got in high school--note takers, extended testing time, separate test area, etc. The best advice I can give you is to be your own advocate--if you are having trouble, don't be afraid to ask for help!
Good luck!
2006-12-05 14:12:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no shame in taking a medication that helps you in life. And as you know ADHD doesn't mean you are retarded or simple. I take Strattera for my ADHD and so far have been functioning pretty well. I wish you the best in your life endeavors. Don't worry so much about your medication unless it suddenly stops "helping" you which, if that happens, you should be able to get a different, better prescription.
2006-12-03 01:56:24 · answer #5 · answered by Maggie 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It might be helpful to see out an Occupational Therapist who specializes in sensory integration. If you haven't heard of it, it might sound a bit witch doctorish but for people who need it, it really does work. It often helps people with ADHD.
Check out the web site below and share it with your mom. It can explain sensory processing much better than I can here.
Good luck with everything. Living with ADHD can be a huge challange but with your initiative, you'll be just fine.
2006-12-03 20:24:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
suck it up and learn to be an adult! face it life isn't easy
2006-12-04 00:26:22 · answer #7 · answered by Joseph R 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋