My son has ADHD and has been on meds since he was 7; he is now 16. He was never a behavior problem. That wasn't why we decided to try medications. It is a misperception that all kids with ADHD are behavior problems. Without medication, he literally paces from room to room like a trapped animal. He hates that. It really is anxiety-making for him. On medication the pacing goes away and he is a much happier camper. Without medication he is unable to attend to conversations, activities, and of course, school work. If there is a lawnmower running outside the classroom, he is unable to focus on whatever task is at hand inside the classroom. On medication, he is able to carry on a conversation and keep track of what is being said. His is able to read a book and actually learn and retain information. He has severe fine motor deficits. One of the really interesting positive results of medication is that his ability to write semi-legibly is greatly improved. His growth has definitely not been stunted. He is over 6 feet tall.

He receives special education services as a student with ADHD. His doctor made recommendations for accommodations that help compensate for the attention issues that get in the way at school. The school very willingly accepted those recommendations and has been excellent in working with him.

Some kids truly do have severe issues that are greatly improved with the aid of medications. Of course medication is not the only intervention to use, but it often works extremely well when coupled with direction and training. I would hate to think where he would be now if all these years he had been without the medication that has allowed him to attend to the world around him.