Note: I obtained my son’s consent before sharing our story.
The prevalence of Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) diagnoses has been increasing, often attributed to various non-medical factors. Many parents have shared experiences of schools encouraging assessments to boost their performance metrics. Others argue that pharmaceutical companies are pushing for widespread prescriptions, often for children who may simply be restless or misbehaving.
Dietary influences have also been proposed as potential triggers for ADD/ADHD, with sugar frequently cited. However, research has not conclusively linked food additives and sugar to the issues that many parents worry about. While these factors may apply in certain instances, they do not negate the reality that some children genuinely require medication to manage their ADD/ADHD symptoms. Unfortunately, parents of these children often face blame and scrutiny regarding their child’s challenges.
My son received his ADD diagnosis at the age of 8 after a teacher suggested it. Though my husband and I had hoped his lack of focus was merely due to immaturity, the diagnosis didn’t come as a surprise. He wasn’t a typical classroom disruptor; rather, he was a distracted and fidgety child who found calm only while watching television or playing video games—a common behavior among children with ADD. Despite his intelligence, his academic performance fell short of expectations. To support him, he was placed on a 504 Plan, but enforcing it proved difficult, as some educators overlooked it. There were moments when I had to advocate fiercely for my son’s needs.
No parent relishes the idea of medicating their child. The choice to begin medication for our son was not made lightly, but seeing the positive impact it had on him was a relief. Contrary to misconceptions, the medication was not a miraculous solution. It aided him somewhat, but it took years of dedicated parenting and his own growth for him to bridge the gap between his maturity and intellectual potential.
Managing his medication throughout his childhood and teenage years was a continuous challenge. There were times his dosage was too high, leaving him lethargic, requiring us to reduce it. As he entered adolescence and experienced significant growth spurts, we faced further adjustments. A particularly regrettable decision occurred during his junior year of high school when we consulted a new psychiatrist, who drastically decreased his dosage by almost 80 percent. This change negatively impacted his grades and behavior, and I’ll always regret not trusting my instincts sooner.
I have no doubt that my son was accurately diagnosed with ADD. Was his diet ideal? Not at all. Were we as consistent as we should have been? Possibly not. However, it was evident that medication helped him find a sense of calm and focus that he struggled to achieve otherwise. Would it have been wiser to forego medication in favor of trialing dietary changes or behavioral modifications? We felt it was better to act decisively to improve his quality of life rather than risk prolonging his struggles.
The most significant factor in my son’s progress has been his maturity. Some may argue that patience would have allowed him to outgrow his ADD, but that’s not the case. Now, at 21 and nearing graduation from college, he effectively manages his ADD and knows when to take his medication—primarily for academic purposes. He consults a mental health professional for his prescriptions, rather than a general practitioner as many do. He has utilized the support systems at his university to thrive academically. Whether he will continue to need medication as an adult remains to be seen, and the choice is now his.
To those who dismiss ADD/ADHD as non-existent disorders, attributing them to lazy parenting or undisciplined children, I pose this question: if your child faced a health issue like asthma or allergies, would you opt for medication or experiment with dietary changes? Wouldn’t you want to ensure your child has the best chance at a healthy, fulfilling life? We didn’t want to gamble with our son’s well-being while waiting to see if alternative approaches would yield results.
In summary, our journey with our son’s ADD has been complex, filled with challenges and triumphs. As he matures, he has gained the skills to manage his condition, making choices that support his success. Through it all, we learned the importance of trusting our instincts and prioritizing his well-being.
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