Yes, it has been a while.  We (and by *we* I mean *I*) have been overwhelmed with trying to keep on top of all the new occurrances with respect to my son's diagnoses.  Since I have last posted we have had several therapist appointments (with a mental health worker who is acutally a social worker...but I won't *go there* today on that one), a meeting with the child psychiatrist and a brush with child welfare based on a comment my son randomly shared about an event that occured over 5 years ago regarding my husbands drinking (that was dealt with immediately - hence the 5 YEARS AGO - lol).  Thankfully the complaint didn't go anywhere  - it seems child welfare brushed off the therapist citing that child welfare complaints had to indicate the child was in danger ... uhh .... NOW. lol.  But anyway, back on topic.

My son (who, in case I didn't yet mention in an earlier post) has been diagnosed with ADHD and Aspergers Syndrome.   The psychiatrist also noted at this last appointment that he has a sleep disorder (won't/can't sleep).  So he is now on Melatonin - which helps sporadically - and today is his first day on ADHD meds so I have started to keep a med  log to monitor his progress (or lack therof) and any possible med related complications.

So far, here is where we are at with his new regimen.

DAY ONE:  10mg Dexadrine (dextroamphetamine) taken orally first thing in morning.

Positives Results: 

• eyes not darting around the room when he speaks...maintains eye contact.

• walking (vs running and/or stomping) up and down the stairs.

• interruptions are now related to the topic he is working on (homeschooling) rather than random bits of information that serve only to confuse...lol

• carries entire train of thought from start to finish when speaking.

• NO MELTDOWNS!!! Pleasant to speak to and is dealing a bit better with frustration.

• overall he is MUCH more calm.
  

Behaviours That Have Not Changed:

• so far, still can't sit in one place for very long. 

• still pacing frequently (note to self - is this more an Asperger's thing?).

Negative Side Effects:

• None so far.  Expected side effects were lack of appetite.  He has had breakfast, and 2 snacks since he took his capsule 4 hours ago and is now starting on lunch. He also is not reporting any of the side effects I have read about from other ADHD teens/pre-teens such as fogginess or halucinations.  

Then again, this is only day one.


Tune in next time to see where this goes from here.

:-)