My son has been diagnosed with ADHD & ODD for about 6 years now. He is 12 1/2 now. I remember the stressful time when my home was unbearable because of his actions. I can tell you it took about a year before the meds were right and now he does awesome in school. And at home we maybe have a problem with his ODD once a month. Private message me anytime you need to talk. Its hard for the kids to go thru this because when they come down from the ODD behavior they know it was wrong and it's frustrating to them. But it's also hard for us as parents too......I remember crying ALOT and frustrated alot!! I am here if you ever need advice or to vent!! Just know it will get better!!

My DS has Asperger's and ADHD (diagnosed at 5). Strattera was one of the better medications that he tried with the fewest side effects. Adderall made him lose weight to the point that he was not even on the growth chart at the docs office and also gave him Tourette's symptoms (both of which resolved once he was off of it). It was a very dark point in all our lives and my advice to you is to trust your instincts. If you feel that the risks are outweighing the benefits and the docs are just pushing meds, meds, meds, then get another opinion.

The school system is a different story for us. I know that many have had good experiences with the services that are offered, but almost nothing was offered to my child even though I was assured otherwise. The school system talked a good game, but never followed through. Unless you live in a really good school district (and even if you do), you will have to hold them accountable every step of the way. I got so frustrated that I eventually decided to homeschool--at the request of my children, who were also frustrated.

Things get better with age. Although they do not disappear, they become a little more manageable. Wishing the best for you and your family!

Never pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel.
~~Mark Twain

My son was diagnosed when he was about 5 after a couple of years of people insisting that I get him tested. Well, he is now 23. He was on Ritalin and Adderall (not sure on spelling). I took him off his medications when he was in middle school and it was a little rough, but by that time he had managed to get a little of his adhd under control. My son graduated high school went straight into the military and served our country in Iraq. Of course he will always have adhd and at times it is very obvious. But he is now out of the military and holds a really nice paying full time job and will soon be going into management. My point to this is that...as parents the last thing we want is to put our children on any medication especially long term. But you will see the difference in your son. Once he is in school he will be able to focus so much better and as the years go by with the tweaking of the medication and dosage by your doctor he will continue to amaze you. And although he will have this all his life...he will grow into it as I say. They learn to cope with this and go on to become outstanding adults.

Was your son on an IEP or 504 plan? If so he maybe eligible for extra services under the federal IDEA 2004 law.

He was. Even though he had a diagnosis of Asperger's and ADHD, he had his IEP taken away for being "too smart" and testing 3 grades ahead or more on most subjects, regardless of his diagnoses (I wish I knew then that they couldn't do this, but they won't tell you that). I spent the next year calling meetings with the school and the school board, and finally getting the IEP reestablished, but then the same old thing again. They kept trying to treat him "normally" and trying to make him adhere to the "rules" which were not a part of the IEP. Finally, the principal did something that was completely inappropriate (which I will not discuss here) and we were all done--just couldn't keep fighting. Homeschooling was our savior.

Never pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel.
~~Mark Twain

Our daughter has ADD and ODD we have her on Synaptol now and Omega 3 they seem to be helping . Shes 17 and its been rough couple of years dealing with her but my husband and i have decided its not going to break up our family.

I"m soo sorry your son was treated horribly. My younger son was treated badly in middle school. The teacher did something that could have been considered child abuse. After that particular incident I had enough. He ended up in an out of district placement High School.

My son was diagnosed almost two years ago with ADHD, ODD and impulse control disorder in Kindergarten. The school recommended Roger's Memorial Hospital and he was going for halfday treament until they wanted to put him on medicine. They had him in their Hospital twice for a couple of weeks and they ended up making things worse. He was put on meds that made him act different and he picked up bad things from being there. I took him out and sought help from his peds. My son is now a in special ed program at school and things are getting better. My son is on Vyvanse 40mg under his peds doctor. She said this wouldn't have such bad side effects. He has two of the best teachers ever. I am not getting calls to come and get him anymore. It gets better with time and patience. And all while going through all of this a friend of mine kept telling me I needed to get back into the church and she was %100 right. I finally have the peace that only God can give me. The support of my church family is amazing. Hope things get better.

My son is 8 and has ADHD/ODD he was diagnoised at 5 years old. He takes 10 MG of Focalin in a.m. & p.m. at school. I just did a 504 on him today. He goes to a wonderful school with a awesome support team. It also helps that his therapist and the school social worker are best friends. The only thing I don't like is that my son can't take time release meds..His body can't handle them.

My nephew was diagnosed with ADHD and ODD about two years ago (he was 9 at the time). He has been taking Concerta and has been doing fine, of course the dosage has been changed many time and he is now on the highest dosage for his weight. Overall, he is doing very well now and I can't remember the last time I was called to pick him up from school due to behavioral problems or a complete shut down. He is able to focus more now and only has a few behavioral out bursts every now and then. Keep giving him his meds and be as supportive and understanding as you can.