[tjsjohanna]

We adopted A & H two years ago (ages 3 1/2 & 4 1/2 at placement). Both were in family therapy at the time and A was on a blood pressure medication often prescribed for young children with anxiety and aggression. At that time he was diagnosed PTSD and the therapist thought he might have sensory integration issues. Within six months of placement, A discontinued medication. He was evaluated for speech and sensory integration and started therapy for both. Within a few months the OT was discontinued because the therapist concluded he did not have sensory integration issues. He concluded speech therapy within six months with definite improvement in speech, although there are still gaps in his language ability. Last December we took A to a family therapist because of his behavior issues - lack of impulse control, tantrums, control battles in our home. We mostly decided to do this because we wanted to make sure that if he had needs that we weren't addressing, we could get him help. The therapist concluded we were doing the right things, parenting-wise, but did suggest an evaluation for depression, which we did. The doctor quickly concluded ADD and prescribed Strattera, which we finally decided to try. It has helped in school, and probably a little at home. The thing is, I'm not convinced he has ADD and I think the doctor hasn't taken into consideration his experiences with losing his birth parents and being in foster care. She also hasn't considered any learning disabilities (there are symptoms of auditory processing disorder). I should probably find another doctor, but I'm not confident that I won't just get another diagnosis based on that doctor's prejudices. (H's vision therapist did an evaluation on A and concluded he would be helped by vision therapy, even though he scored on age level in their testing). Has anyone else had experience dealing with this? A has mild ADD symptoms. His behavior is best described as average for a 2 or 3 year old in terms of impulse control, battling for control, ability to empathize with others. He does a lot of things a small child does, like writing on the wall, cutting clothes with scissors, breaking things like a little child will do because they can't see the outcome of their actions. This seems different to me that typical ADD. Any thoughts would be helpful for me. I just don't want to keep dragging him to doctors if there isn't a clear advantage to him.

[hotspice58]

I have 2 boys on meds. L, 8, started on Ritalin; developed a psychosis; was med free for a month; then put on Strattera, which has worked wonders. He still needs help but the Strattera has helped him focus. P, my 11 yo, is on Adderal and Lexapro. Bio dad sexually abused him; he acted out and was sent to a group home for 3 years. He was diagnosed with depression (birth mom suffers from that), PTSD and ADHD. I would love for them both to come off their meds at some point. But let me say this: most, if not all, foster kids are diagnosed as PTSD, ADD, ADHD, OPP. Alot of their behaviors stem from attachment and loss at being in foster care. Should they all be on meds? Not sure. Should they be able to come off? Hopefully. HTH