The doctor has suggested I put my 10 year old Autistic/ADHD son on Ritalin. Is this a good idea? ?

He is very impulsive and hyperactive to the point that it can be dangerous to him - running off etc. His school (special needs) have suggested before that medicine might help and i can see that something does need to be done.
I am just worried because you read so many horror stories about Ritalin and I don't want him to lose his unique personality. Your advice and thoughts are appreciated.

My son was classified with ADHD @ the age of 5; sounds young but I knew there was s/thing different about my beautiful son way before the diagnosis. Medicating a child is very scary but if you have a doctor you trust & have exhausted all other avenues then take it from someones who's been through this before (my son is now 12+) try it. When he wasn't on the medication we had a very poor quality of life. We both suffered because he just couldn't control himself, it wasn't his fault but unfortunately society sees kids like this as out of control and then they look at the parents as if 'you have no control'. For years I had to seclude him from everyone including family members. After trying different meds & working on the correct dose I have to say we're both very happy. He's more confident, he has the ability to interact with his peers on a positive level & he's not labeled an outcast; no one likes to know their children aren't wanted because of their behavior. Academically it has helped him to remain focused & contrary to what you may have heard the correct medication & correct dosage does not turn your child into a zombie! Sports - I am PROUD to tell you my ADHD child on medication is a superstar & I've seen the difference meds make.Medicating doesn't alter their personality; it allows their true self to shine so I'm happy to tell you my 12 year old still behaves like a 12 year old should...; )

If I can provide some personal insight to s/one & make it a little easier then I'm happy to do so. Pls keep in mind, there are different types of meds for ADHD, don't get discouraged if one doesnt' agree w/him. Mine is on Vyvanse & so far so good.... Report Abuse

He probably is that way because of trauma due to vaccines. They have often been known to cause brain damage that leads to behavioral disorders. The best thing to do is wait it out and don't pour more harmful chemicals into his brain. Most of the Autistic/ADHD symptoms disappear with age and maturity so its just a matter of time. I had a friend who used to take ritalin and I honestly think it really messed up his mind. With short term use the adverse affects aren't obvious. But you have to understand that short term negative effects of many mind altering substances aren't obvious including alcohol, pot, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and crack. I am not trying to be silly here, I am making a very serious point. My friend is now in prison by the way and he along with other people we know agree that his violent tendencies that led to this are largely based on the disconnected emotional states that were bred into him by Ritalin.

Is it possible to talk to him about it? I mean, if he is really miserable with that stuff and there is a medicine that might help calm him down, then you should help him. But if he is happy, and you like him as he is, then it seems like a bad idea to medicate him.

I recognize that he's a kid first, and you have to make the decision. And I really have no idea how well he might be able to consider the issue. But if you are on the fence about it, maybe it's possible to find out how he feels about the issue.

I don't know much about autism but my son is ADHD as well I researched all the meds after changes in lifestyle (no sugars, etc.) didn't help. Ritalin is a last option, the bad side effects far out weigh the good it can do. My son is on Straterra and I highly recommend it to anyone that has a ADHD child. We have seen leaps and bounds of improvement in him. Good luck, keep your head up and God bless you and you son.

Don't, Ritalin is bad for any kid, even if they do have ADHD. They end up becoming too dependant on the drug and they can't concentrate without it.
A lot of people think it's a "smart pill" and they give it to their children, but it only winds up dumbing them down in the end.

do not give your 10 year old child medication. it's normal for a ten year old boy to be hyper, non cooperative, and quite frankly, annoying. my brother is eleven and he is basically insane. the medication will change him. please don't be like every other parent who poisons their children because they think he or she is too hyper.

You can try Ritalin but it may make him worse, Ritalin works very quickly so you can tell in a few days if it is going to help him or not.
Atomoxetine or Reboxetine might be a better choice for an autistic child.

No! The body becomes so use to Ritalin that it stops working. I suggest that you ask your childs doctor about Vivance. It takes about 2-3 weeks before you see improvments

No. It's the easy way out, but not the best for your child. There are behavioral techniques that you should try. Get another opinion.

Do what the doctor says...he's the professional and it will help him with his impulsiveness and hyperactivity.