Emily is a very determined young lady. Last Saturday, the Heatheridge 9th Ward had their 2nd annual Fun Run. The course was only two miles long, but for an 8 year-old with no previous experience, she did very well! She finished the whole course and was far from last. This made her consider the possibility of participating in future events. Go Emily!!

The Decision...

After much thought, soul searching, and prayer, Joel and I decided to give medication a try for Joseph.  We gave him a first dose yesterday  right before church.  After only an hour we knew we had made the right decision.  The part that affected me the most was to have him look me straight in the eyes without that thousand-mile stare.  It seemed like his mind and body were actually in the same place at the same time.

I did a lot of 'homework' and asked a lot of questions before we tried this.  Ritalin is still only in the process of being studied in preschool aged children, so it is considered an off-label Rx for him.  There are potential side effects, too, to watch for, and we are on high alert for those.  But we read the results of a 10 year study done by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) on children with ADHD.  In a nutshell, they did scans of their brains and discovered that those treated with meds actually showed more normal brain tissue development, while the untreated group had less total brain volume, and less white matter.  This study, as well as reassurances from our doctor, helped us decide to try.

Reactions to Joseph's diagnosis

ADHD is a controversial subject, to be sure, but I have been surprised at the strong feelings it has stimulated regarding Joseph.

Funny-- we haven't decided yet whether or not he needs medicine, but we are already in the doghouse on that subject.  There are folks who feel it is abusive to do it under any circumstances, and if there was a scarlet letter, we would already be wearing it.  

I am sympathetic to their feelings, though, because I've had similar feelings in the past.  You can't help but ask a parent (silently to yourself) if they are just having a tough time dealing with a highly energetic kid.  And that is a valid concern, because giving medicine to someone who is too young to choose it is a big deal.

Joseph is highly energetic.  He is also very intelligent.  However, he is four years old now, but still can't ride a tricycle.  He has trouble enunciating words, and still can't totally dress himself.  He has other developmental delays as well, but that would make a really boring post!  If we decide to medicate him, it won't be because we think he's annoying, but because we love him.

It has been, and always will be, about him and his opportunities.