BellaOnline Forums Family Sons B-O-Y or ADD?

Sometimes I have a very hard time with the diagnosis of ADD. In fact, this is a topic that my family is struggling with very personally right now. I have always said that it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between ADD and B-O-Y. I would really love to hear from any of you who have experience with your sons or your friends' sons and ADD. I can't be the only one who struggles with this sometimes hard to understand diagnosis. Is there anyone who is willing to share her expertise?

Laura, My son is now 17 years old. Before he was born, we knew we would have an active child (didn't know gender at the time). We struggled for years with BOY vs ADHD. We fought meds, diagnosis,stereotype, etc. Late into 1st grade, our doctor asked us to please try ritalin. If his hyperactivity increased, it was the wrong thing to do. We tried it and I sat on the living room floor and cried-he was a completely different child. That weekend, on medications, we went to a zoo with a friend. I watched my completely excited son go from display to display in delight! At one point he came running back to me with a bit smile-Mommy I can read the signs! Don't know if this helps you, but it is our experience.

Debbie, that is tremendously helpful to know. I've been conditioned to be so afraid of medication. The few people I've known on Ritalin were in college, and they got off of it as soon as they left home. They couldn't wait. I am sort of floundering sometimes because my son isn't in school (he's homeschooled), so I don't have teacher feedback. I have the feedback of his counselor and pedi only.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer!