ADD, Concerta, and IEP?

[BLBnJVB3]

My DD was just diagnosed with ADD and has been put on Concerta. She starts in the morning. We are to give her the pill at 7am. as to not get in the way of her sleep. Her dr. said it should start to wear off between 3 and 7. He also said it is a pill where a little is released every so often but it should peak around noon (if given at 7). And because of that her eatting may be more affected at lunch. We are to watch her eatting to make sure she doesn't lose too much weight. She only weighs 54lbs. and is 8yrs. She is 48ins.

For those with kids with ADD and/or on Concerta what side effects have you noticed? How long did it take to see an improvement in attention/focus and grades? What things have you done in addition to the meds? For instance, we have the playroom and her room organized (i.e. all cars in 1 bucket, dolls in another, her school clothes in 1 drawer, play clothes in another, etc.). I'm just wondering what else we could do. The teachers have already moved her to the front of class.

Also, my DD already has an IEP for speech. Am I able to have this added to her IEP?

TIA.

[bb1982]

I can't help you with any info in regards to the medicine.

As for the IEP, she can be tested to see if her ADD has any affect on her school performance and if so, in what areas. (i.e. reading, math, etc.) Some children with ADD don't need IEPs because they score well enough on the testing. Not sure how it works at your school, but at my school if a parent talked to the counselor or teacher they can refer her for testing.

[ColCoolPants]

I don't have any advice pertaining to your second paragraph, but your doctor is right about watching what they eat. My brother was on ADD medication when he was younger, and he had to have his meal before taking his medicine. His medicine, however, was not time released so it was easier. I don't know how quickly the medication releases into her system, but I would have her eat breakfast either before taking her pill or around the same time. Have her eat a good breakfast, then give her a hearty snack when she gets home from school. That should replace whatever she isn't getting because her appetite is suppressed during lunch. Also, if she does have a lot of problems with eating, I would switch to something that is not time released. She will have to take a pill while at school, but the nurse can administer it after lunch. Just some thoughts.

[BLBnJVB3]

Thank you.

She has been tested to see what she of 3rd grade at the beginning of the year. They were hoping for 50% from each child. She got a 38%. She is already failing all but 2 classes. Well, the one is writing which is basically spelling. The other is math and she is barely passing. I have to give her teachers the new survey (the dr. wants the teachers, John and I to fill out surveys of how she is doing on meds. vs. off meds.). I'll speak with them about testing her more or if the one they gave her plus her grades will be enough to add more info. to her IEP. She is due for a new one in January, too.

[BLBnJVB3]

Thank you.

Her dr. said to make sure she is getting good sized breakfasts and suppers plus an evening snack to make up for her possible lack of eatting at lunch. He said if we have problems with her weight then he will switch her to something else.

[BLBnJVB3]