Q
How can I help my child with ADHD? He is nine years old and out of control.
A
There are lots of resources these days to help parents of ADHD children. CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder) has a wonderful website at www.chadd.org where you'll find fact sheets, help on accommodations, and contact information for local CHADD chapters and upcoming conferences. Your son's teacher and school counselor can also give you information and help you set up a positive behavior plan that can improve things at school and at home.
Your pediatrician can be a terrific resource. Talk with him or her about the possibility of medication for your son. If he is already on medication, the doctor may need to be adjust the dosage or try a different medication. If you have not been willing to try medication, your pediatrician can help you understand the benefits and possible side effects so that you can judge whether you want to try it or not.