"My" ADHD story actually started when my son was diagnosed in 2003.

On his last day of kindergarten we moved from WV (where he had been born and raised) to Greensboro, NC. He had struggled the entire year. He had virtually no attention span. He could not stay 'on task' for more than a couple of minutes. Sitting still and quiet was a physical impossibility for him. Focusing on his schoolwork was next to impossible as well.

Soon after arriving in NC, I discussed my concerns with my son's new pediatrician. He was a seasoned physician who knew his "stuff." He validated my concerns right away. We immediately began testing for ADHD.

I completed the mounds of paperwork necessary to access his condition at home. We then mailed his kindergarten teacher (in WV) papers as well. Soon thereafter, the doctor positively diagnosed my son with ADHD. He discussed treatment options with my husband and I and we chose to treat our son's condition with medication. We saw an immediate change in our son's behavior. After five or six days of medication our son was happier, much more attentive and better able to control his emotions. He has been on medication ever since.

We have had to make medication adjustments over the past five years, but that is a very small price to pay for our son's happiness and well being.

He has taken Focalin to control his ADHD symptoms since July 2005. I am happy to report that it is still effectively controlling his ADHD. He has virtually no side effects from it either. No loss of appetite, insomnia, upset stomach...nothing. He still eats like a horse and grows an inch every night, or so it seems.

We have also chosen not to take "medication breaks" during the summer months. We feel it is in our son's best interest to be the best person he can be every day of the year.