Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 5/4/2004

Question
My seven year old son was in the last month finally diagnosed as having ADD I have suspected it since he was about three but was reluctent to place him on medication intill he was doing miserably in school. He could not remember most of what he had learned, he couldn't focus and did sloppy work,plus was reading way below his grade level.  He was placed in Adderal XR at 10mg a day and you wouldnt believe the difference doing homework is no longer a nightmare and he is remember things that he is learning.I have a conference with his teacher on Friday to discuss what we are doing with him for next year in the end it will be my decision if he goes on or is held back. I am at a loss I know that he is far behind because of the ADD because he is learning quickly now but it is to late in the year to completely catch up now I was wondering if I should send him on to second grade have him do summer school and maybe a tutor for next year or if it would be better to redo first grade? Logan is a lovely child not a behavior problem at all and makes friends easily but does have problems with low self esteem which his dad and I are constienly working to improve I afraid of what it will do to him if all his friends move on and he stays behind,yet I am afraid he will not be able to catch up in second grade and will fail miserable there too which wouldnt be good for his self esteem either any advice you could give me would be a wonderful help.
TIA
Leah

Answer
On correct  medication he will be more teachable, help him to catch up by doing extra work with him ,but do not over tax him. Judge him only at the end of the year, and not before. Catching up is not enough,he must have caught up to the class level to be promoted. Promoting him before he is ready will be a disaster. Do not consider his class mates, only what is good for your son.You cannot make a mistake by keeping him back, only by promoting him prematurely. If in doubt, keep him back but discuss it with his teacher.