What factors do parents of ADD / ADHD children consider in regards to medication breaks over the summer?
For many children with ADD / ADHD, medication can make a big difference in school performance. A child’s ability to maintain focus, complete assignments and control their restlessness, hyperactivity or impulsiveness is greatly improved. Once school is out for the summer, though, is it necessary for a child to continue on ADHD medication?
It depends.
According to a 2004 survey conducted by Eli Lilly and Company, approximately half of parents of kids with ADHD said they planned to reduce or discontinue their child’s ADHD medication over the summer, though nearly 80% agreed that their child’s time outside of school is helped by medication. The majority of survey respondents (79%) also agreed that their child’s ADHD treatment makes family time together easier.
Some parents make the decision to give their child a break from medication when their child’s primary issues with ADHD are related to concentration and focus and their symptoms are fairly mild. In other words, they have no other significant behavioral or social issues related to their ADHD, and summer time experiences would be just as positive on or off medication.
On the other hand, for a child who struggles daily with hyperactivity, impulsiveness, distractibility, social relationships, and so on, discontinuing medication may have a negative impact on the summer experience and ultimately on this child’s feelings of self-esteem and confidence.
There are several factors you may want to take into consideration before reducing or eliminating your child’s ADHD medication over the summer.
- Summer days are typically looser and less structured as compared to school days. Children with ADHD need predictability and routines. ADHD symptoms are easier to manage within this structure. If you know that days will be somewhat looser during the summertime, you may want to consider continuing your child on medication to give him additional help in managing the ADHD.
For more information about maintaining routines during the summer, click on Transitioning a Child with ADHD to a Summer Schedule.
- Will your child be enrolled in a summer camp or other summer activities? If your child has trouble staying on task, listening to directions, relating to peers and controlling his body movement, medication may help make this summer social and learning time more positive and productive.
- It is also important to consider whether your child will be supervised by adults who are not as familiar with ADHD and its impact on your child’s behavior. At school, the teacher becomes very familiar with your child. Communication between home and school is generally very good. Behavior modification and accommodations are often second nature to a teacher experienced in working with ADHD students. All these factors are not as likely to be in place within summer activities supervised by an outside adult.
- Summer time is a popular time for family vacations. Would the medication help provide support to your child during these vacations? Would your child and your family’s time together be enhanced?
Above all else, the most important question to ask is:
What would be best for my child? What would make this summer the most positive and enriching time for my child?
Always consult with your child’s doctor before making any changes related to your child’s medication.
Source:
Medical News Today. Parents More Likely To Modify ADHD Medication Over Summer, Despite Results Showing Treatment Helps Beyond School. 10, June 2004.
