Dear Dr. Meg,

My son is 9 years old and just ending his year of third grade.  In first grade, we were encouraged by his teacher to have him evaluated for ADHD.  His teacher and I filled out a questionnaire about him. When we finished I turned it in to his pediatrician and since then has prescribed him Vyvanse.  He’s on a small dose that he takes only on school days.

I have been listening to your podcast and reading other books by some of your guest speakers and have taken away that maybe I turned to medication too soon.  What could you recommend my husband and I do?  Should I have him reassessed? Try taking him off meds and try other ways to get him to focus?  He’s not a very hyper child but I do see him lacking attention when it’s needed.  Would love to know other ways to handle ADHD without medication.  

Thank you, Jennifer

Dear Jennifer-

It sounds to me like you have done your homework regarding the evaluation of your son. If the only medical opinion you have had, however, has come from your pediatrician, I do encourage you to go to a psychology specialist in…