I am now 14 years old and making all A’s and B’s in school. I have my own graphics business and am saving for college. I build websites (normally two at the same time – Ha Ha) and I love tennis.
When I entered 9th grade I was still on the Daytrana patch. I felt like it helped me academically but sort of held me back socially. I wanted to feel myself and was willing to work hard and stay disciplined so that I could do well in school with no medication. My parents agreed to try and we came up with a step by step plan that has worked well so far.
Step One – My grades had to be good. I needed to prove that while on the patch I could maintain A’s and B’s. I was already doing this so it was no problem. If you are making mostly C’s that you should probably stop here.
Step Two – We established a study plan that would help me keep up with my school work and would provide some type of accountability for me. This was basically me making notes in a journal.
Step Three – I had to improve my diet and cut out junk food and sugar. I increased my protein intake and maintain a 2 to 1 protein to carbohydrate balance. In the mornings I drink a smoothie with protein powder, fruit and yogurt. I also will drink some coffee in the morning or some Mountain Dew during the day. The doctor said it will help and it seems to.
Step Four – I got a backup tutor. I meet with an older high school student once a week and go over my classes. She has had the classes and is able to help me keep up. She also makes straight A’s. Tip – get a smart tutor.
Step Five – We check my grades daily on the computer. Our school has up to the minute updates so if I have a poor grade I know about it and can make plans to fix it.
Step Six – We went to the doctor that prescribed the Daytrana for a consulation. We thought he may be against getting off the medication but he was all for it. He said that from 30% to 50% of kids grow out of ADHD as they approach adulthood. He also said that when I get into college I may want to get a refill of Daytrana and use it when necessary.
My day to day routine involves going to school, monitoring my grades, meeting with my tutor once a week and studying. My parents help me whenever a grade gets low. I also lose privileges when any class drops below a B. So far I have always been able to pull my grades back up within a week or so.