Top Up.

A couple of days each week Leni does activities like soccer and trampolining after school. Lately I have found it hard to take him because once his medication wears off he can be pretty full on.

The hyperactivity combined with the excitement of doing something fun makes him loud, boisterous and at times annoying, especially if your not use to it.

I will often sit and observe from a distance, praying that he doesn’t upset anyone or get into trouble which has happened on occasion.

One week at trampolining he was so loud that after a while it felt like he was literally yelling in my ear but he was nowhere near me. I could hear the occasional snigger from a parent close by and the urge to turn and defend Leni at times can be so overwhelming. Given the venue is very large and the sound does travel he is often still the only one I can hear.

By the end of a session a few weeks back I could tell he had annoyed a few people including the coach which made me feel horrible. When I tried to talk to Leni about it he just got defensive, which is fair enough given he doesn’t understand why people would be annoyed, no social cues remember? I was determined to try something different the following week but didn’t get a chance because I had to go away so hubby took him instead.

It was no surprise to me but he got into trouble at that session and was sent off the mats for 5 mins for being rude and not listening. It didn’t help that others were egging him on so he played up to that, another thing that unmedicated ADHDers do.

These activities are all done late afternoon early evening when there is no medication on board for Leni at all. I remembered his paediatrician saying a while ago that some kids need a top up just for these types of things and I knew I had some short acting Ritalin from a while ago so decided to give it a go.

I gave him half a tablet when he got home from school before his usual trampolining session and I am pleased to report that he not only listened but I didn’t hear him yelling nor did he get in trouble or annoy anyone. The best part also, was that he was still himself, still happy and full of energy but able to remain focused.

This was a huge win for us and for everyone in his class including his coach. It was also a huge win for Leni because he was able to participate in something without getting in trouble and walk away happy within himself.

I know a few people who will say that I should let Leni be Leni and not worry about what other people think but the reality is without that top up of medication he isn’t learning anything and the goal is to have fun but learn and stay safe at the same time.

There is a fine line here and I don’t want to upset anyone who isn’t medicated but when you become such a distraction to others that no one including you has fun the activity is pointless.

We will continue to use a top up for after school sports because it works and the proof was in the running front somersault he was able to land for the first time in weeks!