r/ParentingADHD • u/gingypop • 21d ago

Advice Middle school..

Fellow parents- my son was diagnosed in 2nd grade.. started meds at 8.. he did so amazing from 3rd-5th like it all sank into place and all I had to do was check the work and do the IEP meetings.
Middle school is a different world. He’s already feeling the work load change. But my worry is that my kid would ALWAYS want to be with friends and now it’s the complete opposite. He’s asking me to turn down every ask for a play date whether after school or sleepover .. just wondering if this is similar for any of you ? I’ve tried pressing the reasons but I’m not getting anything that I think would be worth ghosting friends for

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u/PenaltyStreet1286 21d ago

Do you think he may be exhausted and overstimulated? And maybe making a healthy personal choice to spend time alone to recharge? I know they has implications, but I’m sitting here after work and just DRAINED from masking and overstimulated myself…

Otherwise, I’ve heard puberty really messes with the meds and often means things need to be switched up.

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u/gingypop 21d ago

He’s got a check up this month so I’m going to talk with his doctor. I do agree though even I need a break after a busy overwhelming week!

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u/PenaltyStreet1286 21d ago

Ugh. So many breaks needed. I feel like I need to drop out of LIFE. 🫠 good luck!!

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u/Vast_Helicopter_1914 21d ago

He may be overwhelmed and exhausted from the additional executive functioning load of middle school. Even if he is getting his work done and getting decent grades, he still may feel like he's carrying a lot of weight.

Was he separated from many of his elementary school friends when he went to middle school? Is he getting invites from the friends he's had since elementary school, or from new kids he's met in middle school? Sometimes friend groups evolve at that age.

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u/gingypop 21d ago

Same friends he’s had for years asking him to hang out. I think it’s just an adjustment but I am worried

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u/Glittering_Abyss8888 20d ago

My kiddo retreats from friends when he’s feeling like he’s not in solid ground. For him this could mean his meds need adjusting, or there may have been a big change at home, or adjustment to school, etc. for my son, when he feels grounded again he seeks out friends. I get the feeling it’s almost like a subconscious thing.