<p>I have two kids with adhd. one needed medication, one did not and never has used it. daughter in college has inattentive add and uses vyvanse as needed these days, started medication and a 504 plan in middle school, and it helped immeasurably both academically and socially. She still has accommodations in college, (please no flaming) which she only uses when she needs them ie. extra time on tests. Alternately my son 15, diagnosed in kindergarten, has not ever needed medication, but he has known and accepted his “turbo charged brain” since he was little. He understands how his brain works differently, in some ways better than a non add brain, ie. highly creative, fast to grasp ideas, yet can miss instructions, be impulsive etc. He realizes that he needs additional skills and understanding to work around. He had a 504 in elementary school primarily for teachers to recognize and redirect behavior which worked, he no longer needs the 504. I think it may be helpful for your son to see the strengths of add, and not see it as a “disorder”. Read Hallowell’s books on adhd, he’s a brilliant psychiatrist with adhd and he has excellent recommendations for talking with kids and helping them understand what it means to have adhd and develop acceptance of their differences.</p>