Hi All,
I had the same problem as you guys. My son 6 years old and going to P1 next year. I had brought him to KKH and he just did the IQ test last week at Child Development located at SGH . The test cost me around $600++. I'm not Singaporean, for PR no subsidize. He needs to go another 2 test this month ASD test and OT test. In fact, I suspect my son with ADHD+ASD since he 4 YO. My daughter has mild ASD and been assessed by MOE when she was P2. The school very supportive and they have assigned SPARK sosial worker to monitor my daughter progress. So far my daughter doing well and she can manage with her school work.
Before the report out, the doc suggested my son to go Pathlight or Eden school but both under waiting list for a year. So, after discussed with my hubby we decided to put him at mainstream same school with cece. I had informed the school SPARK dept. that my son had enrolled P1 and asked them for help to look after/monitor my son progress.
I'm still hesitating whether to give him 'drug' Ritalin to control his active behaviour during school time, but I read from internet this drug have many side effect.
"Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used in the treatment of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy (an uncontrollable desire to sleep). When given for attention deficit disorders, Ritalin should be an integral part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies." But this drug commonly used in Sg according to Dr. Loo.
common
Less common
- Chest pain
- fever
- joint pain
- skin rash or hives
Rare
- Black, tarry stools
- blood in the urine or stools
- blurred vision or other changes in vision
- convulsions
- crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
- muscle cramps
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
- uncontrolled vocal outbursts or tics (uncontrolled and repeated body movements)
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Incidence not known
- Confusion
- feeling like surroundings are not real
- depression
- hives or welts
- numbness of the hands
- painful or difficult urination
- pale skin
- paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes
- red, irritated eyes
- red, swollen, or scaly skin
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- severe or sudden headache
- shortness of breath
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- sudden loss of coordination
- sudden slurring of speech
- tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold
- unusual behavior
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- weight loss
- yellow skin or eyes
My son had attended 2.5 years OT therapy at JB coz Sg very costly. I live in JB and moved in to Sg on September 2013. My daughter has travel in & out since P1 - P3 via school bus. She has to wake up at 4.45am everyday and catch up schoold bus at 5.20am. At first, I'm quite worry but no choice we're working parents and can't send her out everyday. I move in to Sg bcoz of my son and I think Sg is safer country for us.
I gave my son Efamol fish oil Omega 3 with high DHA 210mg which I heard can help kids with ADHD & ASD. We have to control them for taking sweet or chocolate, this will make them more active.
Any of you taking Ritalin for your kids? I plan to try out this drug coz my son can't sit still at the class and like to disturb others kids. You can whatsapp me if you want to discuss about our kids condition, I'm willing to share. 94500735. Thank you.