I'd also add an excellent related caution from our psychologist, who provided a tentative diagnosis of ADHD-I (to be formally confirmed only after testing to eliminate CAPD, plus getting LD accommodations in place). She noted that the "pending" status did not mean we couldn't, in the meantime, do a trial run of medication if it seemed appropriate after discussion with our physician. The effect of ADHD meds is pretty immediate, so you can see right away if they are helping, and how much.
BUT - she also pointed out that we are talking about *stimulants* - and almost anyone will be more alert and focused with stimulants. That doesn't mean they are medically necessary for your DCs well-being.
So in our own case, we need to think carefully about what problems are causing DD the greatest distress, and do everything we can to fix those problems. If it becomes clear that focus problems are keeping her from being able to use her accommodations or access her remediation (such as she can't concentrate well enough to get through her remedial reading training), then medication may need to be part of our solution too. Once we have figured out how to clearly define the problem we'd like the meds to fix, we'll be much more able to judge if they are doing what they'd need to do in order for the benefits to justify the risks. Sorry if that sounds preachy - it is not meant to be!
