We have a daughter, Abigail, aged 8 who stopped breathing when she was born despite the fact that she was delivered at 36.5 weeks. Hyline membrane disease is what they called it. She's been tried and tested for 8 years now and still no-one can tell us what her diagnosis is. Abigail has low muscle tone and because of this tires easily and on top of this has a developmental delay (very broad spectrum). She struggles to cope academically. Currently she attends Eros School in Athlone. She is repeating Gr 1 this year again which wasn't easy but she's realising the benefits. She struggles to concentrate and we have tried every natural product under the sun but nothing works. Now we are retrying her on ritalin which doesn't seem to be making any difference. Abigail doesn't look any different from any other child so its difficult for people to understand her. She's extremely temperamental and very clingy. But we understand her. Once she gets to know you and takes a liking to you, she loves you with her soul. Abigail has taught my husband and I to appreciate the smaller things in life. Her strength and determination is amazing. Her love is pure and unending and for this we are truly grateful. She has brought us so much joy and we would trade all the anxiety or feelings of frustration in the world for what she gives us.

We would be grateful if anyone who has experienced the same or a similar situation can give us some more insight.

regards
Barbara

Is the Ritalin for the concentration concerns? You mentioned low muscle tone, I'd think that this would be more likely the reason for the concentration problems. I assume the low muscle tone is being addressed with OT? Perhaps you can speak to the therapists and teachers involved with your child and see if there is a way to allow her to rest during the school day as this might help with the concentration.

HUGS

I'm a teacher and see SO often how Ritalin is overused and abused. Too often it is seen as the easy answer and actually does nothing. For those children it is truly needed for, it works wonders, but so many are mis-diagnosed. Having gone back into mainstream teaching from special needs, I have more kids on Ritalin this year in mainstream than I did last when majority had some or other form of learning difficulty. And the worst part - teachers 'diagnosing' kids. UGH.