Just curious to see peoples responses...parents along with coaches. I haven't seen anyone post anything on this, so figured I would put it out there. My DD has ADD...we have her on medication to help control it; in regards to school and grades, it has made a HUGE difference since we started 4yrs ago. When she was 9/10 for rec softball it made a huge difference in her game play. She was in it totally, and helped her a lot. Last year we started playing travel softball....though I do believe it still helps her for some things, at the travel level I'm not so sure it allows her to execute like she can. I understand how the meds work for someone who has ADD...its a amphetamine...speed. For someone with ADD though, it actually has the opposite effect...it slows everything down for them and allows them to digest. As I'm sure all of you know, by 12u travel things start to pick up. I think the meds are actually starting to slow her down now...as far as the travel goes. Mostly at 9/10 yrs old, slowing the game down was helpful for her, but the girls are getting faster and stronger now and I don't think she's keeping up with the speed of the game while on the meds. Though she sees and hears everything the coach says, I think the thought process takes too long. We have talked to her Dr. briefly about this, but he doesn't seem to think it should be an issue. Sorry, but just looking at him, I'm not convinced he's ever been involved in athletics beyond maybe some rec sport when young. Though we do value his opinion on her meds and issue, I'm just not convinced from an athletic standpoint that he may be the best option. We have sent her out somewhat recently without meds, and with a half dose to see if it has any effect. Though I believe her game play was improved, other issues arose....like not checking coach or missing signs, which in my opinion negates anything she was able to do on the field without the meds. My question I guess, is what to do?? Looking for some experienced opinions here...have you gone thru this yourself with your own DD? Have you noticed this yourself?? Do the meds slow them down? Have you coached kids like this? What did you do? What worked for you? Btw-since my DD is a bit embarrassed by her condition now, it has never been talked about openly with the coach. She feels they will think she's dumb, so doesn't want it discussed.
Thanks-
Thanks-
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