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My 8 year old stepson has ADHD, how can I discipline him the right why?

I am 34 weeks pregnant, I have an 8 year old stepson with ADHD.  He's been a lot to handle and sometimes I break down and cry because he is so hard to handle.  I am an Army wife and my husband is away for training.  I am always stressed out everyday because of his lying, non attentiveness, and disobeying.  It is like he doesn't care that I am pregnant, he still does the things he does.  He is on Concerta once a day but it doesn't seem to work for him.  He received a referral from his teacher and principal this week for leaving his classroom twice ot use the bathroom and lying about it saying it is an emergency.  He also get in trouble for talking in class when he's not supposed to and not turning in his homework when it was due.  I'm at my wits end here.  I don't know what to do anymore?  
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877117 tn?1240428262
it is not his fault my child had ADHD and it is servere... we had to adjust his dose with his meds which he is taking adderrall (?) before he started taking this med he was bouncing off the walls I couldnt take him anywhere it was just awful but now since he has been on this med he is a totally different child.. they really cant help it --my childs doctor said it was like 3 squirrells in my childs head each juggling 3 chainsaws. I know your pregnant and it s alot to deal with but please do research on what is he going through.
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189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
    First, get back to your doctor and tell him that the dosage is not working.  The school referral will back you up.  This is not unusual.  It usually takes a little trial and error to find out what dosage works best for the weight of the child and severity  of the ADHD.
    Second, see if he can get into special education.  It will protect him from teachers and also inform them as to his problems so that he is not dealt with as just a normal trouble making kid.  Also see if the school psyc can give you some tips on dealing with him.  If the principal has been around a while, that also could be a resource.  I am not talking about "drug the kid some more", that's for a doctor to decide.  What I mean is some good behavioral control measures for ADHD kids.
   Third, you need to do some research (can be done on line), so that you understand what you are dealing with.  Once you understand what is going on, then you will find it easier to deal with or to cope with the problem.   You might want to try reading "Driven to Distraction" by Hallowell.
   Finally, please realize, its not that he doesn't care that you are pregnant.  Its just that he acts on his impulses without thinking.  Thats what ADHD does.  You have no filters - no time to decide - should I or shouldn't I.  
   Essentially, there is a lot you can do.  It just takes information and some effort (which will pay off).  Good luck
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189897 tn?1441126518
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