Amanda
I dreaded medicating my kids too. medications scared me, and I thought well gee if I start it now what will the option be later??
Level of functioning decided for me. When N bottomed out I had no choice. And it was what she needed. I'm also lucky because I have a psychiatrist who is careful with medications. N started at very low dosing and 2 yrs later is just now approaching so called "theraputic doses". This was possible because once the right combo was found it did the trick in low doses. No need to up them til it was necessary.
You can discuss all of the pros and cons of medicating with difficult child's psychiatrist or even with the parents here long before you actually make the decision. Which is why this sight can be so helpful.
Does she have an IEP at school? If not it would be a good idea to get one put into place as soon as possible.
Hugs
