🧹 Tips for Keeping an ADHD Child’s Room Tidy

• 📷 Start by taking a photo– Take a photo of the room you'll be working on. And then in a week or so time, take another photo from the exact same position. Compare the two and highlight everything that hasn't changed, moved or altered. This is everything that isn't necessary or used appropriately in the room. It is clutter, this is what you will be working through and does not contribute to daily life in a positive way.

• 🧩 Tidy by category, not area– Just do clothes first– Then rubbish– Then toys– etc. One thing at a time
  

• 🧺 Put baskets where mess builds up– Laundry piling on the floor? Put a basket there, not where you WANT the basket to be, but where it NEEDS to be– Add a hoop to make it fun.
  

• 🧸 Too many toys? = overwhelm→ Pack some away and rotate them weekly or monthly.
  

• 📦 Limit drawers and surfaces– Less or no drawers. Beds can't have empty space underneath. Less shelves and surfaces = less clutter spots. If there is a surface, it will be filled with clutter. If there is a storage box or draw, it will be filled with clutter. Limit the places for clutter.
  

• 👀 Make everything visible– ADHD brains forget what they can’t see. Avoid deep drawers or under-bed storage. If you can’t see it, it will get messy– Avoid out-of-sight spaces, which means if you stand at the doorway, you should be able to see everything. No hidden nook or corner. Push beds to walls not in the middle of the room is a big one. The other far side becomes the problem area.
  

• 🍽️ No eating in the room (or stay on top of it daily)– Plates pile up fast– ADHD brains lose motivation once the food is eaten.
  

• 🧸 Create simple toy storage→ Use things like Lego mats with drawstrings — but expect to remind kids to use them.
  

• 🍬 Sugar wrappers hidden? Might be self-medicating– Don’t punish– Talk to the paediatrician about possible support
  

• 🔄 Let them organise their way (if it works)– Stuffed clothes in a cubby instead of folding, that’s okay if it works. Make it less overwhelming– Find what works for them, not what looks “perfect”
  

• 📦 Less stuff = less mess– Fewer clothes, toys, surfaces– Store what’s not used often

• 🍬 Sugar wrappers hidden?→ It may be self-medicating. Don’t punish — bring it up with their doctor.

ADHD Medication Shortages: What You Need to Know

Australia is currently experiencing significant and ongoing shortages of several ADHD medications, particularly methylphenidate hydrochloride products such as Concerta, Teva-XR, Ritalin, Artige, and Ritalin LA. These disruptions are having real impacts on children, families, and prescribers across the country.

Why There Is a Shortage

• Global manufacturing issues are the core cause — impacting multiple countries, not just Australia.
  

• Australia is at the end of the global supply chain, importing 90% of its medication but only making up 2% of the global demand — making us more vulnerable.
  

• Increased demand for ADHD medication in recent years, driven by greater awareness and diagnosis rates, is outpacing supply.
  

• Pharmaceutical companies Janssen-Cilag, Teva Pharma, and Novartis have all reported delays or low availability of key ADHD medications.

  
  

  

  
  

How Long We Can Expect to Wait

• Concerta modified-release tablets (18mg, 27mg, 36mg, 54mg) are expected to remain in limited supply until at least the end of May 2025, with some ongoing shortages possibly lasting through to December 2025.
  

• Teva-XR and Ritalin LA are also affected, with no firm resolution dates.
  

• Immediate-release formulations like Ritalin and Artige 10mg are also delayed as of April 2025.
  

  

  
  

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Is There Anything Currently Being Done to Acquire More Stock?

• The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is:

  • Approving overseas-registered versions of Concerta under Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 to ease pressure on supply.

  • Monitoring supply chains and working directly with pharmaceutical companies to manage shortages.
    

• Pharmacists can order overseas alternatives through Medsurge Healthcare (1300 788 261) using existing prescriptions.
  

• These overseas options are not PBS-subsidised, which may result in higher out-of-pocket costs.
  

  

  
  

What We Can Do to Help Us When We Can’t Get the Medication

• Speak with your pharmacist early — they’ll have the most up-to-date info on what's available and how to access alternatives.
  

• If offered an overseas-registered product:

  • Check for any differences (e.g. packaging, pill size, or name).

  • Be aware that costs may be higher, and new prescriptions may be required in some cases.

  • Overseas approval orders information can be found here. https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/section-19a-approvals
    

• Talk to your doctor about:

  • Temporary alternative medications or formulations (e.g. short-acting versions).

  • Adjusting dosages or trialing other stimulant or non-stimulant treatments.
    

• Build a strong relationship with your pharmacy — this helps in managing substitutions and staying informed about stock changes.

  
  

• Speak to your child's school now about the possibility of medication being unavailable and what you can collaborate together to support your child through this time within the school setting. It's better to be prepared, than dealing with it during the chaos.
  

• Remember: ADHD treatment is not just medication. Support strategies like behaviour management, routine building, diet, sleep hygiene, and educational supports are just as important during times of medication disruption. For more information please visit, https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/shortages/information-about-major-medicine-shortages/about-shortage-methylphenidate-hydrochloride-products
  

Is Your ADHD Child Worse in the Afternoons Since Starting Medication? Understanding Medication Rebound

If your child seems worse in the afternoons after starting ADHD medication, they might be experiencing medication rebound. This phenomenon is distinct from withdrawal or comedown and is defined as the re-emerging and worsening of symptoms the medication was used to treat. Let’s dive deeper into what this means and how to manage it.

What Is Medication Rebound?

Medication rebound occurs as the medication wears off and the body returns to its baseline state. A relatable example of rebound is what happens with coffee. As the effects of coffee wear off, you might feel more tired than before you had it to combat your drowsiness. Similarly, as ADHD medication wears off, the symptoms it was managing can come back stronger for a short period.

Here are a few tips for managing medication rebound:

Timing Adjustments: Talk to your child’s doctor about the timing of the medication. Sometimes, adjusting when the medication is taken can help reduce rebound effects.

Dosage Changes: It may be necessary to tweak the dosage. A lower or higher dose, or a different formulation, might provide more consistent symptom management. It's not often individuals fair well on all forms of ADHD medication. For example, Ritalin vs Dex. Concerta vs Vyvanse.

Supplementary Strategies: Combine medication with behavioural strategies and lifestyle changes. This might include structured routines, physical activity, and balanced nutrition.

Afternoon Boosters: In some cases, a small afternoon dose of medication can help smooth out the rebound period or switching to a longer acting medication to reduce that sudden drop experienced from shorter acting forms. It sometimes has an easier return to baseline, sometimes, but not all the time. A Food Booster: Drinks like Up&Go are a great example of a perfect rebound helper. They have protein, which is perfect for the ADHD brain so they may help to produce dopamine. They have sugar, which is a mild stimulant, they have vitamins and minerals, and kid's love them because they're seen as a treat. Always keep stock of something like this as it can also help to carry with you for when you're out.

Conclusion

Medication rebound is a common issue that can make afternoons challenging for children on ADHD medication. By understanding this phenomenon and working with your child’s healthcare provider, you can find ways to manage these effects and ensure a more balanced day for your child.