Best advice I can give you is to learn as much as you can about the diagnosis and the drugs. That's what we did with our (then) 4-yr.-old son when confronted with this 10+ years ago. The bottom line here is that the long-term impact of Ritalin on the brain is totally unknown. That's why, after 50 years on the market, the PDR still clearly states this fact. Any physician who tells you that they know Ritalin is safe is not telling you the truth. That's NOT what the PDR says.
An objective analysis of the ADHD diagnosis may cause you to question a lot of what you're being told.
DO NOT let school-based psychologists get involved in diagnosing your son. That mistake cost us years of grief.
10 years ago, we elected not to drug our son and to keep him in the public schools. It's been a long process, painful at times, but we've never regretted it. He's 15 now, an honor student and on his way hopefully to a happy and productive life. My wife and I are proud of him. We're proud of us, too.
Resource on Ritalin safety and side effects: Psychostimulants in the treatment of children diagnosed with ADHD: Risks and mechanism of action
I noticed this in my situation immediate. One of the happiest days of my life was when our WITCH finally retired when he entered 4th grade. Was a very happy day for me : )) We had to deal with this woman for 2 long years and if she was qualified in her field she wouldnt be in some small school district.
If I'm not mistaken I believe schools get a kickback on every kid they enter into a Ritalin program.....wouldn't be surprised if the same goes for any doctor suggesting a new patient.