My 9-Year-Old Daughter’s Life Changed Completely After 4 Days on ADHD Meds

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Millions of people live with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, more commonly referred to as ADHD. Both adults and children alike can have a difficult time focusing and often use medication to help make concentrating a bit easier. A TikTok mom who posts as @thisisharlie recently put her daughter on ADHD meds, and the transition has been positively incredible. The meds made such a change that Harlie worried whether it’s normal.

She posted some samples of her 9-year-old daughter’s drawings before medication, and they looked like typical child doodles. But after four days on meds, the little girl’s focus and neatness have improved so dramatically that her mom can hardly believe it.

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Being neat was a struggle for Harlie’s daughter.

@thisisharlie Has anyone had this happen to them or their kids? Like why did my daughter’s drawings change this much after adhd meds? #adhdtiktok #adhdmedication #adhdartist #neurodivergent #neurospicy ♬ original sound - Harlie

In her viral video, which has 1.1 million views, she explained that her daughter used to have messy handwriting and equally chaotic doodles. But after four days on a low dose of ADHD meds, things changed in a big way. “I need to show you something that has been just been absolutely crazy,” Harlie said before showing her followers the before and after work.

Her daughter went from disastrous doodles to advanced-looking art.

When she saw how her daughter’s work changed, Harlie said, “My jaw dropped.”

 

She now draws anime-stye characters that look incredibly sharp. “Her doodle, to this?” Harlie said. “A switch flipped in her brain. You don’t just go from like that to this. Is this normal?” she asked.

TikTokers reassured Harlie that her daughter’s artwork is perfectly normal.

A follower wrote, “Yes, it is normal. You’re likely to notice improved handwriting on the medication as well. My son’s ADHD meds masked his dysgraphia for 3+ years.”

 

Next, a professional chimed in. “Art therapist here! It appears as though her drawings look more organized because her brain is able to actually focus. The flower drawing appears indicative of overstimulation from external sources.”

 

Another expert wrote, “Neuroscientist (with ADHD) here! She can focus now. Less ‘noise’ in her brain is translating to less ‘noise’ on the page.”

Harlie’s video gave people hope.

@thisisharlie Replying to @Steakies she has lots of color in her art still! 🙂 #adhdtiktok #adhomedication #adhdartist #neurodivergent #neurospicy ♬ original sound - Harlie

“As someone who was late diagnosed that mourns my loss of potential, it makes me SOOO happy to see parents get their child the resources they need to succeed,” someone else wrote.

 

This person agreed, writing, “Grew up thinking I was lazy/mediocre w/ no quantifiable talent/ability. Diagnosed at 26 & realize I’m highly intelligent/talented. Still grieving my past. Thank u for equipping her to be her best self.”

 

“As an elementary teacher, I wish I could show this to all the parents who don’t realize how meds can truly make their kids shine,” a teacher chimed in.