Putting your son on meds, is by no means taking the easy way out, don't let people infer that and don't believe it, only you and you alone can make this decision, you are the only one who know's your child,do what you think is best for him, and rest easy knowing you have his best interest at heart.

I can only go by my nephew's experience, who has ADD, but only diagnosed at 14, he had meds for a few years, and they really did help him, especially with his concentration levels at school, as i said before he is an adult now, and has a degree, and is a really good guy,a valuable member of society.

Good luck.,and remember feel ok about your decision.