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I am the parent of a 7 year old with combination ADHD. I was also the parent who refused to acknowledge that it was a possibility until my son was having difficulty mastering simple tasks like tying his shoes and writing his name.
After extensive testing, it was concluded that I, as a mother of only that ADHD child, has been palyign the role of super-mom! I thought all children were like mine! ;)
We currently have him seeing a behavior therapist one a week to help teach him proper responses to physical cues that come with the out-of-control behaviors. He also takes medication, but it's a low does that we're hoping to keep low by hitting the adhd on both sides.
Something most people think is that adhd can be "cured." BUT...it cannot. Just because one day is great, does not mean your child will not fall to pieces the next. It's an ongoing process that requires advocacy by the parents and patience by eveyrione in contact with you kid! We've had GREAT successes with behavior modification and I always recommend that as a first option for those in the world who are medication-weary.
An hour after my son began his medication, he was able to tie his shoes, write his name, and tell me a thirty minute long story in ONE sitting without suttering throughout it. It was a miracle for me that made me feel guilty for months. I could not believe I had allowed my child to sturggle for so long! I never would have witheld asthma medication!!! This is a medicatl issue, not only a behavioral one.
If you think your child MAY have adhd, talk to your pediatrician. Sometimes there are other things that mimic adhd that are far more important to have diagnosed! It's a few doc's visits and peace of mind one way or another.
I'm not sure the policy around here of providing links in posts, but I will share an invaluable resource that I rely on often.
It's CHADD (Children and Adult with Attention Deficity Hyperactivity Disorder) The National Resoure Center on ADHD is a Chadd program. You can find them at Chadd.org.
They can direct you to eveyrthing from guidelines to diagnosing it, to federal laws regarding your child's educational rights if they have it!
I love my son with his adhd. I couldn't imagine his personality without. He's jsut been accepted into the gifted program at his school, so dont' let anyone ever tell you that adhd and intelligence are exclusive of one another!!! In our home, we embrace both!
Joby
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