Parents of Children with ADHD Support Group
This community is designed as an open forum where the parents and guardians of children with ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) can give and receive support, as well as discuss ideas, techniques, concerns, surprises, and challenges they may face with their children.
Hi everyone,
I am new here, and just wanted to introduce myself.
I am a single mother of a 9 year old son who was diagnosed with ADHD in May of last year. Most of last year consisted of going through psycho-educational testing, and the testing for ADHD, and I've since gotten an IEP in place for him in school. His biggest difficulties are in class, focusing, remaining in his seat, forgetting his work, staying on task, etc. Most days he gets very little done in school. The IEP is focusing on reward systems and positive reinforcement, which have been somewhat helpful, but not enough, and my son is really struggling.
I have decided to try medication, which was always viewed as a 'last resort', but I can't bear to see my boy struggle anymore. He really hates school, and his teachers don't really understand what it is like for him. We have a trial of Biphentin which we will be starting following a check with his pediatrician.
Being a single mom and not really having anyone close to me to lean on, and most importantly, anyone who understands what I am going through, I think I have a lot to gain by coming here and sharing experiences. I look forward to getting to know everyone!
I am new here, and just wanted to introduce myself.
I am a single mother of a 9 year old son who was diagnosed with ADHD in May of last year. Most of last year consisted of going through psycho-educational testing, and the testing for ADHD, and I've since gotten an IEP in place for him in school. His biggest difficulties are in class, focusing, remaining in his seat, forgetting his work, staying on task, etc. Most days he gets very little done in school. The IEP is focusing on reward systems and positive reinforcement, which have been somewhat helpful, but not enough, and my son is really struggling.
I have decided to try medication, which was always viewed as a 'last resort', but I can't bear to see my boy struggle anymore. He really hates school, and his teachers don't really understand what it is like for him. We have a trial of Biphentin which we will be starting following a check with his pediatrician.
Being a single mom and not really having anyone close to me to lean on, and most importantly, anyone who understands what I am going through, I think I have a lot to gain by coming here and sharing experiences. I look forward to getting to know everyone!
Please don't feel like medication is a last resort! I am a huge proponent of medication, as I have ADHD myself, but mostly, because I am sick of the stigma associated with any illness that does NOT have measurable and definable results on some lab test. Believe me, soon they will be able to do that. Until then, I like to use the analogy of childhood diabetes. I got endless flack from all our relatives about medicating my ADHD son. Yet, if he had diabetes, or cancer, or even for his allergies, they would likely report me to social services for refusing to medicate him. WE are their mothers, and WE are doing everything we can for our children.
My son is 6. He hates school. We have tried tons of things so far, and the school wants us to try something else. They don't think the meds. are working; yet, they have never seen him off of the meds. Compounding the problem is the fact that my son's father lost his job last week, and I lost my job back in Nov. So, no health insurance.
Please feel free to chat anytime. I know too well the daily battles, frustrations, heart-breaks, etc. It is a roller coaster! I am surprised that your son wasn't ID'd until age 9. My son's pediatrician warned that he would most likely need treatment for ADHD before he was 2 year old. But, I already new that!
***HUGS*** Warm wishes & Hope to you & your son!!!
I totally agree that if it's something that will help, then I will try it. I've tried to look at this the same way you did, Shhhhhh, and I wouldn't hesitate for a moment if he had diabetes or another illness. I think I am just afraid of the side effects etc.. and once I can get over that, I'll be okay.
In essence, I can't watch him struggle in school and come home sad and stressed out(my son hates school too, and it breaks my heart). I was hoping and praying that the modifications and accommodations in school would be enough to help him, but they aren't, and that's why I need to take this to the next level.
It's also VERY comforting to know that you've both had positive experiences with the meds.. thanks so much for sharing your stories. :)
It's tough and I wish you the best of luck.