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.

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CAWriterMom 06/27/2011

Our son's therapist recommended "Buzz: A Year of Paying Attention" and it really is a great book! I'm only about 1/4 of the way through at this point, but can relate to so much of what she shares about life with ADHD. It's written by a journalist whose son has ADHD and ODD. She herself has ADHD. It talks a lot so far about the history of the condition, treatment options and her daily life experiences with her son.

I'm telling all my friends with kids with ADHD to give the book a read. I'm really enjoying it so far.

deleted_user 06/28/2011

Hi there.
Thanks for posting this. I have been wanting to find a book I can read on the subject so I will look for it. Hope your vacation went well!

CAWriterMom 06/28/2011

Thanks! Our Disneyland/Legoland trip went great. Our son did well on the low dosage of Concerta with all of the walking, although we had to bump up the dosage when we got home. It really, really helped to have a medical pass with the lines. Instead of waiting 2 hours to get on Star Tours, the boys waited 2 minutes. Found the one plus to ADHD: the Disney medical pass. It was awesome.

deleted_user 06/28/2011

Oh wow. That is great.If I may ask, how do you get that pass? We are planning to go in July and yes lines are not our little girls friend. :) I am so glad it worked out for yu.

CAWriterMom 06/28/2011

Ask the doctor to write a note on the health group letterhead. Ours just said that our son has ADHD and that waiting in line can bring out extreme behavior problems and asked Disneyland to give him special accommodations for his disability during his visit to minimize waiting in line. We took the letter first-thing to Guest Services and they read the note and approved the pass. I wasn't sure if they'd take ADHD seriously, but they did. I was ready to cite the Americans with Disabilities Act, but it just didn't come to that.

The pass is good for the number of people in your group, so everyone gets to go in the fast line. When you get to a ride, just look for the line with the wheelchair sign (which is sometimes the exit) or ask the Disney employee at the ride entrance where to go with a medical pass and they'll point you to the special entrance. Not all rides have the special line, but most do.

lizmom 06/29/2011

Oh my ghosh that is so cool about disneyland I will defentily have to ask going in aug. I just love the way we share info here it is so helpful.Lizmom

deleted_user 06/30/2011

I see you mentioned legoland. Did it work for that location as well. We are planning a trip there in a couple of weeks. Thanks.

CAWriterMom 06/30/2011

We didn't pursue a medical pass at Legoland because it wasn't that crowded when we were there (June is overcast and cool, so it's not peak season for them in that area yet). The lines weren't bad. I never noticed any special disability lines there, so I am assuming they don't have the passes. However, it's worth a look on their website to see if they have them since you'll be going during a much busier time.

deleted_user 07/04/2011

I am reading the book you suggested, and am finding it the most helpful read I have encountered thus far during my ADHD education. The most important piece is that it has improved my patience with my son during tough moments. Thank you for suggesting it! s

CAWriterMom 07/04/2011

You're welcome! It really was a great book. I finished that one in less than a week. I really liked that she gave an honest look at ADHD, with parenting mistakes and anguish.

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