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.
My son was diagnosed with learning disabilities, ADHD and ODD when he was 11. It was a pretty rough time for him and our family. We went through a lot of therapy, parenting classes, support groups and changing schools over the years following. He is now 18 and will be graduating from a private catholic high school in May. It was not easy, but it was possible. There were a lot of sleepless nights, different tutors, counselors, etc. He is not perfect in any way. He is not medicated (I'm not against medication, we tried it, but it made him even worse). He still has his issues but he has learned how to somewhat manage his time, be somewhat organized, and do things on his own. I would have to write a book to tell you how we did it, but everyone and every situation is different. You just have to find what works for your family. You also need to find a lot of patience and empathy and acceptance. Look for local resources, team up with the school and be prepared to move your child to a different environment if you have to. I am not going to lie, I have held my breath for the last 7 years, especially when it come to school. I had to learn to bite my tongue and really listen and even allow him to make mistakes and suffer natural consequences. We have had two diversions since he was 16, a willful wreckless driving and an MIP but I truly believe he learned a lesson each time and it helps when the consequence comes from anyone but the parents. He will be starting college at the local university in the Fall and is even going to live in the dorms. I have no idea what will happen but we are going to take it one semester at a time and hope he proves himself like he did in high school. I just wanted to give you all some hope and let you know that things can get better with time!
We didnt have the ODD part but both of my kids have some ADHD impairments and a learning disability of some form. It was a lot of work. No meds. Teaching them how to cope with the impairments and giving them strategies to be successful in school and how to work hard!
They are both in university and college My oldest really learned how to work hard and has done extremely well. my younger one is gifted with more ADHD symptoms and he never had to work hard until the later years but his ADHD symptoms impacted him more. More impulsive and has had to learn by his mistakes a lot. Now he is 19 and maturity really helps. He has also done dumb things while driving but nothing major so far! ADHD adults get into 33% more accidents! He is at college now doing his millwright mechanic courses. Even though he is gifted he always hated school and was way more aware of how much harder school was for him from an ADHD point of view.
There is a lot of hope but it takes a lot of work and constant guidance and advocating by the parents and I also had a close relationship with the special ed teams at the schools. They are the best support you can have!