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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To have told my neighbour that my son has ADHD

32 replies

TheSparklyShoe · 06/01/2026 08:48

Early in 2025 DS was diagnosed with ADHD. I was close to my neighbour at the time and confided in her and gave advice as she was awaiting a diagnosis for her son. Fast forward to the end of 2025 and I’m now separated from my husband and I’m living nearby. MIL has befriended my old neighbour and she recently told ex how she was furious that I told said neighbour about DS diagnosis. She unfortunately would also have told DS how I had been “gossiping/sharing his private information” etc.

Was I unreasonable? I’m a mum to two SN kids and mums/parents do connect with each other and offer support and advice. I was not being malicious.

Also ex said his mum is now “incandescent with rage” due to something else I told the neighbour. I haven’t spoken to her in 8 months! Unfortunately she will then tell ex and DS how terrible I am.

AIBU?

OP posts:
crackofdoom · 06/01/2026 08:56

I suppose it depends whether you see neurodiversity as a Dark Stain upon the Family Honour or not...Obviously to your ex MIL, ADHD is an intensely shameful condition that should never be mentioned 🙄

landslide51 · 06/01/2026 08:56

Your MIL sounds batshit.

Hufflebuffs · 06/01/2026 08:54

How old is your child? If your child is an actual child then YANBU.

WarmGreyHare · 06/01/2026 08:52

How old is your DS?
If a small child then yanbu. If he was older as in preteen/teen then I wouldn't share that kind of personal information with anyone he knew or might meet.

grinchmcgrinchface · 06/01/2026 08:51

Its adhd, not something embarrassing like a std! Your ex mother in law is being ridiculous i would cut her off you have no need to have any contact with her now.

soupyspoon · 06/01/2026 08:51

I think its difficult to strike the right balance between oversharing and talking to people with shared experiences for support, which is obviously needed

I think people seem to think they need to disclose all parts of their lives all the time, its not necessary but you spoke to her in confidence because you had a shared situation

Hopefully the person isnt gossiping but you did the right thing at the time for you and your circumstances.

frozendaisy · 06/01/2026 08:50

Oh let them get on with it
you can talk to who you see fit as you need support as well

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