Tell me about your kids with ADHD

[MBailey99]

My son likely has ADHD. My dad has it, my brother has it, my uncle has it. He's only 4 and not in school yet so haven't talked to anyone there about it, but his nursery sendco has suggested it and so has his other nursery, as well as a couple of close friends. I've been doing some reading and listening to audio books about how to manage his behaviour, however everything I seem ro read talks about how kids with adhd feel left behind, often do poorly in school, struggle to make friends etc.

I would really appreciate some positive stories, as my son is incredibly bright and lovely, yet I'm worried for him.

Would anyone be kind enough to share?

I'm also struggling to get my head round the massive increase in diagnosis recently and the negatives that come with that. I feel like people see it as a bit of a joke and it is becoming more stigmatised, or people think it is an excuse for poor parenting/diet etc

Bump

Hi OP, I have DS diagnosed age 7. He also very likely has DCD (dyspraxia).

He’s consistently had low level bad behaviour at pre school and school, things like refusal to do what he was asked if he didn’t want to (come inside from playing, switch from playing to maths etc), answering back/defiance, interrupting, not being able to sit still and quietly to listen.

He is a sweet boy, but has needed careful handling. I found ages 3 and 6 the hardest, but since we’ve embraced his condition and parent him as if he has it, it’s helped hugely - or he’s just matured as well. He’s done much better at school with some adjustments like movement breaks, being allowed to fidget. He’s constant in school though, always on to the next thing. He’s like this a lot but at home he luckily still loves to play and will quite happily amuse himself with his Lego most of the time. He is like a dog though and needs a lot of exercise! Sleeps well, always has.

He’s great! We adore him. He’s harder work than many 7 year olds I’m sure, but he’s all we know as he’s our first. He has a small group of good friends - likely ADHD/ASD for most of them so a slightly quirky bunch. He makes new short term friends easily, like on holiday or at the park etc.

It’s tricky sometimes with friends and family. I think a lot probably don’t understand/just think he’s a bit naughty, as he doesn’t have big tantrums, he can just be really defiant/moody/snappy/hyperactive. But that’s life, we know him best.

He’s not medicated yet but I imagine we’ll try it in a year or two. He’s bright and had no issues academically at school but I don’t think he’s reaching his potential. He loses interest quickly so we’ve been through our fair share of hobby clubs!

I parent my grandson (8) and he was diagnosed earlier this year. He is medicated at school but I don't tend to give him it at home unless we are going somewhere that I need him to behave (like to see great granny). His behaviour can be very challenging at home and still has tantrums if he can't get his own way. Very very stubborn. Refuses point blank to clean his teeth unless I pin him down. This has resulted in 3 extractions but he still won't do it without a massive fight - same with showering.

He too is really bright (ed psych assessed) but school could never see it because he never got any work done and could not concentrate for any length of time. However the combination of a strict teacher in Y2 and medication in Y3 has changed all of that and his Y3 report was a joy to read - now above average in reading and maths - though still struggles massively with writing.

He has always had extremely good gross motor skills - no co morbid dyspraxia for him. He has found a sport that he is very talented at, competing at a national level. He's pretty good at most sport but team sports don't suit him! I've heard that many high profile sports personalities have ADHD because of their ability to hyperfocus on what they are passionate about and they are adrenalin junkies, craving movement, excitement and risk taking. That definitely is DGS.

He is hard work and I fear where he will end up if he doesn't get a handle on his tantrums and anger. I am giving him every opportunity to become very good at his sport as it's a way of keeping him busy and tiring him out. Even when he's not training, he still engaging in it for fun. He does literally hours of cardio activity every day. He has developed a very fine physique as a bi product! I'm also hoping that if he carries on, it might shield him from some of the scenarios he might get caught up in as he grows up!