Grown up children who have ADHD

[lollydu]

My 7 year old DD who has ADHD has been so difficult the last few weeks. I’m just looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. Please mums of kids who were exceptionally difficult at this age, how are they now they’re older? When did things improve? I’m just running on fumes at the moment and have nothing left and looking for positive stories. I worry about her future.

I found 7 really difficult with DD. They have a diagnosis of AuDHD and at that age they were really beginning to struggle with the increased expectations at School, both academically and socially.

Tjey were a dream at School though, just bloody murder at home and wrecked with anxiety.

What help is she getting in school now? Does she have an ECHP and has she been seen by an OT?

Thanks for replying. She doesn’t have an EHCP but does OK in school. She has a few adaptations like concentration tools, ear defenders etc. she is struggling a little academically with writing in particular but she’s tries very hard. I know it takes a lot out of her, and the friendship dynamics as well. Not seen by an OT, how can that be arranged?

just struggling so much, we’ve been struggling since she was 2ish but it really seems to have ramped up a gear in the last few months. She’s still extremely physical and will lash out at us kicks and punches but wouldn’t dream of doing anything like that at school or talk to her teachers the way she speaks to us. I suppose I should be grateful she can show some restraint in some situations just not at home with us.

The move to key stage 2 is hard for them. Is she on medication? It has been a game changer for DS who’s now 9 in school. I was so weary of it but thought we’ll do a trial and see the impact. He’s gone from likely to need special education for high school to mainstream.

Good call about medication. The one that really made a difference for us was Melatonin because DD was just so sleep deprived.

Is there a reason that you haven’t applied for the ECHP yet?

No reason, I just don’t know what an EHCP is, how do you apply for one? What difference would it make as she is doing ok ish at school from their perspective? We haven’t done anything about medication as my partner is against it but I will raise it again and see if anything has changed as it really has been difficult recently.

Has your DP explained why he is against medication?

With ADHD I look on medication as making up for a deficiency. So if I was depressed I’d take SSRIs, if I was diabetic then I’d take insulin, well I’d have to or o wouldn’t last very long. If I was anaemic I’d take iron.

Your DD has a deficiency and I’m not sure why he thinks that it’s not a good idea to trial medication? At the moment she’s at a real disadvantage compared to her peers.

Is she his child?

With her behaving at school and then blowing up at home, have you heard of the Coke Bottle Effect? Does that sound as though that might be what’s going on?

As soon as the child comes to age of puberty, their preferences and behaviors both change so it is important to guide your child and keep their surrounding healthy to make them the such which you wish.