We’ve just started the process of having DD, about to turn 5, diagnosed. After months of school saying they don’t see what we see at home, they turned around yesterday and said she is struggling with her attention and fatigue in the afternoons and they will refer her to their SENCO department.
I’ve suspected she has ADHD for years. I’ve worked in childcare since I was a teen and know the signs well. I’ve also realised since becoming a parent that it’s very likely that I also have ADHD, which goes a way to explain why my DD and I clash so much. Even with this in mind, I suddenly feel very worried and sad for her.
Her sleep is very poor, and we experience huge emotional outbursts several times a day (or hour, on a bad day). We also struggle with her attention, constant hyperactivity and impulsiveness. I love her to pieces and she is SO many other amazing things, but family life is incredibly difficult at the moment and it’s largely due to her behaviour.
I suppose the biggest thing I’m feeling right now is dread at what’s to come. We’ve navigated so much of the last few years safe in the knowledge that she’s very little, and things will improve soon. Things haven’t improved though. As she’s gotten older, her behaviour has become less and less age appropriate and her problems are more complex for us to work through together. I’ve read that ADHD symptoms generally get worse and worse until they peak around age 8. I just can’t imagine where we’ll be in several years time if that’s the case. It suddenly feels very daunting and I’m scared for her self esteem if things continue as they are. It isn’t any secret to her that we’re struggling.
Please tell me if your daughters were diagnosed at a similar age, and if things improve in time and when… and thank you so much if you’ve read this far.