ADHD and birthday parties

[martini82]

my ds who is nearly 5 has been invited to a birthday party. not sure what to do, he wants to go but he has various food intollerances which makes his adhd worse. so if he was to have party food it would send him totally hyper or aggresive.

i don't want him to miss out but i also don't want him to be disliked by his friends or their parents because the way he could potentually behave.

really don't know what to do any advice???

Its difficult isn't it!
My son has LD (also ADHD and ASD) so was obviously in need of parental support at 5 - so my ideas may be flawed!
Can you go along with him (perhaps to help the party host mum if he doesn't want to look different). This would give you the chance to monitor and if needed take him away for a cool down (help you perhaps) if required. Perhaps he could take his own allowable teatime teats if the party host does not mind. (At ds recent party - all sn children - all had a parent and a couple had their own food). It may be easier to explain your presence on food sensitivities than ADHD! Hope it goes well.

My ds has ADHD and AS. I have always gone with him to parties as his beahviour can be unpredictable. TBH when he was 5 I found that a few parents stayed for the party so DS didn't stand out as different. He was also never the only one who had to avoid certain foods. I have always found it best to be honest with other parents about his needs.

Taking food is a good idea. i think i'll have a chat with the little girls mum and explain think it should be ok, thank you both!

Def take your own food .... I do for my ds2 who is major hyper if eats 'party stuff'. If they don't know about adhd, just tell them his allergic. Obviously, staying is an option at this younger age, but when he's older will make him stand out. Depends if everyone knows his dx?

Oooops, sorry ... jumped the gun and just realised your child is not adhd,. I was reading entry after yours. Don't freak out now !!