ADHD Attention defecite hyper disorder. Is defined as a “persistent pattern of inattention or hyperactivity—impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and more severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. While symptoms may appear to be innocent and merely annoying nuisances to observers, "if left untreated, the persistent and pervasive effects of ADHD symptoms can insidiously and severely interfere with one’s ability to get the most out of education, fulfill one’s potential in the workplace, establish and maintain interpersonal relationships, and maintain a generally positive sense of self.
My son drove me crazy. After a few years of this behaviour I got numb to it. We’d be in a public place and he’s acting loud and obnoxious, people are staring and I’m oblivious to it because it was my norm. While my son was in school that was the worst. He couldn’t sit still he was always staying in for recess or being set apart from the rest of the class. This really pissed me off. I thought he was just misbehaving. I would try to bribe him and say" if your good all week in school I’ll buy you what ever you want. The poor kid could never get through a week without an issue. Finally in 3rd grade his teacher thought he had a learning disability. The school put him through all kinds of testing. To the contrary his IQ was above average and he excelled by three grades in vocabulary. Now they said bring him for testing for adhd I thought what the hell are they trying to say is wrong with him now. He’s a boy with energy this is his personality I thought. I went through the steps brought him to the specialist and sure enough he was diagnosed with ADHD.
You can treat this with medication or if the child is older they can sometimes with their own self control manage it. Considering my son was 8 we decided meds. Wow what a difference in school. The teacher couldn’t believe it but the side effects were bad when he came home. Loss of appetite he was already skinny, couldn’t sleep at night and he was very emotional. He saw his doctor every 3 months and they monitored him. The side effects didn’t improve we tried three different meds they all had side effects. Finally when he was 12 he refused to take them. What was I going to do sit on him and cram them down his throat. I let him make the decision and reminded him of the past when he didn’t take the meds. His mind was made up, no meds.
Well to say the least the next 5 yrs of school was a roller coaster ride. I pleaded with him constantly "do your homework, did you read today, should you be studying for a test, is your homework done? Parent /teacher conferences I dreaded. It was always Your son is a nice kid BUT those words were like nails on a chalk board because I knew what was to follow. He actually graduated this past June 2009 I never thought it would come and I am so happy and proud of him. People who don’t understand about ADHD don’t have a clue what us parents and our children go through.
Over the years I shed so many tears due to frustration. I know my son felt the same pain. He would tell me he just can’t help it. ADHD is a real thing and if you think your child might have this follow up with a specialist. Your child will have more success not only while in school but also in their adult lives.
Parents that are in the middle of this aggravating but managable disorder YOU CAN DO IT! I did alot of reading up on this disorder it’s your best way to cope and help your child. Try to have patience, many times I felt like banging my head up against the wall. Your relationship will suffer with your child if you don’t get them help or you don’t make the effort to learn about it. Some how we got through it and so will you.
