I used to think it was just how boys were, you know constantly on the move, but in Kindergarten the teacher saw something else. I admit I was a bit upset at her I mean how dare she tell me my perfect little boy had something wrong with him. I observed him closely for a few days until I could get him into to see the Dr. He did seem to jump from task to task and would not or could not sit still. So began our journey into the world of ADHD medicines, therapy and more. He was initially put on Adderall ER, then Metadate,then Methylyn, I watched as his appetite diminished,his growth seem stunted.What happened to my little boy?
School became a nightmare for both of us as I saw him struggle to keep up with his peers.He is ,and for the most part always has been ,a loner type of child.This was just another example in his mind of how he was “different” from other kids. Like most kids with ADD/ADHD he is highly intelligent ,& loves to read. This year with both the schools as well as my reccomendation is his 2nd year of 5th grade. I asked for him to be held back ,not because of academics,but because he needed the extra year to grow emotionally so that middle school next year won’t be such a hard adjustment. I finally got him in to see a Dr. who specifies in childrens disorders like this, & he is now on Concerta 36.This particular dosage seems to be working great! He stays focused at school, after school he does homework with out the drama from last year.By the time dinner is ready it has worn off enough so that he eats.If you have a child with ADD/HD then you know that getting them to eat can be hard.
Of course we still have issues to work out, his OCD for example he has to have certain things just a certain way or he has an absolute meltdown. He collects rocks, not just any rock but ones that have a specific color or shape, or look like crystals.In order to give him some responsibility we give him a chore list. This has actually helped him a great deal.Each morning he checks off what needs tp be done, such as : feed the cats,feed his fish,mist his lizard,make his bed, etc etc….The chart is a visual example that he can follow making it easy to get into a routine which in turn makes my life easier! OCD & ADD/HD kids thrive on routine, if things stay the same consistently they do well.At least this is what we have learned from my son.As long as I don’t push change on him to much he is fine.Thank goodness for scouts,pets,and a wonderful partner who helps to ensure that all of his needs are met.I also try to make sure that he has contact with his father so that he doesn’t have issues of abandonment there.That would totally upset the whole apple cart that I have so carefully tended too all this time.
So in closing I want to say thank you to the wonderful teacher who 1st noticed something,the Dr.’s who finally got the meds right, & the leaders of troop 610 who realize that O____ is just a kid with unique needs & they do a great job with him.
