20/03/2022
It has taken me a while to write this post. My son was diagnosed with ADHD in October 2021.
As a sensory integration trained therapist you get to learn and understand ADHD but no amount of theory can really prepare a parent for the emotional rollercoaster that is ADHD.
Feeling anxious to take your child out because of the insane meltdowns, uncontrolled range of emotions, worry about who he may hurt (unintentionally) in the play area, how I will deal with all this in a public space 😢
The amount of anxiety I had was all consuming (I am an anxious person to start with so this didn't help) but this is the reality of parenting a child with ADHD.
The judgements and looks passed, people commenting on how undisciplined he is. Everything increased my anxiety which obviously made my journey as a parent worse and made my son react more emotionally as he was also responding to my anxiety. It was not his academic ability or inability to participate efficiently in class that made us seek help, but rather the comments of the other kids in his class and how he was seen socially due to his impulsivity and inability to control his emotions.
My son is a sensitive little boy. He takes things very personally. He used to cry at night telling me how no one wanted to play with him and the girls said he was so naughty and he doesn't know why he keeps doing the things he doesn't want to do. This broke my heart. The sensitivity paired with the ADHD, however common, is a terrible combination.
Once he started ritalin our lives changed. HIS LIFE CHANGED. He has become this happy and confident child who LOVES going to school and has made so many friends. Although I have also addressed my anxiety, I noticed a significant decrease in my anxiety once he was on medication. His relationship with his brother has developed and improved so much as he is more regulated and able to play and engage more positively. He listens and responds while we are out. He makes friends easily in public play areas. In every area of his life we have noticed positive changes.
As long as this story seems, this just touches the surface. This is my story. Every child is different.
