Single Mom With ADHD rasing daughter with ADHD and Sensory Intergration Dsyfunction and one without

Stephanie - posted on 08/28/2010

Angela I know exactly what youre going through. My son is 6 and was diagnosed when he was 4. It's been very hard and scary and frustrating for me as well. Especially since i'm all alone in this. I'm trying to work, go to school and still do everything i can to make things easier for my son. It gets depressing sometimes because i'm always all alone but i guess thats what this is for. If you would like to talk further dont hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Miller

ELLEN - posted on 08/23/2010

My sons are 27 & 23 and i still worry!!!.Heck My Mom still worries about me......I think its in the job description...must be able to worry about child for its life time....lol

ELLEN - posted on 08/23/2010

My son with ADHD is now 23 and going to college, and he missed the Dean's list by one mark, so there is hope :) He succeeded because him and I took "ownership" of his diagnoses. As he grew we talked a lot about how he was doing personally and at school. Having ADHD myself I found we had similar experiences and often that common denominator helped him see that he can be or do anything. What I'm trying to say is let your child know about your ADHD, talk about how you deal with it yourself, and let her know she is not alone. Also let her know that self control is a good skill to learn. All the meds and special attention won't work if she doesn't learn to control herself.( neither my son or myself will ever be "non fidgeters but its knowing your fidgeting and controlling as best you can that counts)

Anastasia - posted on 08/22/2010

Michele, kids with sensory issues ... can either seek input or avoid it... my son jumps on things and throws himself all over the place (excessively) he is seeking input or they can shy away or get extremely upset by it avoiding the feeling of a certain texture especially ith food, or frightened by loud or sudden noises, sensory integration therapy involves things like playing in a rice table or sand table ... my son wouldnt stand on grass it would freak him out without sneakers wouldnt even touch it with my hand, however he seems to seek out playing with mushing objects, including his food...especially mash potatoes , rice wants ti use his hands to eat all the time... it seems your daughter is seeking sensory input...

Michele - posted on 08/22/2010

what are the signs of Sensory Intergration? I have a 10 yr old with ADHD, Depression and Anxiety Disorders. She is constantly "feeling" everything, she will run her fingers along a kleenex until it shreds.

Anastasia - posted on 08/21/2010

Hi, I am not single but married to a man with severe ADHD (so as far as parenting goes it is like being single). I have 3 boys, my oldest is 20 and has Tourettes Syndrome and ADHD, my 16 yr old was a premie with developmental delays, and now has ADHD, with multiple medical issues (spent most of the past school year on home tutoring) he has a 504 and I agree its not enough. My youngest is 4 and in the process of getting diagnosed, he definately has ADHD and more severely than the other 2, he has sensory issues, speech problems, and the neuro said " he has tendencies on the spectrum".... It is tough and mentally exhausting, it definately is a rollercoaster ride. The best thing I've done for my kids is becoming an expert on their diagnosis, because I've found that no one will fight as hard for my child as I will, I've learned to become proactive, and learned the key words that grab the systems attention, words such as my child is at risk..., or has fallen through the cracks, the school system doesnt want to be responsible for not providing the proper resources. Also put everything in writing, so you have documentation, make the phone cal but back it up with a folloow-up letter. At the beginning of every school year, after about a week of chool, I call and request a meeting with the teacher(s), Ive done this at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels, at the meeting I present a bio on my child outlining their diagnosis, their strengths and weaknesses, this meaning is mainly to inform the teacher and the school that you are an involved parent, and that you are going to be in their face and that you expect them to be just as involved in your childs education. Most teachers appreciate it since so many parents dont get involved, but for the teachers that dont go the extra mile you have proof that you went the extra mile , it omes in handy when they dont call to let you know the child is falling behind it gives you ammunition , they cant say i didnt know. It might sound like a lot of wor but it isnt, the first year youll need to take some time and sit down and write a really comprehensive letter, but eachyear after I usually just change the date, any med changes , and any new diagnosis etc... take heart, they do grow up and they can be sucessful... my oldest is staring his junior year at college in graphic design , he is a talented artist, and yes I still do worry, heck when it comes down to it I'm a mom its my job to worry...

Rose Ann - posted on 08/21/2010

I know exactly what you are going through. I am a single mother of a 6 year old girl that is bi-polar, ADHD, ODD, PTSD, and I believe Asperger's (I have done the checklists online and she has almost all the symptoms but when I had her evaluated they said that she is too social to have it). She also has sensory issues, behavioral issues, speech issues, and fine motor issues. She is getting therapy but I feel like I did something wrong and that what I am doing just isn't enough.