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Any advice for a disabled mom who has an ADHD only child with minor learning disabilities as well?

Nicole - posted on 03/07/2010 ( 6 moms have responded )

My name is Nicole. I am 29 years old and a mother of a 7 year old son who is moderate ADHD and has mild learning disabilities. My son has a good heart and is very kind and respectful. He has a hard time in school and he is always bored out of his mind sometimes. I have bought videos games and toys galore. I used to be able to take him out to the park and things like that but now things have changed because I was diagnosed with a rare nuero-muscular disorder called Myasthenia gravis. I causes me to be very weak and sometimes I have to have help just to get out of bed to go the restroom. I am trying to adjust my life but I have to be extra careful because this affects my lungs as well. I cant really take him to public places because I have to monitor where I go because of viruses and things like that. It affects my immune system and I cant get sick or else I have to make a trip to the hospital because most of the meds on the market can kill me because of the disease. I need help and support because I am losing my mind.

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Amy - posted on 06/27/2010

I have some of the same problems that you do. I've been disabled for 4 years, and was sick for years before that. I have cysts on my thoracic spine that cause referred pain in my abdomen. Like you, sometimes I can barely get out of bed.

My son is 11, and until he was 8 I could usually keep up with him. Its easier now that he is older. I rely on my husband and family as much as possible. If I'm having a good day we'll do something I can handle, like going to the pool. I float in the lazy river while he plays with the other kids. On bad days, he goes over to my mother-in-law's house. Sometimes he ends up watching tv all day because there simply isn't another alternative. I hate those days. I feel like the worst mother in the world. It breaks my heart when he comes upstairs and gives me a hug and tells me he's fine, and it's ok.

Garrett has ADHD also. It mainly manefests in problems with school work. We finally put him on medication and it really seems to help.

Amy - posted on 05/24/2010

Hey there, my son has ADHD aswell, and is intitled to 10days a yrs of respite care I dont see why you shouldnt be able to get more than that concidering you have disablity yourself, you should be intitled to a teacheraid for him aswell if he has a learning disablity too. where abouts are you as if you are in NZ I can help you find all the things you need for that. hope this is helps

Cat - posted on 05/19/2010

Maybe a big brother program from a local community center or a home jungle gym, toys that can be built like lincoln logs or ones that turn into motorized toys, you'd be surprised how focussed he can get when he enjoys the outcome of the activity. Good luck if i get any other pointers i'll pass them on aswells!

Rachel - posted on 04/10/2010

I think you should get him as much help in school, and find a program that fits ALL of his needs. My youngest brother is ADHD and has slight learning disabilities as well. Keep him interested in sports and extra curricular activities for a long as you can! It really helped my brother a lot. Can you get any extra help to care for him? That might help you out a lot. My family has really come together to get my brother the care and support he needs because my mom is off in her own world with an agenda that does not include him most of the time.

Good Luck!

Nicole - posted on 03/07/2010

I have done that and Im in a town where they dont offer much for my son at school at this point. Most of what they offer I have to take him and pay for it as well. I am still doing research on it. Plus he is picky about what he likes and he is not into sports so that makes it even more difficult.

Lyndsay - posted on 03/07/2010

2,008

I think this is definitely something you should bring up at his school. If they are aware of your difficulties at home they may be more ready and willing to provide him with extra support in the school, or recommend extracurricular activities to keep him occupied. Schools are also an excellent source for community resources which may be helpful, so I would speak with the learning resource teacher or principal in particular.