Just joining - saying hello | ADHD Information

My name is Jina.  I have two children, a son named Jordan (5) and a girl, Jenna (3).  Jordan was diagnosed with ADHD at age 3.  We knew by 2 what we were dealing with, but the dr wouldnt not officially diagnose until 3. 

I am also ADHD, was diagnosed at age 5, although back then (late 70's) I was simply labeled "Hyperactive."

It has been a long road with Jordan.  He is very intelligent and can be funny, entertaining and very loving when he wants to be.  But, he is also very much a high needs child.  He is determined, emotional, impulsive and has problems controlling his anger.

Most of our problems stem from impulse control.  He is very destructive, will get upset and break his favorite toy in a fit, then cry because he doesnt know know why he did it.  He doesnt seem to have many issues with focusing.  In fact, if it is something he is intersted in, he can become incredibly focused! 

My main concern is what will happen when he starts school in the fall.  He has been going to Mother's Day Out once a week for three years.  I've spoken to his teacher and director often about Jordan and they always tell me that they dont have any problems with him besides "typical boy behavior."  I wonder too if we experience such extreme meltdowns because he is bored and not being challenged?   Maybe this is why he does so well at MDO;  he is in a group of his peers and he is being challenged? 

Does anyone have a story of school actually helping your child handle their ADHD?  Or will it only get worse from here?

Welcome Jina!  You've come to the right place for support & answers to your wildest questions!  As far as your question with school, it can go two different directions and it all depends on the school and how willing they are to be helpful.  Personally, our son's school has been amazing in helping with our son, who is 7 1/2 and was diagnosed at 5 with ADHD and diagnosed at 7 with sensory issues & anxiety as well.  Our son attends a private Catholic school and fortunately they work very closely with us to design plans of attack to help our son excel.  I know some people experience nothing but trouble with their schools and get to the point where they don't even tell the school about the ADHD issues to avoid the label & the struggle.  For us, it has been very beneficial for our school to know about what is going on so they can be part of the helping process.  Is your son medicated or are you doing any natural remedies to help him control himself?  We found that meds have been a huge help for our son but we still struggle with the lack of social skills & ability to know "appropriate" behavior for his age.  Fortunately our school works closely with the public school system in our area & they are currently working thru evaluations to get him and IEP that will bring in the public school to help with social skills training.  Our son is very bright, academically he is well above his 1st grade level, which I think sometimes leaves him bored and we all know what a bored ADHD child leads to!  I think "typical boy behavior" isn't as accepted once they start school and are expected to sit still the majority of the day to learn, that's where the struggle begins.  Definately read all you can and come to this board often, it is a great source for your questions & sometimes to just make you feel better about your life!Hello Jina Please feel free to post questions and concerns. We have several forums for different topics and there is always someone here help. If you have school questions for example post in the ADHD and issues in school forum. Welcome