Hi, I think we have interposted before. I have a 5th grade boy (medicated etc) amd a girl in K. Strongly feel she is adhd (known to be at risk) Both kids adopted at birth, adhd very common in adoptees. My favorite story: the girl was with us during a recent pedicatric neurology appt for my son. The doctor asked how my daughter was developing. I gave a positive response, stated that she had just been reassessed by her specialists and was on target developmentally and does not appear to have adhd. The neurologist's response: "Oh really."
I am getting ready to batten down the hatches. My son also has sensory issues, dyslexia, plus some other stuff but has responded well to meds and therapy. So now at least I know the drill. No surprises. Already have a proven armada of medical professionals, now I just need to figure out how to finance everything.
My major concern is the interaction between them. They have scrapes and my son needs to take it easy on younger sibling. I would suggest the importance of just having some time to yourself. I try hard not to define my kids by their disabilities. Sometimes I feel sorry for myself and envious of parents who are raising picture perfect children, but that's not me.
Sorry it's taken me awhile to get back to this board. I have been having a lot of discussions with the teacher, researching evaluation routes, and also been busy with the Jewish holiday, which meant hosting a big meal and having guests for several days. Anyway, thanks for the responses.
Yes, my older one is on meds and is doing pretty well on them. There still are some ADHD issues, but they are greatly minimized by the meds. Also, he has some side effects, but they're very minimal (appetite issues and some rebound issues). I have to make sure the school helps him in the ways he needs. This is simpler because his needs aren't that great, not even qualifying for IEP or 504. However, not having these documents also means extra advocating on my part to make sure all teachers are on board and doing what he needs.
Knowing all I've been through with my older one, I guess that's why I've been so upset to go through it again with the other one. Finding the right meds can be quite a rollercoaster ride. Monitoring how things are going at school and making sure they are meeting his needs also can require so much energy and time.
I'll get through it. I've survived meeting the older one's needs. Now I know so much more, and that'll benefit my younger one as we start this journey. I guess I just feel a little sad and overwhelmed at having to do all of this again, and then the ongoing maintenance issues for both of them (I mainly mean meds adjustments and staying on top of things at school).
I am doing much better than when I originally posted, for I have accepted and come to terms with things a lot more.
BTW, trixilia, I also envy other families that seem to have simpler lives, but then I remind myself that I don't really know what's happening in their family. They could be facing a ton of challenges that I don't see.
Mom2ADHDboy40434.3280787037Day 4 of school, and the first grade teacher already has contacted me about my younger child's difficulty focusing and completing his work as well as some impulse control issues. I've seen ADHD signs at home for a few years, but it's not as bad as his older brother's condition, so I've been hoping to manage it with some basic strategies and otherwise deal with how long it takes him to complete a task or deal with the fact that he'll get sidetracked and never finish. However, he's having too many problems at school, so it seems time to get the formal diagnosis and start medication (if warranted).
Here's my question for those who have more than one ADHD child. I need words of encouragement how I'm going to deal with having two ADHD kids. I guess I already have been dealing with it lol, but what I mean is dealing with advocating with two sets of teachers, dealing with finding the right meds and the right dosage for two kids, managing side effects for two kids, dealing with rebound in two kids.... Honestly, I'm scared.
ETA: My kids are in 5th grade and 1st grade.
Mom2ADHDboy40423.8456712963Is your older son already on meds? Do not worry, you will make it, you sound like a caring parent? are you married or a single parent? it takes patience how bad is your son's behavior? you know there are alot of resources out there. Please respond and we can talk