New Parent with child who was diagnosed with ADHD

[Wolf2002]

Hi All,

I'm new here. My youngest son who is 8 was recently diagnosed with a severe case of ADHD. I am trying to cope as best I can. It is still hard to believe, I also have 2 other boys that are older then him. His father and I are getting ready to discuss which medication is best for him since he has asthma.

[Hidden]

First, Hugs! It is completely overwhelming so take a deep breath. You are NOT alone. All of us have been there. It is a shock, right? For me, then it was like...OH...right....and then I felt so guilty and then I was READY to go, fueled by pure adrenaline, I was researching and I was talking to doctors and therapists and school personnel and people that could test my daughter (she has multiple diagnoses including a mood disorder).

We are now on our second medication. It takes time and patience. We didn't have a great night tonight. It's ok. You both love him. To the moon and back. All day long. That's all that matters. Everyone here is so supportive and helpful. Ask the questions, someone will answer you and WELCOME.

[Wolf2002 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, it is overwhelming. We just started going to the Psychologist last month. This last appointment was the diagnosis appointment. The dr said there are a few more test that he needs to do, but we are discussing meds and even doing routine list for in the mornings when he gets up and ready for school. The Psychologist said it will be about 2 weeks till we can get into the Pediatrician to get a med prescription. Thanks again for the encouraging words.

[gracemom3]

Hi Wolf2002, it is very difficult initially to think about your child having ADHD or anything for that matter but you are not alone. My oldest daughter was diagnosed at 8 too. We didn’t medicate right away. We tried supplements like fish oil, etc. then we finally started medication. Our biggest challenge was finding the right one bc you pay all this money to get a script & then it doesn’t work. It is frustrating. Then to add to the mix that some meds exasperate the adhd symptoms & then you have to just wait till it wears off.

Be patient, deep breaths. You will get through it. A couple of sources I would try is ADDItude online. It has a lot of great information re: adhd.

Then I wish someone would of given me the book Positive Discipline to read when my daughter was first diagnosed. It is such a beautiful book and will help you as a parent deal w the behavior challenges you are facing and will face.

The greatest and most effective thing you can do for your son is to just love him. He needs lots of reassurance that he is not defined by this- it’s just a little part of him as if he wore glasses. Praying for discernment for you and your precious son.