Anyone out there who can share success or positive stories?

[kaf2022]

It is extremely helpful to know there are so many parents and caregivers experiencing the same struggles and this forum gives us a place to vent and gain helpful information. However, I notice that many of us are worried about our child’s future. It would be wonderful if there are still any caregivers checking in who could share some stories about your adhd child succeeding in any way as they reach adulthood?!?! Stories of hope for the rest of us?!?!

[Pennywink]

What a wonderful idea!

Though my child is only 7, I do know quite a few adults who successfully manage ADHD. One is even my pastor!

I also have two cousins I grew up with who have Tourette, ADHD & OCD. Both are happily married & fully employed. One works for a company he is very fond / proud of, the other has a successful career in finance and has 7 kids. Both only take medication as needed and seem to be doing well.

So, there is hope! 😊

[kaf2022 in reply to Pennywink]

So great to hear! Thank you!

[Onthemove1971]

Our son was diagnosed when he was 8 years old and we had so many problems. Then when we hit middle school (6th) grade it was the worst year of my life. We didn't have a 504 plan and we didn't see a counselor... it was so hard and I never imagined we would get through hard times.. in the beginning I had very little hope.

Fast forward to 8th grade and he is almost getting all A's, he just got his 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and plays lacrosse. Of course when his medication wears off it is much harder..

I will say the best thing I did was join this group to have a strong support group. I know having medication, 504 plan and going to counseling are all important tools. In addition him becoming more mature has also helps.

Hope this gives people hope.

[kaf2022 in reply to Onthemove1971]

Glad you’re on the right track. My son didn’t have any noticeable issues until freshman year - an A student before then. He also has anxiety that has worsened with age.

[Eclecticentric77]

Hi there, I myself have Inattentive ADHD and was not diagnosed until my mid twenties. All throughout school I struggled tremendously and was treated very poorly by frustrated instructors who thought I was lazy, and other kids who ridiculed me for my lack of being able to pay attention and be organized. This made me hate school until I reached college (which I liked much better). I thankfully discovered that Inattentive ADHD existed and sought treatment around this time. After I got diagnosed I started taking small dose stimulant medication, combined with helpful supplements that help the ADHD brain. This immensely changed my life for the better and helped me continue my studies, and made school and managing my life a whole lot easier. I researched ADHD for about 4yrs and published a book last year, and am currently finishing grad school and plan on pursuing my PsyD. as a Clinical Psych to work specifically with the ADHD community.

Having ADHD, implies that an individual has low levels of these specific neurotransmitters. While stimulant medication helps with Dopamine and Norepinephrine, this leaves out other neurotransmitters that needed to be boosted due to low levels. These are the major neurotransmitters that people with ADHD have low levels of.

Dopamine : A neurotransmitter in the brain that affects your levels of concentration, motivation, pleasure senses, and sense of pain.

Norepinephrine : A neurotransmitter and stress hormone that deals with attentiveness, emotions, impulse control, planning ahead, sleep, and interpreting actions of others.

Serotonin : A neurotransmitter that deals with mood regulation, sleep, nervousness, empathy, appetite, digestion, and sexual urges.

Acetylcholine : A neurotransmitter that deals with muscle contraction, pain responses, mood regulation, REM sleep, and coordination.

Supplements along with stimulant medication, have been of major help to some of the clients I work with. If this is of any interest, click my profile pic, it will take you to my profile, where in my bio you'll see theres a link of a google doc I made of every supplement I take that includes ones specifically to help those low neurotransmitters I mentioned above, along with some other helpful links, including a link to informative video on the ADHD brain and supplements. Hope this helps.

[Grammy2009 in reply to Eclecticentric77]

Do you feel that Coaching - Executive Functioning is something a 4th., grader would profit from? Encouraged by all your information

Thank you

[Eclecticentric77 in reply to Grammy2009]

Glad to hear, and you're welcome. It would depend on the severity of the ADHD symptoms. If inattention to detail and remembering assignments, planning, and organizing are a major issue, then getting some coaching with emphasis on executive functioning wouldn't hurt. What has helped out with individuals I have worked with, is having them bring a binder to school that has multiple file slots. This way the ADHD child can organize and put away their materials in the appropriate file slot (this has to be taught to them, and follow ups and checks are a must). The parent can help them label it and explain and emphasize the level of importance of this new organizational tactic. This will create essential routine for the child, help them learn to organize, and most importantly help them keep their homework, papers, and assignments, organized and in place. My desk was a mess as an undiagnosed ADHD child in elementary school, I would turn in assignments half done, or not at all since I could not find them, and this caused me a lot of anxiety as a kid. Organizational tools, and parents helping with follow up to new systems and interventions are absolutely essential for positive change. Hope this helps.

[Grammy2009 in reply to Eclecticentric77]

Thank you for the organizational steps. Do you happen to coach, maybe through Skype? We are in Houston, Tx

[Eclecticentric77 in reply to Grammy2009]

No problem. Yes, I give online counseling/coaching for a small fee with free consultation. Message me if you're interested.

[Hidden]

After her very challenging teen years, the struggles you and your family face bear fruitful results. Learning to notice and appreciate her strengths and talents helped to build our personal relationship; our weekly family meetings which were not always easy, targeted areas we needed to practice (say, giving each other compliments, writing our weekly plans on a family calendar etc) She is now in college, (taking 2-3 classes and using the accommodation office); works part-time and lives nearby -- we see her pretty regularly, go grocery shopping, text one another and still do family meetings, though less frequently. We see her going forward in her own way and in her own time.

[anirush]

My daughter is in her 30's. It is her two boys I am helping to raise that I am on this site for.

High school was rough, lots of problems with depression and missed days of school. She would not have graduated without the help of her psychiatrist and counselor.

When she moved away from home she got mixed up in a bad crowd and into drugs and alcohol. It was a scary time. When she got pregnant she got clean and has been clean ever since. It hasn't been completely smooth sailing but she finally went to college, got her masters and has a good job and four bedroom house.

She still has major anxiety and even though she thinks that is her major problem she was diagnosed in her teens with bipolar disorder and with her mood swings, sometimes fun to be with, sometimes a witch, I still believe that is her diagnosis.