New Parent w/a child w/ ADHD combined

[Mz_Wash]

Hello, I here for support and educating myself on tools I can do with my son as he was recently diagnosed with ADHD combined. I will be honest it was and sometimes still is very hard for me to accept he has a diagnosis. But I want to be the best mother, parent, and advocator for him. So if you will please share what you have learned from your experience(s) or I like to call it the adventure of age 7. 😊

[am3646]

One of the most important things I did was reframe the diagnosis as my son’s superpower. Sure he’ll have struggles his friends and classmates may not, but the way his brain processes information will set him apart and make him more creative than those around him. He has a unique perspective on the world and he needs to know that embracing that aspect of ADHD will actually be something he’ll able to carry with him towards success the rest of his life.

There are also some great resources that address ADHD in really subtle ways I’d recommend you and your son take a look at. The episode of Bluey called “Jack” would be my starting point. That was a powerful episode for my son. I also recommend reading the Brad Meltzer Ordinary People Change the World book series. Start with “I am Albert Einstein.”

I hope this helps! Also happy to share more of what I suggest as his advocate if that’s what you were looking for.

[FanTheFlames in reply to am3646]

FYI I was looking for the Jack episode of Bluey and I think it is this one called “Army” in season two. (Just wanted to make it as easy as possible to find).

Screen shot of Bluey episode S2E13 entitled “Army” from episode lists in Disney+ (US)

[am3646 in reply to FanTheFlames]

Ah you’re right! Sorry about that mistake and thanks for correcting it!

[MomOfSuperheroes]

First off, you're such a good parent for recognizing an issue and following up to the point where you and your child's doctors have found a diagnosis. That can be tough. For us, the decision about medication was an easy one, but I know that can be a complicated decision for some families. I guess I'll just say that medication helps us. With medication, we can use all of the tools and tactics (alarms, time-boxing, body-doubling, lists, rewards, habit-bundling, etc.) to build a routine that makes our household run in a way that works for us. I found coming here with specific problems was helpful. I appreciate just knowing we aren't alone with our specific challenges.

[JamB11]

adhddude.com/membership-plans

This is the best money I ever spent and made more of a difference than anything else for my kiddo. There are also free resources from Ryan on YouTube, but I highly recommend the membership site for parent training and responses to your questions being answered.

[Mamamichl]

welcome! I’m a mom of 2 with ADHD and both me and my partner were diagnosed as adults. To learn the basics, I recommend you tube channels “adhd_love” and “how to ADHD”. They both have books too, if that is more your style.

[Sabrousal]

Look for the parent training center in your state if you have problems with school, Behavior etc. You should make sure he gets a 504 for extra break with school work not necessary extra time. Start working on executive functioning NOW. Timer, planner, use technology to help. Parent 2 Parent for a parent mentor . Patience, patience and more patience. They brains are just wired different. Good luck, you got this!