New here

[Mama_Bear7]

My son now 8 has ADHD we started this journey when he was around 4, with his start of kindergarten at 5 it was truly evident. We have seen so much growth and I am proud of how far he has come this far but I am always looking for any tips, tools or suggestions that people have first hand knowledge. His learning has come around and finally starting to retain things better, noting that he currently takes guinfacine and concerta daily. However, hyperactivity and lack of calming abilities are something we still trying to work on, mostly the aggression side. As a parent, esp ones that have children with what I call "superpowers" (ADHD) I just want to be able to give him the best support I can and provide him with the tools he can use well he grows.

[MomOfSuperheroes]

It sounds like you and your son are doing a great job tackling these challenges so far. I imagine you are or have worked with a coach or therapist on developing useful coping techniques and habits. This is probably down the road still for you, but my son is now 10, and our latest thing is working on ways for him to more independently manage tasks. We're trying to a task/habit tracker app (Habitica for him, although I use TickTick for myself), and so far it seems to be somewhat-helping him get through his morning and evening routines without me guiding him the entire way. We'll see what happens when the novelty of it wears off.

My (12f) daughter's school offers a "group" which isn't ADHD specific but is geared towards helping with emotional regulation through lessons including mindfulness strategies. She has really made progress with processing her big emotions. Might your child's school have a lower-elementary equivalent?

Good luck!

[Mama_Bear7 in reply to MomOfSuperheroes]

He did receive OT and PT when he was younger, since moving to a different state 2 years ago he has not. Although he does have an IEP set up with school, which I am grateful the teachers he was placed with in 1-3 whom helped him grow academically thru this with us. Unfortunately where we live there's not a lot of resources or advocacy on ADHD. With an abundance of adults whom lack the willingness to understand their superpowers, to help guide them in effective way, instead of seeing them as just excuses of a child who lacks discipline.

[HoldingonLou]

I don't have any advice but I love that you call it superpowers.

[Onthemove1971]

Welcome to the group. We are excited you have joined us on this journey.

If the medication is not stopping 60% of the symptoms from ADHD I encourage you to change and or increase the medication with the assistance of a child psychiatrist. They were so helpful when we were struggling with things. They listened and explained what they think could help.

I would also encourage once he gets a little older to ask about elective classes where a teacher can help with tutoring, organizational skills, etc. These skills are so helpful. To have a tutor review the materials that were just taught really change things.

One last thing.. If you can find something that your child loves to do outside of school and life it really helps to balance life. We allowed our son to do Tae Kwan Do and never, no matter how bad life got took that away from him and he needed this to help build his self confidence.

We are always here to help and support you. Best of luck.. keep up the great work you are already doing.