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.
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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!
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.
I don't have any advice but I love that you call it superpowers.
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.
Taekwondo is great for these kids if you can find a class with an understanding teacher. The one where my boys took was great with special needs kids.
I feel like I'm reading about my future self in your post! My son was diagnosed at age 4 with ADHD. Now 5 and in kindergarten we are struggling with adjusting medication as it seems to wear off around 11:00 and his behaviors deteriorate. (He's on methlyphenidate 10mg CD). He has trouble with impulse control which results in aggression and also has trouble listening/paying attention. I also believe ADHD can be a "superpower" and I'm trying my best to educate myself and support/advocate for him as best as I can. It's very very difficult dealing with the aggression that comes out-it gets often directed at my other kids, and some with kids at school. I have little patience for the behaviors and am often left with a loss at what to do as we can't be there 1:1 with him all the time. Anyway, I appreciate you sharing and like you am always open to new info from others further down the road than I.
I want to tell you it does get easier the more you and his support team learn/understand, esp with starting the journey at younger age they have the potential to learn about their superpowers and how to effectively use them sooner then some. We still struggle but from kindergarten (which was the toughest) to 3rd grade now his retention in learning has become a lot better as well as behavior, I think having school with the right IEP and understanding staff is key.
He started off on guinfacine 1mg since kindergarten for his inattentive side, now takes that with methylphenidate 27mg ER for hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Clear boundaries and routine are also very helpful. As well as helping to find the coping skills that help when in difficult moments. Lessons we worked/work on are stop and think, kind of take the time to breathe before reacting. It's important if possible to have a cool down place away from anyone/thing that can escalate the episode. Typical something with movement, from using a swivel chair or yoga ball to re regulate has helped us.
I am finding that aggression is triggered from being passionate about whatever the root issue is in that moment. First teaching them how to breathe/calm down and then helping them to learn how we can handle are big emotions in an effective way.
It's a forever journey and consistency is key. Unfortunately most hear more of the negative behaviors then they do positive but positive reinforcement is important. Even if it's just a "little" thing.
You got this, might not be the easiest job but it's a job worth putting in the work for. It'll be worth it in the long run. An remember celebrate the "small" victories because for them it was a battle within themselves as well. Progress is progress ☺️
New to ADHD and Son Just Prescribed Meds
New to ADHD
I’m new here baseball son question 
Hello, new and hopeful!
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