Testing Times

When we started our ADHD journey I was told by someone that between the age of 8 and 11 is when you will really be tested by your child’s disorder whether they are medicated or not.

It makes sense to me now because it is within those fundamental primary years that so much development and growth occurs. It explains why during this period medication doses need to be reviewed regularly and why in my opinion we need to be firm but fair with how we manage the ups and downs.

The last few months has seen us introduce a lunch time dose of medication into Lenis routine but only whilst at school because his ability to remain focused after midday was affecting his ability to learn

That dose has seen a real change in his attitude towards school. Just enough of a top up that he can get through the second half of his school day without any mishaps or incidents.

Last week however, Leni was on a reduced dose of his usual meds because his paediatrician was on holidays and had forgotten to send his script through.

This meant he had moments of impulsiveness during the day that he couldn’t always control and that he was pulled up for by a few teachers.

In my opinion I think there are some teachers who are great with Leni and very understanding and there are others who surprise me with how close minded they can be. One teacher told Leni to not use his ADHD as an excuse when Leni tried to explain why he had spoken back to another student when being teased.

Would you tell someone with a physical disability to stop using it as an excuse to not do something that others can do easily? No you wouldn’t, so why would you tell someone with a neurological disorder to stop using that as an excuse?

We are trying to teach Leni to stand up for himself and own his behaviour. He told the teacher that his dose of medication was not his normal one and because of that he was more reactive than usual. The truth! He was only answering the teachers question when asked why he had spoken during lines.

For those of you still learning, ADHD known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It isn’t an excuse!

And medication whilst helpful does not fix it, get rid of it or stop it altogether! That’s a fact!