We invite you to share your experiences and to post information about advocacy, research and other gifted education issues on this free public discussion forum. CLICK HERE to Log In. Click here for the Board Rules.
I have been watching Dr. Barkley's entire series on ADHD on youtube and it is very, very enlightening. I am trying to learn as much as I can b/c my son is being evaluated for it as well and I do think there is a very good chance he will be diagnosed with it. The most important things I have learned from this series are: (1) It is a very real and very debilitating disorder and, as a result, it is really important that it be treated; (2) while it is very serious and debilitiating, it is VERY manageable and treatable. I am no longer as afraid of DS trying the drugs to manage it once he is properly dx'ed; (3) From his series on adult ADHD I realize now my father and brother were/are very, very likely severely ADHD (and no it wasn't diagnosed back then but my father was beat A LOT in school and at home as a child as was my brother. My father is dead now but I believe my brother is still very severely adhd and it does affect his quality of life greatly particularly his interpersonal relationships; (4) 1 in 6 kids do grow out of it (he said research has shown that number could be as high as 1 in 3 but they are not sure yet) but it needs to be treated regardless.
I hope this helps you and your child These lectures have educated and helped me so much coming to terms with this. Now I am almost anxious that he be properly dx once and for all so we can start managing and treating this.
Also, I have learned enough from Dr. Barkley that we will probably start DS on non-stimulant meds b/c of his anxiety and tendency towards axiety tics. The stimulants are great for kids without anxiety, ocd and tic tendency but my kid has those so we probably will not go that route.
Good luck and hang in there. It really is a very, very manageable and treatable disorder - so much more so than any of the other disorders so if your going to have a disorder this is a good one to have b/c they have great meds and therapies.