Our Journeys

[misty]

I was just thinking of how far Shannon & I have come in this ADHD journey since we first found out she had it. I think it would be nice if we can all list the accomplishments we've made since we individually began our journeys.

Well, the biggest thing that comes to mind is Shannons sleep habits. I remember she NEVER used to sleep in her room & no matter where she slept, she'd be up half the night! Now, though, she sleeps in her room & goes to bed at a decent time...sometimes with melatonin, but mostly on her own these days. It seemed like we'd NEVER get to this point, but we did!

Her mornings used to be a nightmare! because she was so sleep deprived, she was a bear to wake up & then she'd be crying because we were rushing her through her morning routine. Now she gets herself up in plenty of time to not only get ready, but to watch TV & use the computer before school!

Onto school related issues. When Shannon was Dxed she was in a small Lutheran school. They were a big part of the evaluation process, but not much help otherwise. They tried some modifications, but it wasn't nearly enough. Add to that Shannons disorganization & we had one unhappy kid on our hands! Now, in the public school, shes thriving! Having an IEP in place to help with the LD's as well as organization has been a Godsend! This year she made high honor roll for the first time EVER! Her self esteem has benefited greatly because of that. Plus her learning support teacher is a dream come true! he's wonderful!

I have learned so much since beginning this journey with my daughter. I've learned to be more patient. I've learned that I alone cannot fix everything. I've learned to let go of her a bit. I've learned about IEP's & evaluations, of IDEA & FAPE. I've learned about psychiatrists , neuropsychs, too many meds to name, fish oil, melatonin, behavior modification. I've learned that family Dr's don't know everything. I've learned that Shannon will be OK, will make something of herself no matter what curve balls the world throws at her. I've learned that my daughter can write stories you cannot believe! I've learned that I am stronger than I thought. I've learned that there are people out there who are going through the same things & who are wonderful & helpful & who have kids just as great as my kid!

I'm sure I have a lot more to learn.

I hope you all care to add your experiences, I'd love to hear what everyone has learned!

[katiekat]

Misty, It is wonderful and encouraging to hear how far Shannon has come. As someone who is just beginning this journey it gives me something to look forward to.
Shannon!

[misty]

Aww, you're sweet Katiekat!

I think you have already learned more than you realize! You will look back one day & say "WOW".....thats what urged me to start this post. I was thinking back & it was astonishing to realize how far we've come. It kind of puts current problems in perspective!

[jfla]

misty,
I loved reading about shannon's successes. Great job, Mom!


Our journey has covered too many years (he's 18), so I will just mention the latest success which I didn't expect to happen. That is his ability to learn cursive handwriting. It is smooth and fluid, and is completely different than the struggles and irregularity of printing over the last 12 years. I was shocked the other day when I saw his math notebook. The writing was so neat and consistent ! I never would have recognized it as his writing!
.

[misty]

jfla said:

I was shocked the other day when I saw his math notebook. The writing was so neat and consistent ! I never would have recognized it as his writing!
.

Thats awesome, jfla! I hope Shannons writing gets neater. Heck, I hope she learns to write! Her printing has improved immensely, but she can barely write in cursive!

[unicorn]

I have learned that I am not alone in this journey. I have met so many other parents on the same journey, that has been a godsend. I thank god each day for the people I have found.
I always thought that I had a great deal of patience. I have learned to have even more patience. I have learned to see things through Tiff's eyes. What priceless things I have seen through her eyes.

Since the journey began, I see that Tiff will do anything it takes to learn a task and try to have it stick with her. I have learned to become a tactile, hands on learner, which isn't my learning style, in order to help her succeed.

We are moving forward bit by bit in Tiff's sleep habits. They are much better then when we started our journey. It is great the progress that has been made.

I have learned to be so thankful for having a great elementary school and tutors working with me for Tiff's success. Without having an IEP they have always tried accomodations that I have asked for or tried methods in school that I use at home in order to Tiff to comprehend a problem.

As Misty said, I have learned a whole new vocabulary of meds and all different types of drs, outside of the GP dr.

I have taught Tiff to take one day at a time and that she will learn at least 1 new thing each day.

[misty]

WONDERFUL, Uni! I especially loved the part where said what priceless things you have learned through Tiff's eyes! Our kids sure do teach us to see the world differently! Its funny how much we can learn from our kids.

Thanks for adding your heartfelt journey, Uni!

[mom2adhdkid]

Hi, what a neat thread....

I feel like we are still somewhat at the beginning of our journey, and yet we have been on it for 2 years now. I remember thinking, when we got the diagnosis, that we would do what it takes to help him "not stand out." I, too, have had to realize a couple of things -- #1, Matthew standing out is part of his wonderful personality and #2, not EVERYTHING will be "fixed" and teachers, care givers, etc. will just have to deal w/ that.

I'm also thankful for a lot of information I have gotten from other parents of kids with ADHD -- it helps to know you are not alone. I have a great support group IRL as well which I think also makes a difference!