I finally told DD she has ADHD

[riu girl]

The IEP envelope has been coming back in forth in her school bag for days. I wanted some changes so I wouldn't sign the first couple of drafts.

DD was very curious as to what was in the envelope.

fyi, DD9 has had many diagnoses over the years and it seems like the severity/diagnoses decreases over the years due to improvements, maturity , therapy, etc.

Currently her main diagnose is ADHD but also has anxiety, depression, sensory issues , some aspergers/ASD qualities .


I basically outlined ADHD and gave her some real life examples of her behaviour so she could relate to it. She took it all amazingly well and hopefully everything will be ok. In the past I have talked about her symptoms and strategies/therapies etc. with her but never actually said ADHD.

I am just sitting here crying for joy. She was once a failure to thrive infant etc etc etc and I am looking over at her right now working competely independently on a grade four project and I just feel like the luckiest human being on this earth.
I am so blessed to have her.
To me, she is the greatest joy in my life. And to think I could have lost her as an infant.

Just wanted to share and also to thank everyone on this board for the great information that has been provided to me about disABILITES over the past two years.

 

[Donaldnut]

Children are amazing! Congrats on her handling it so well.

 

[MommytoMJM]

That is wonderful! Hugs for both of you!

 

[SueM in MN]

I remember your agonizing about whether/how to tell her.
Glad to hear it went so well. I thought it would.

 

[hookedup]

That is a huge milestone for both of you! Congratulations and know your strength gives me strength too.

 

[wvdislover]

That is so great!!! My DD9 has the same issues as your DD. I told mine last year and read her a kids book about having ADHD. My DD's teacher has told me about a series of chapter books about a boy with ADHD and the many adventures he has with this. I'll have to let you know when I find out the series again (yes, I'm ADD, too, and can't remember stuff like that!). I have tried to make a point of pointing out different famous people or people that my DD looks up to who are ADHD to show her that she can be successful, regardless of the ADHD. A couple of examples are Ty Pennington from TLC's Trading Spaces/ Extreme Home Makeover and the lead singer from the contemporary Christian group, Casting Crowns (my DD loves to sing!). I want her to see that ADHD is not disabling, but just makes you live your life a little differently! Look around and see how many creative people in the world are ADHD. What would the world be without them?!?

 

[riu girl]

Wow, I have never heard of this book series. It sounds great. If you do come across the series name, please let me know.


Thanks everyone for the support.

Have a great evening.

 

[SueM in MN]

Mary-Kate Olsen (one of the Olsen Twins) has ADD too.

 

[bookmama]

it's called joey pigza. i found it on amazon.com I have to tell my son that he has adhd and i know he won't feel like he's a bad child

 

[LindaBabe]

And Thomas Edison had it - and look where it lead him! (to invent the incandescent lightbulb and found General Electric!)

 

[riu girl]

Thanks for the info. on the book. I have ordered one from the local library. It is looks like something she should read, I will buy her some of the series.