ADHD

My name is Melissa, and I have a son with ADHD. My son's name is Michael and he is 7 years old.

a. How does it feel to be the parent of your child?
    I love my son and I am so thankful to have him, sometimes I just wish that I could better help him. As he has gotten older he has gotten more active, energetic and stronger. He honestly has gotten harder for me to control. Many days I feel myself being frustrated and wishing there was something more that I could do.

b. How is your child developmentally the same or different from other children at the various ages?
    My son is just like any other child... He has the same wants and needs, with just a little more energy. It is very important for me as a parent to make sure that my son is experiencing the same things as every other child. I have noticed some differences between him and other children since he has started school. When he was just home with me I could plan our day to his specific needs and make sure we were doing enough physical activity to keep him interested and engaged. I know that his teacher has a hard time planning his day to be specific to him since there are lots of other children in his class, but the fact is that he needs the extra attention. From talks with Michael's teacher I found that he does best when he has specific directions and opportunities to get out of his chair and be active.

c. What professionals/agencies do you deal with? What services are available to you and your child?
    As a parent I really turn to the National Resource Center on AD/HD. It is my automatic go-to organization and always seems to have the information that I need. I do wish there was a support group for parents or something like that. I know that there is a support group for adults with ADHD, but I wish I could network easier with parents who are in the same boat as me. I do however, do some communicating over e-mail and through forums.

d. How do you find out about the services?
    I am just one of those parents who automatically pick up the computer and look online for resources and information. I found out about lots of the services and resources available to me through searching the internet. I have also read many books and get a monthly magazine called ADDitude which is geared towards families with ADHD members.

e. What financial burden, if any, are you experiencing?
     I am currently not experiencing any extra financial burden caused by Michael's ADHD. My husband have talked about looking for a special school for Michael or possibly providing him with home school so that I could make sure he is getting a more personalized day. If we chose to take him out of the public school system we would have the financial burden of tuition.


f. What other information do you want to share?
      I just want to share that Michael is like tons of children in America. He is not just the mis-fit boy who  is always causing trouble and can not seem to sit still. ADHD is a diagnosed condition and he is in special need just like any other child suffering from a type of disability.