At the beginning of the school year he was below grade level in everything (math, reading, writing). He could only read a few sight words, couldn’t write even his name legibly, and didn’t have any real experience with math. This was going into first grade! Today, he is reading on the level he is expected to read by the end of first grade, he is above grade level in math (math is his gift), and he has the desire to try writing at least 60% of the time. He refused to try to do any school work before he was diagnosed – it was just too difficult for him. I don’t think the content of the work was too difficult for him (other than the handwriting aspect which is definitely difficult), he did test on a gifted level. I think it was too difficult for him to focus on it and just get it done.
He has the most wonderful teacher in the world and it was by pure luck. We didn’t realize anything was wrong before this school year (we thought the problems were the previous school and teacher, and those were problems). His 1st grade teacher has made a lot of accommodations for him to provide an environment in which he can learn and he did make some progress that way, but it was limited. The medication was what really made a difference (when we finally got the right meds and the right dose). Now he can focus enough to “let his smarts shine through.”
Before Luke was diagnosed, he was a very sad and angry little boy. He was very aware that he couldn't accomplish what his peers could and that he couldn't control his behavior enough to please his elders. He just didn't know how to tell us that it wasn't in his control. He cried a lot. He would get in an angry huff and the enormity of the frustration would usually lead to tears. A gut-wrenching, belly cry with alligator tears.
He is joyful now. He receives a lot of praise and loves it. He is full of pride too. Yes, there are still times when things just don't go like he'd wanted but the change is truly life-altering. It's life-altering for the entire family.
For so many families, an occurrence like ADHD can cause a rift or tear a family apart. For our family it has brought us closer together. We all try harder to pay compliments and praise to each other and we have a new understanding of Luke and each other. We pulled together for Luke's sake.
I do believe that ADHD is a gift if you let it be. I am not in denial though. I know there will be many tough times for Luke down the road, but we'll take them as they come. Knowing that Luke has ADHD and treating it has allowed Luke's intelligence, creativity, and ingenuity to shine through and I am grateful for that each and every day.
Link of the day: ADHD Aversion to Car Travel on the ADDitude Magazine Parenting Blog. This is my child exactly can you relate too?
Penny Williams is the creator and editor of {a mom's view of ADHD}. She is also a freelance writer, real estate broker, wife, and mother of two living in Asheville, N.C. She has published several pieces in ADDitude Magazine, the #1 national publication dedicated to ADHD, and has also been quoted in Parenting.com's Family Health Guide on ADHD and The High Desert Pulse article, When Ritalin Works. When not writing, she can usually be found behind a camera.