an interview with:
Cecily Berg
ADHD child(ren):
Jaedon, age 11, 5th grade
Jaedon, age 11, 5th grade
NON-ADHD child(ren):
none
none
Who are you?
I am a 40-hour-working, chauffeur-driving, hockey/football, never-married, single-mom (and dad) of a wonderful little man. I grew up in a Military household and traveled all over the world. I have a great career that allows me a ton of time with my son.
Describe your ADHD child using only ONE word: genius
What about your life makes your ADHD story uniquely yours?
My Story... Being a single parent that has ADD, raising a son with ADHD, has its share of highs and lows. Our home is in a state of constant chaos. However, not having a significant other helps because I am not overly stressed about our numerous piles of books, papers, magazines, etc. My son takes medication for his ADHD, I do not. I have found that taking care of his ADHD has put my ADD on a lower level. It is almost like my son is my medication. Yes, I have to constantly work at staying focused, but it can be done with effort.
How did your ADHD child come to be diagnosed?
My son was diagnosed at three years of age after being "let go" from a few daycare centers for being "uncontrollable." He is a boys' boy and is all over the place at any given moment. A psychologist at our Army post diagnosed him with the ADHD after a few sessions with my son.
What are your ADHD child’s strengths/gifts/talents? Weaknesses? Obsessions?
Jaedon has the capability of showing more compassion than anyone I know. He has a heart for helping others. He is inventive, inquisitive, and creative. His main weaknesses are impulsiveness and being on the go constantly. He doesn't get obsessed over anything that I am aware of.
What sports or extra-curricular activities does your child participate in successfully?
Jaedon has been playing hockey for the last three years on a competitive team. It has taught him the values of teamwork, respect, how to follow through, and friendship. He will begin tackle football soon -- who knows how that will go. Hockey is his sport of choice and he loves it so much that he wants to continue in middle school, high school, and college.
What strategies do you employ to cope with ADHD?
Over the last few years we have used several different medications, neurofeedback, behavioral therapy, diet.... What I have figured out is the medication that he is on works well. He stays away from most things with red dye. He has one caffeine drink a day and uses melatonin periodically to help him sleep at night.
If you could give one piece of advice to a parent of an ADHD child just diagnosed, what would it be?
Do your research. Don't take criticism or negativity to heart. Remember that this is your child and do what you think is best for him/her.
If you could have a free 60-second spot on a public broadcast station, what would you share, show, say?
Good question.... I would say that ADHD does not make my child abnormal. He is a high-spirited individual that needs help to take it down a notch or two. He can be the best friend you will ever have. Judging a book by its cover will only lead you to miss some of the greatest stories ever told.
Does your child take medication to manage their ADHD? Is so, what medication and at what dosage? How does it work for them? What side effects do you see?
My son takes Focalin XR, 20mg, every morning. It begins to wear off in the early afternoon. I notice a change in him for the first 30 minutes after it kicks in. He gets very solemn and quiet at the beginning and then he is more of his normal self.
Does your child attend public school or a special school? Does he or she have an IEP or a 504 Plan? What kind of accommodations do they receive?
My son attends a public school. He does not have an IEP, nor a 504. He has been attending gifted and talented since kindergarten. His teachers have all been wonderful to work with and they have worked around Jaedon's busyness.
What else would you like to share with other parents on this similar journey?
You can do it! It is a difficult but rewarding adventure. I can't imagine having a "normal" child after raising a child with ADHD. Through all the trials, there are even better rewards.
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