Janice Schuchaskie
ADHD child(ren):
Gavin, 16 yrs old, 9th grade
Chase, 11 years old, 5th grade
NON-ADHD child(ren):
Kegan, 14 years old, 9th grade
I am a stay-at-home mom, very happily married in a blended family. Gavin and Chase are biologically mine and Kegan was a gift I received when I married my husband. We have been a family for 7 1/2 years! My childhood was wonderful except between the hours of about 7 am and 3 pm when I had to go to school. I was an undiagnosed child with ADD. I only graduated high school because as I failed classes my mother took them for me through correspondence through the mail. I don't blame them there wasn't anyone with ADHD back then.
Describe your ADHD child using only ONE word: misunderstood
What about your life makes your ADHD story uniquely yours?
I am my children's advocate. I feel sorry for the teacher that sends home a note saying my child has detention for anything cause chances are he doesn't deserve staying in from recess for his lost, messy, unfinished work. Or my favorite, "if he could just sit down and get to work he would do so much better." YA THINK? Man wish I would of thought of that.
How did your ADHD child come to be diagnosed?
My first son was diagnosed with a reading comprehension disability but, even after, I knew it was more than that. He was EXACTLY like me when I was in school. I knew there was more so I had him tested by a psychologist.
What are your ADHD child’s strengths/gifts/talents? Weaknesses? Obsessions?
Both my children have hearts of gold. Not a mean bone in their bodies. They've NEVER been in trouble at school for behavior. My oldest is an amazing guitar player. He has taught himself and practices everyday. He wants to be a music teacher. He can fix anything and is very good at problem solving. When I get something electronic I give it to him to figure out then he can teach me how to use it. His weakness is not believing in himself and not giving up on school when he feels defeated.
My youngest is by far the happiest person I've ever met. He is an amazing cook at only 11 years old and loves to be doing anything outside. He is also a really good friend to all his buddies. His weakness is he's impatient when it comes to completing school work. He has better things to do so he hurries through everything.
What sports or extra-curricular activities does your child participate in successfully?
My boys are not into sports, they are artists I guess. Gavin with his music and drawing. Chase with his cooking, and he also wants to play the drums but we haven't got that far yet.
What strategies do you employ to cope with ADHD?
You know we just cope -- because I have ADD I struggle so much with strategies. The word honestly gives me a headache.
If you could give one piece of advice to a parent of an ADHD child just diagnosed, what would it be?
Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Be your child's advocate and fight for what you believe they deserve. School is going to be a challenge but with knowledge you will get through.
If you could have a free 60-second spot on a public broadcast station, what would you share, show, say?
Public school is one-size-fits-all. If you have a child with ADHD, you better be ready to break the seams!!!!
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 oldest, Gavin, takes Vyvanse 40mg. He really doesn't like it because he loses his appetite. My youngest is on the Daytrana patch, 15mg. He is having NO side effects -- it has been wonderful!!
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?
Both my boys attend public schools and are in special education support classes but attend general education classes. They have a lot of accommodations.
What else would you like to share with other parents on this similar journey?
I am very excited to explore your site and links. I feel as though I can never get enough info. I am just stoked to have found you.
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