reader's story: Kris

an interview with: 

Kris Major

ADHD child(ren):

Maddie, 8 years old, 2nd grade (probably now 3rd grade)

NON-ADHD child(ren):

Nik, 6 years old
C-J, 2 years old

Who are you?

I am a stay at home mom with a daycare in my home for three other children. I am a univeristy graduate with an education and child development background.

Describe your ADHD child using only ONE word: funny

What about your life makes your ADHD story uniquely yours?   

This ADHD child likes to do homework!!! She has a learning disability, dyslexia, as well as Autistm (Highly functioning), anxiety and tics.

How did your ADHD child come to be diagnosed? 

We had her tested by the school and then privately.

What are your ADHD child’s strengths/gifts/talents? Weaknesses? Obsessions? 

She is obsessed with books but can't read them. She will try anything. She can rock climb like a champ!!!! She is extremely emotional.

What sports or extra-curricular activities does your child participate in successfully?

She is a cheerleader,a brownie, and a skater.

What strategies do you employ to cope with ADHD? 

Many!!!

If you could give one piece of advice to a parent of an ADHD child just diagnosed, what would it be?

Don't give up and do your research!!

If you could have a free 60-second spot on a public broadcast station, what would you share, show, say? 

Stop cutting school funding. ADHD is a true medical condition and we need more ressources for these children.

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?

She is currently taking Intinuv 2mg and Concerta 27mg.

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? 

She attends public school and has an IEP. She gets services three times a week for one hour.

She also sees a psychiatrist, a speech therapist and an educational specialist privately because we did not qualify for some services at school due to budget cut backs!!!

What else would you like to share with other parents on this similar journey? 

It's been a struggle in every way.

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