reader's story: Desiree

an interview with: 

Desiree Maddox

ADHD child(ren):

Keenan, age 13

NON-ADHD child(ren):

Quinton, age 6

Who are you?

I'm a working single parent trying to survive the ups and downs of a teenager with ADHD.

Describe your ADHD child using only ONE word: bright

What about your life makes your ADHD story uniquely yours?   

I am a Single Parent who probably had ADHD as a child, but was never diagnosed. I still have some components of it but I am able to manage.

How did your ADHD child come to be diagnosed? 

I was told Keenan was 110% boy at age five because he was so active. By second grade, the teacher kept humiliating him. So I had him evaluated, we received the diagnosis and put an IEP in place.

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

He loves science and is very articulate. He has a weird sense of humor a lot of people may not find funny -- he is just looking for acceptance. He loves video games and informative programs. He loves to read but hates to write due to writing deficits.

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

Wrestling,skateboarding, football and he wants to play rugby

What strategies do you employ to cope with ADHD? 

It is getting harder as he gets older. I need to connect with support groups to learn some new strategies.

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

Hang in there!

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

I would say Keenan is a bright young man who has been trying so hard to mantain in this cruel society of "normal" peers. I just want him to go to a high school where he is accepted for being different but also smart.

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?

He takes Vyvanse 60mg. He experiences no side effects but think it is time for a change.

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? 

He is graduated from public middle school this year. He has been accepted to private school with a program for boys with ADHD. I'm not sure how I will afford it though.

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