Your Families Journey Through…ADHD
ADHD is probable one of the more common mental health diagnoses seen and heard of across the globe. In 2011, the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) completed a survey identifying the prevalence of ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. In this study it is shown that 11% of the total population of children surveyed was diagnosed with ADHD; males having a higher rate of taking on this diagnosis (15.5%) compared to females (6.7%). I know for myself when I think of ADHD the image of a hyperactive, easily distracted child pops into my head, but this diagnosis can come with so many more struggles than just hyperactivity. Below is a story of a family who has struggled, learned and continue to deal with the symptoms of ADHD in their son.
“My son was not behaving at pre-school, after previously being kicked out of a couple of daycares and choosing to remove him from one on our own. He did not fit the ‘normal’ kid mold and it was a struggle to keep him in any daycare without him being treated differently after some time. For several years we saw cycles of good days and bad day, and frustrations grew. Phone calls began and did not stop from the schools and daycare reporting negative behaviors daily. We tried to implement different things at home, such as different discipline strategies, as well as a reward system for good behavior, but they only lasted so long. We were told daily how much he misbehaved and would oftentimes have to leave work because he would bite another child or do something impulsive. We were never told one positive thing about our child.
On our own we tried many things that he thought could be beneficial and help resolve some of the issues our son was having. We tried eliminating food dyes and other additives, as well as increasing our sternness of a strict routine. We saw a physical therapist that referred us to an ENT, which led to the removal of tonsils and adenoids, as well as putting in tubes. We were told this would help with behavior problems and we hoped and prayed all of this would lead to relief. We did everything we could to eliminate any other possibility. None of these things truly worked and we just did not understand. We learned quickly that we are the only true advocate for our child and no one was going to reach out to help us.
We started with our pediatrician, and after several visits and discussions they made a referral for a local psychologist for our son. At the initial appointment we were provided a screening checklist for us and his teacher to complete. From those checklists, our son was diagnosed with ADHD without him even being seen. We continued our search for care for our son and we were directed to Brad Robison, M.D. and Associates. During our initial intake with Dr. Robison we would tell a difference in the services and care being provided. Our child was observed and played with; our story was listened to and heard through tears. We knew that medication was more than likely going to be recommended, but were thankful to hear that that would only occur if several criteria and factors were met. We were thankful to find a group of people who listened, offered reasoning and education as to why our child was the way he was and gave us hope.
In the end, medication was deemed necessary to aid our son. It was the most difficult decision for us to make as a parent. Starting medication and finding the right fit was a roller coaster, but Dr. Robison worked diligently with us. Ultimately, we found a minimal dose medication that helped our son control impulsivity, focus when it was needed in school and allowed our son to make and keep friends. The good day and bad day cycles continued and we would adjust medication as needed, adjust and work with his teachers the best that we could. However, our world was significantly different for the better.
Our son is now in 8th grade and received phone calls regularly telling us how awesome our child is. Wow! Happy tears for once! We have managed to keep him on a low dose of medications and the cycles have stopped. We have tried at times, at his request, to stop medication, but ultimately he just can’t do it completely by himself yet. We still have conversations addressing lack of focus from time to time, but he has taken his super speed brain power and has developed into a straight A student and a natural leader amongst his peers. Although he still struggles from time to time, our lives have completely changed for the better. Although he still struggles, our lives have completely changed for the better. If we were not a part of this group I’m not sure we would have the understanding of kids like him. We now share our stories with anyone that listens. We have people approach us all the time with questions or just needing to talk. From all the things we’ve learned being a part of this group was instrumental in getting our child on the right path for a successful life. “
Cara Parkinson can be found behind the front desk in the office. She has worked in mental health with children and adolescents for the past 4 years and joined our office in July of 2020. She is currently working to complete her Master’s in Social Work. She enjoys spending time with her dog, Bella, reading and is a lover of learning. She looks forward to discovering more ways to advocate for and help others along their journey through life and finding healing.