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Last week, we received the results of an assessment done by a neuropsychologist to see if Maxandre has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The result; Mixed ADHD with hyperactivity/impulsivity and oppositional disorder. These were the results we expected; we would have been surprised to receive another diagnosis.
The neuropsychologist took the time to explain to, us over the phone, why Maxandre’s diagnosis is ADHD with impulsiveness and opposition. We are happy to receive a professional diagnosis which will help us to better support Maxandre. All in all, for us, this is good news! Over the next week, we should receive the final written detailed report from the neuropsychologist.
Over the past year, I’ve read a lot on the subject. I also got a firsthand look at what ADHD really looks like since the children were mostly at home due to the pandemic and virtual school. Supervising and encouraging an ADHD child for virtual learning comes with its share of challenges. This experience gave me 99% certainty that Maxandre had ADHD. I was able to see, right in front of me, the difference with the other students.
One of the biggest misconceptions some people have about ADHD is the idea that it is related to the way parents raise their children (“badly brought up kids” in other words). This is not true. We lived it with our two boys. Raised in the same environment, they were the polar opposites of each other, even though both were active boys!
Studies show that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes differences in the brain, meaning that the brains of people with ADHD work differently. Since it is a neurological disorder, the symptoms are beyond a child’s control. As such, there is no shame in having a child with ADHD and talking about it. We must support the child and not be discouraged by their actions!
Below is an infographic that I created. For my first post about ADHD, I chose the subject of “challenges” because identifying the symptoms is the first step for parents. The infographic lists some of the challenges within families, especially before a diagnosis. It is important that all of us, parents, grandparents, or others around us, be on the lookout for signs. It is even more crucial that parents feel less alone in their frustration.
Most of the challenges below occur are more likely to occur during the day-to-day routine and at school. By contrast, in happier situations (e.g. visiting friends or grandparents), these issues are less likely to be apparent. As such, we must look beneath the surface and avoid making quick judgments, especially if we aren’t part of day-to-day life of the child!
Not all behaviours listed below will necessarily be present for all families and children with ADHD. The situations listed in the infographic are just more likely to happen with a child with ADHD. Each child is unique. A list of references that I consulted before I created the infographic can be found below.
You liked this post? If you could kindly share it, it would be greatly appreciated. You never know, it could help other families! If you are a parent with an ADHD child, don’t hesitate to share it with you family or friends, they might understand your situation better after!
That’s it for now!
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References:
https://mecp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43045-021-00151-3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktb520seHYk
https://consumer.healthday.com/kids-health-information-23/attention-deficit-disorder-adhd-news-50/kids-with-adhd-suffer-more-injuries-511574.html
https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/messy-bedroom-organization-tips-adhd-kids/
https://www.medpagetoday.com/resource-centers/adhd-care-pediatric-patients/adhd-expecting-more-chores/2829
https://www.invivomagazine.com/en/corpore_sano/prospection/article/185/hyperactive-and-clumsy-the-same-battle
https://www.additudemag.com/oppositional-defiant-disorder-odd-and-adhd/
https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-With-Oppositional-Defiant-Disorder-072.aspx
https://www.todaysparent.com/family/discipline/oppositional-defiance-disorder-when-your-kid-isnt-just-difficult/
https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/adhd-and-shame/
https://adhdology.com/adhd-parent-burnout-solutions/
https://time.com/growing-up-with-adhd/
https://aqnp.ca/documentation/developpemental/tdah/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnuGNBhCPARIsACbnLzqVw9Vh56Nd-EXSd4vRwhs9-lKK7g_SOEehTAI7bOEHqlI29NplMoEaAib5EALw_wcB
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/reducing-one-of-the-most-painful-symptoms-of-adhd
https://aqnp.ca/wp-content/uploads/TDAH_ok.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html#another
Hyperactivité et troubles des conduites : des diagnostics controversés, Julien Jupille https://www.cairn.info/revue-l-information-psychiatrique-2011-5-page-409.htm
TROUBLE DE DÉFICIT DE L’ATTENTION/HYPERACTIVITÉ ; Agir ensemble pour mieux soutenir les jeunes
https://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/msss/fichiers/2003/03-formation.pdf
https://aqnp.ca/wp-content/uploads/TDAH_ok.pdf
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