My special child/introduction

[Jacqui]

Hannah is 8 and has been high maintenance since birth. When she was 3 I remember asking myself 'does she have ADHD'? No impulse control, just go, go, go. She continues to be very impulsive, but what holds her back more is her Non Verbal Learning disability, which affects her processing of information including non verbal cueswhen relating to others. Everyday presents challenges, but we get through them, one day at a time. What gifts/challenges do you find with your child?

[Busyknitter]

Hi just spotted this group, so thought i'd pop along and introduce myself. My younger son is severly autistic; non verbal with learning disabilities.

[Brenda]

My son is 14 and has overfocused ADHD, Dysgraphia, and Social Anxiety. It can be dificult some of the times.

[Crystal]

My Two boys Ashton he has aspergers, anxeity and LD my other son Quentin has mild autism and speech issues as with LD

[Jeannette]

I have a 15-year-old daughter with Asperger's, a 12-year-old son with autism(PDD-NOS) and a nine-year-old daughter with ADD. On my kitchen wall I have a plaque that says, "I know God won't give me more than I can handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much!"LOL!

[Jacqui]

Is anyone anxious as school starts up next week? Any tips or advice? We are going to meet Hannah's 5th grade teacher this afternoon. I have some articles on NLD that I will give to her new teacher to help explain some of Hannah's challenges.

[Brenda]

Jacqui, That it a good way to start. The more the teacher knows ahead of time the better. Every year a lot of the info is not passed on. Meeting the teacher and going through the routine is so helpful too.

First day is always the toughest. Anxiety is going to be there weather they have a disablity or not. I think we are more worried then they are. 9 times out of 10 the first day goes really well. It's when the work begins that it becomes a challange....at least for my son. I just keep on top of things and communicate with the teacher as much as possible.

[Jacqui]

I agree with you Brenda~I am sure my anxiety level is higher than Hananh's is. I do like Hannah's teacher this year, so that is a plus. She was very receptive to the information that I gave her to read. Hannah has a lot of social challenges with making and keeping friends. Girls can be so catty and mean sometimes. This year she is in a class where she does not know many kids-so that could be a blessing.
For your son~how does he stay organized? I am nervous about next year when Hannah goes to middle school and has to go to different classes all day. And what is the difference between overfocused ADHD and ADHD?

[Brenda]

Here are the different types of ADHD. At school the according folder seem to be the best way for organization. Everything in one place. He actually liked changing classes. Made the school day a bit more interesting. He has had many social challanges...boys can be just a mean as girls.


Type 1 -- Classic ADHD. All of the hallmark symptoms of ADHD, plus hyperactivity and impulsivity. Responds well to stimulant medications.
Type 2 -- Inattentive ADHD. All of the hallmark features of ADHD, but instead of hyperactivity, there is low energy. Also responds well to stimulant medications.
Type 3 -- Overfocused ADHD. All of the hallmark features of ADHD, in addition to negative thoughts and behaviors, such as opposition and arguing. Tends to respond better to an antidepressant (such as Prozac) combined with a stimulant.
Type 4 -- Temporal Lobe ADHD. The hallmark features of ADHD, plus irritability, aggressiveness, and memory and learning problems. Responds better to antiseizure medications (like Neurontin) than to stimulants.
Type 5 -- Limbic ADHD. Combines ADHD with depression and low energy and decreased motivation. Responds better to stimulating antidepressants than to stimulants.
Type 6 -- The Ring of Fire. Cross between ADHD and bipolar disorder. Characterized by moodiness, aggressiveness, and anger. Anticonvulsants or newer antipsychotic medications tend to work better than stimulants.

[[deleted user]]

My grandson Diogenes is the greatest boy I know. He asked me "what does having ADHD mean, is it bad?" I answered; that Adhd is not a bad thing, it means that children labled ADHD are people who are have lots of enery, are intelligent and are creative.
Sounds normal to me.
Children with ADHD are our future businessmen/women, politicians, inventors and artists.
Love U lots Dio.