ADHD is something that has been on the for front of my thoughts for months. My eldest son, Nathan, was diagnosed with it last summer. It was a great surprise to me as he has shown signs of it since he was in preschool. Now, educators don't like to label kids that early because much of that squirmy behavior can be lack of maturity, but in Nathan's case I could see it was more than that.
Nathan is a super bright boy, but as he has said many times "it's like I have a movie playing in my head". This movie pulls Nathan away from the work he is supposed to be doing- he is constantly being told to "stay on task" or to focus. He tries really hard, but can't control the urge to allow his mind to wander. Nathan doesn't have the Hyper part of the disorder as much as the attention part. He does fidget and become anxious about things, but on a small scale (no bouncing off the wall for this kid).
We started the school year off with alerting Nathan's teacher of our concerns. She has been so great and caring. She has done everything she can do to help Nathan complete his tasks. The good thing is, is that he is progressing. He understands the material and is moving forward, but he does need extra time to complete the tasks on hand. And although he is doing okay, he gets frustrated that he can't keep up with his peers.
So now the question was- To medicate or to not? Dan and I were on opposite sides here. Dan's concerns are valid as were mine, but we had to compromise. So almost 2 weeks ago we started Nathan on a low dosage of Metadate CD. There are side effects that can occure, but we didn't see any change the first week (good or bad) so we have increased the dosage to 20mg (per the doctor's instructions). This greater dosage seems to be making a difference. Nathan feels good taking it and can see how it is helping him do the work. I am seeing a difference at home as we get homework done without so much resistance. The teacher also sees a difference in the classroom.
This is a journey and one that isn't going to simply be taken care of with a magic pill, but it is a step in the right direction. We will continue to help him learn methods to help him get through his day. So much prayer and consideration was taken to reach even this step and my prayers are that we will keep making the best choices for Nathan where he's at. He brings me such joy and I only want the best for my sweet boy!
Claire ~ Nathan ~ Maddie
The performance was great as was the company. Tricia and her daughters joined us and we met up with another friend, Janice, who was there with her daughter and husband (not seated with us).
This rainy and cold weather has been great and it has caused us to do new things indoors. Of course, Jason in a cage is not one of them. We had a visit from our favorite doggy- Guinness- yesterday and we enjoyed taking him for walks and cuddling on the couch!!
Seeing this picture of him and all of his protection makes me think about when I was a little girl and how we didn't wear any protection at all. How any of us survived is beyond me!
Dan and Melissa Crout~ January 11, 2003
~7 Years Later~
I couldn't resist getting a picture of Dan and his two handsome little boys.
To our great surprise and wonder, this beautiful Swan came over to have some food too. This bird is so beautiful up close and is as big as you imagine it to be.
I marvel how graceful they look and how their wings rest up like this and not flat like other water fowl.
Maddie (5), Elise (7 months) and Claire (6) joined us for dinner, a movie at home, ringing in the New Year at 9pm, sleeping over, pancakes and the Rose Parade this morning and lots of playing. We really did have a great time. It is nice to have girls around the house for me (and the boys).
Here are the kids all snug watching their movie!!
Here is Dan and Elise (aka Pickle) after he fed her dinner.
And here was our dinner- much better than baby food!