A father copes with his son, who has ADHD and learning disabilities, as best as he can.
I wish I could help my son. My son, Derek, is twelve years old, but ever since he (and I) can both remember, school has been a monumental struggle for him.
Derek has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and learning disabiities, including dyslexia and dyscalcula (problems reading and writing and learning math). He is mainstreamed in some regular classes (gym, art, music), but most of the time he spends his time in the learning resources room or in the special-needs class. He tries his best, but school is still very hard for him, and it breaks my heart.
Despite all the challenges he faces, Derek is a very good kid, with an optimistic outlook on life. He channels his energies into his artwork or music. He can read music well (surprisingly enough), and he absolutely loves to sing or play his drums. He loves to play all sports and is usually always on the go.
Clarice (my wife) and I both call Derek "The Energizer Bunny". He wears us out just by watching him. LOL
If it were not for the special-needs class or the resource room, Derek would be a completely different little boy. He would probably have no friends and would have a sullen attitude. He still does get teased by some of the other kids at school, but he saves his tears until he gets home; then he cries and all we an do is hold him in our arms and try to console him. Thank God the teasing is lessening, but I worry about when he will enter middle school: it might very well pick up again in intensity; kids entering their teen years can be especially cruel to others who don't "fit in" with the "norm".
I just hope the friends Derek has now will stand up for him when that time comes. Lord knows, we will: we will do everything possible to help Derek navigate the jungle known as middle school!
I have heard teachers at past conferences or open houses say that Derek has "the attention span of a flea". Maybe he does, but he's been working hard to overcome his inattentiveness. When he does his schoolwork/homework assignments, he has to have complete silence, freedom from any distractions, or else he loses his concentration and he has to work twice as hard to get it back.
I'm just glad the school year is about over. That way, Derek can concentrate on being a little boy and enjoying summer vacation with his sports, hobbies, and being free from the constraints of schoolwork or bullies.
Derek can also get back to annoying his little sisters, the way that big brothers can only do. :) The girls aren't looking forward to that, but Derek sure is! :)
I can really relate to the story of Derek, as now, looking back, I was and, in a way, still am as Derek. My mind would and still has a difficult time remaining on subject. Math was a horror for me and I was also somewhat hyper active. The time of my childood was long, long beforethe concept of ADHD and, even now, have the most difficult time following written instructions.
Your friend in Southern California; Mark
Karen I am familiar with ADHD and the pain it can cause as my nephew has that disorder and somethings are very hard for him, and when he has a meltdown watch out, but all in all he is a good kid!!!
In Christs Love
Michelle~
Karen, Heartbreaking story and it seems to be getting widespread across the country. The drugs do more harm than good but cutting sugar and using a special diet often helps the most. Well written and enlightening.
