Jackson. His ADHD.
We knew it was a possibility. The doctor said it was likely to happen. Being teachers we knew it was a strong possibility. It's just a fact of life when dealing with ADHD. I'm talking the medication here. It has slowly been losing its effectiveness. His old symptoms and idiosyncrasies have returned. The inability to focus. The argumentative responses. The fact that he is easily frustrated. The trouble sleeping. It's all been coming back for a few weeks. Slowly. Bit by bit.
That's ok though. Nothing to worry about. An easy fix. Jackson was due for a doctor's appointment anyway, so when Amy takes him in next week it will be mentioned and discussed. Changing the medication. Maybe the dosage. Maybe the combination. Maybe both. We will just have to see. Like I said, this is common and to be expected. As he grows and his body changes, weight and hormones, the medicine no longer works as well. Time for a fix.
Even though it's normal and nothing to worry about, it is a reminder that he does stil struggle with ADHD, and likely always will. There is no cure, no fix. Nothing to change the way his brain and body work. And that's fine. He is fearfully and wonderfully created. Perfect in his own way.
The medication has worked wonders so far it is amazing to see the changes that have come. In Jackson's behavior, impulsivity, focus, and self-control. He has grown in leaps and bounds academically as well as socially. This was a big year of changes for our special little guy and he has made us so proud.
Recently I have been reading more on ADHD and what's going on in that realm. You may. Have seen the hashtag #oneof15m, I know I have used it on social media. 15 million children and adults in America have been diagnosed with ADHD. That's a lot. It's a good thing too that it has become so celebrated and people are becoming informed. Just in the 11 years I have been teaching, the way we view ADHD has changed so much. With research and medications and diets. It's become a lot more common and has lost some of the stigma.
So that's cool. As we plan for the changes coming to Jackson's medication and the possibility of ups and downs while we work it all out again, I'm happy to say that he is thriving and is so successful. It's a diagnosis, not a handicap. An explanation, not an excuse. It doesn't define him, it's just part of him. One of many parts that makes him unique and awesome.
All is well, #oneof15m, in Drosche Land.
I do believe that ADHD is a very real condition. But I know that some years ago it was WAY over diagnosed. And often by physicians not qualified to make such judgments. I also know that many teens and young adults use the same drugs to get high. That doesn't make the drugs bad, but it does point to it does need to be closely monitored and tailored for the patient. Jackson is a doll!
ReplyDelete. Life & Faith in Caneyhead
You are so right. It was at one time far too over diagnosed. I think with as common as it has become regulations have increased and people are pursuing so many methods of treatment. Thanks so much!
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