Updated June 13, 2014.
Understanding ADHD and how it affects your child can be a learning process. Oftentimes, there are misconceptions that are corrected along the journey. Gina M. Dunn is a parent of two children with ADHD. She shares how her perception and understanding of ADHD has changed since her children’s initial diagnosis. Gina is now a strong advocate of ADHD awareness and helps families learn more about ADHD through her parenting support group programs.
Q: When were your children first diagnosed?
Dunn: My son, who is 9, was diagnosed five years ago, and my younger son, who is 7 now, was diagnosed three years ago.
Q: What concerns were you having that led to the evaluation and diagnosis?
Dunn: Both kids had a difficult time with focusing, were hyperactive at times, and had a hard time transitioning to new activities, to name a few. Additionally, their teachers noticed similar characteristics.
Q: How have things changed since having ADHD diagnosed and treated?
Dunn: My boys are currently in 2nd and 4th grade and are doing well in school. I also work with my children each night and partner with them with their schoolwork. They take medication each day that helps them be focused and they are aware of why they take medication and what it does for them. It is part of our morning routine. We do have tools in our household to help with transitioning and for focusing when necessary. At school, one of my sons is on a 504 plan and the other is on an IEP plan, which help them be successful, and they are leading normal childhood years.
I have changed since their diagnosis. At first, I didn't want anyone to know about my sons having ADHD because I didn't want them to be judged. After about 8 months of their diagnosis, I embraced it and wanted to reach out to other parents and help them. I started a CHADD group in Hilton Head, SC, which is a parents’ support group. When I first started my CHADD group several years ago, I thought that only several people would show up to the first meeting. Well, 65 people showed up! It is amazing how common ADHD is! Additionally, I recently started another group called SUPPORT THE KIDS. In this group, parents are provided information on ADHD through emails and newsletters. Also, we do activities for the kids throughout the year, including therapeutic horseback riding, picnics and get-togethers.
Q: What would you like others to understand about ADHD?
Dunn: It’s easy for an outsider to judge or not handle ADHD appropriately. Educate others on ADHD. It is not the end of the world and ADHD is what you make of it. As a parent, it is so important to be your child's support and have a good loving relationship with them. Be their advocate. Above all, have patience.
Additional Reading:
How to Start an ADHD Parent Support Group
Tips for Families
Parenting and Self-Care
Source:
Gina M. Dunn, Interview/email correspondence through Caren Begun, September 23, 2011.
Understanding ADHD and how it affects your child can be a learning process. Oftentimes, there are misconceptions that are corrected along the journey. Gina M. Dunn is a parent of two children with ADHD. She shares how her perception and understanding of ADHD has changed since her children’s initial diagnosis. Gina is now a strong advocate of ADHD awareness and helps families learn more about ADHD through her parenting support group programs.
Q: When were your children first diagnosed?
Dunn: My son, who is 9, was diagnosed five years ago, and my younger son, who is 7 now, was diagnosed three years ago.
Q: What concerns were you having that led to the evaluation and diagnosis?
Dunn: Both kids had a difficult time with focusing, were hyperactive at times, and had a hard time transitioning to new activities, to name a few. Additionally, their teachers noticed similar characteristics.
Q: How have things changed since having ADHD diagnosed and treated?
Dunn: My boys are currently in 2nd and 4th grade and are doing well in school. I also work with my children each night and partner with them with their schoolwork. They take medication each day that helps them be focused and they are aware of why they take medication and what it does for them. It is part of our morning routine. We do have tools in our household to help with transitioning and for focusing when necessary. At school, one of my sons is on a 504 plan and the other is on an IEP plan, which help them be successful, and they are leading normal childhood years.
I have changed since their diagnosis. At first, I didn't want anyone to know about my sons having ADHD because I didn't want them to be judged. After about 8 months of their diagnosis, I embraced it and wanted to reach out to other parents and help them. I started a CHADD group in Hilton Head, SC, which is a parents’ support group. When I first started my CHADD group several years ago, I thought that only several people would show up to the first meeting. Well, 65 people showed up! It is amazing how common ADHD is! Additionally, I recently started another group called SUPPORT THE KIDS. In this group, parents are provided information on ADHD through emails and newsletters. Also, we do activities for the kids throughout the year, including therapeutic horseback riding, picnics and get-togethers.
Q: What would you like others to understand about ADHD?
Dunn: It’s easy for an outsider to judge or not handle ADHD appropriately. Educate others on ADHD. It is not the end of the world and ADHD is what you make of it. As a parent, it is so important to be your child's support and have a good loving relationship with them. Be their advocate. Above all, have patience.
Additional Reading:
How to Start an ADHD Parent Support Group
Tips for Families
Parenting and Self-Care
Source:
Gina M. Dunn, Interview/email correspondence through Caren Begun, September 23, 2011.
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