Hi:

I can understand your frustration with a school system that seems only to judge and punish, rather than help your son. A few questions:

Has your son been formally diagnosed with ADHD?

Is he taking any ADHD medication?

Does he have any school accommodations for ADHD?

If you haven't done so already, I would advise seeking out a formal diagnosis from an ADHD specialist who can also help devise a treatment plan for your son.

At the same time, you should coordinate with the school to set up an IEP or 504 Plan for your son to help with ADHD accommodations at school.

Here are some of ADDitude's best articles about how parents can secure ADHD accommodations...

Accommodations For ADHD Students: A Parent's Guide

Essential School Information for Parents

How to Get ADHD Accommodations at School

Sample Letter to Request ADHD Accommodations at School

9 Ways to Achieve Success at School

I hope this helps!

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To answer all your questions yes I have gone through all the process for the 504 plan, he was on meds. but I had to take him off of it. My son was having bad side effects to the meds. He now goes to three different specialist.. I just try to take it one day at a time. Thanks for the advise. Will see how everything will go, I have the appointment for the 504 plan on Monday. I will keep you up to date.

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I saw your post and registered specifically to respond to you (although for some reason my original message didn't post, so I'm writing it again). When I was in elementary school and first diagnosed with ADHD, my mother was told by the principle that I'm the type of girl that will end up in prison, end up with a substance abuse problem, or end up pregnant by the time I was 16. I'm 25 and while living with ADHD has been difficult, nothing remotely like that has happened to me. In fact, I recently won First prize in a national art contest and have a painting displayed in the Smithsonian and one in the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. I cite my recent decision to seek treatment for ADHD once again, and accept it fully as a fact of my life, as one of the reasons I was able to finally make some progress and position myself to win an award like that.

Things have been really hard for me up until this point (they still are hard), and I've had numerous teachers, professors, and potential mentors treat me like I'm lazy, stupid, irresponsible, etc. As a child, I had problems getting along with other kids and would get into fights, similar to what you described with your son. I've had difficulties in my personal and professional life. I just wanted to write to tell you that I've gone through an entire school system that really didn't 'seem to care' and had very little support, and I was still able to achieve something positive and significant. Your son is still young and with a parent who obviously cares very much and is mindful about his ADHD, so there is definitely still hope despite your frustrating situation. Your son may not fit the mold other students do, but that doesn't make him a delinquent or a criminal. As long as he has caring, patient, and understanding people like you to support him he can have the same opportunities his classmates have and more. I encourage you to educate your son's teachers and mentors about ADHD as much as possible, if you don't already. Most people don't understand it beyond the stereotype. Good luck.

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It seems like you have been through it all. I hope things get better for you, I hate how people judge without understanding some situations. You, however sound like you know how to handle things now. Don't let anyone put you down. It;s like I tell my son, you guys are special, I mean you can deal with it all and still stand strong. I admire this .I try to teach my son that you can handle anything. I tell my daughter the same thing, she has epilepsy.I think my son seems to deal with it just fine, and if you were to meet him you would see he is the sweetest and nicest boy. Once again I'd like to thank you for your kind words. I wish you the best of luck.

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