Gabriel is his own person, and always has been. We love that about him, he is intense and throws himself into everything he does and has his own definite ideas about life. However, for over a year now I have had a nagging feeling that something wasn't right for Gabe, and upon discussion with others that have spent significant time with Gabe, I found they felt the same.
Starting this past fall, there was little doubt left. Gabe brought home notes almost every single day from his teacher. He couldn't pay attention, couldn't focus at reading time, couldn't stay still even to say the pledge. He couldn't walk quietly in line, he was distracting other students. We were called in for conferences. I got phone calls from the principal. He also got multiple referrals from the bus driver, and even got suspended from the bus for 3 days. When asked for an explanation, Gabe didn't have one, although he seemed as frustrated as we were.
Things got worse at home as well. Gabe couldn't watch a movie (even a favorite one) for more then 20 min., if that. Heck, sometimes he couldn't sit still long enough to eat a meal that he loved. He was (is) bouncing off the walls, and no amount of reward charts and talking and time outs and physical activity could curb these behaviors.
We have visited the doctor and conferred with his teacher (she categorically stated that Gabe's learning was being greatly hindered). Gabe has been diagnosed. He has ADHD, and now I can breathe a sigh of relief. It's not me, it's not our parenting, it's not the school. Gabe has a medical condition that can and will be treated with a combination of medication and behavior management techniques tailored to someone with a fairly severe form of ADHD.
We can do this! We can help Gabe learn the techniques and skills he needs to function meaningfully and fully in society. We can give him the tools that will help him be a happy, healthy adult!
Most important for Gabe, though, is that we realize that this is a part of who he is and I refuse to treat it like a dirty secret. We will manage the symptoms that negatively affect him, and we will continue to embrace all of who this amazing little guy is! There is only one Gabriel and our world is so much richer for knowing him! I have been reading up on ADHD and I found a great article on the positives of having ADHD. It included a list of positive character traits that come from having this condition, and I want to end this post by including the parts of that list that apply to Gabe, and help make him the amazing person he is.
*Forgives mistakes easily *Sensitive
*Compassionate *Feels things deeply
*Charming *Warm hearted
*Charismatic *Unique point of view
*Dreamer *Fast thinker
*Inquisitive *Imaginative
*Creative *Intuitive
*Energetic *Fun-loving
*Enthusiastic *Athletic
*Trusting *Optimistic
*Intense *Loyal
*Resilient *Passionate
*Tenacious *Open minded
