Diagnosis, Medication, and Personal Reflection

With her support, I had him assessed. The results confirmed what I’d suspected: he had ADHD. For my son, the diagnosis was a turning point. Understanding that his struggles stemmed from a lack of executive functioning—not a lack of intelligence—immediately boosted his confidence. He began to believe in himself again.

Since he was already an active kid, we decided to try stimulant medication, starting with a trial run on a Saturday. It was an instant game-changer. Math homework and writing assignments that once took hours, with plenty of tears, were completed in just 30 minutes. For the first time, he had concrete proof that he was as smart as we’d always told him—and a clear explanation for why he had struggled.

As he made his way through the remainder of fourth grade, his engagement in the classroom and self-esteem improved significantly. Although the meds made a substantial difference, there were (and still are) plenty of challenges that go along with ADHD. As we discovered the areas he needed the most guidance, I saw so much of myself in his struggles. It gave me endless empathy for the ups and downs he would face.

As I helped him navigate his challenges, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own. The more I learned about ADHD, the more I started questioning things about myself. It made me wonder: could my life have been different?? Through it all, his resilience amazed me—and his experience taught me to take a closer look at my own.

• How did you feel when you first received a diagnosis for your child? What was the biggest relief for you, and what still challenges you?
• For those who’ve tried ADHD medication for your child, what changes did you notice? How did it affect their schoolwork and self-esteem?
• Have you ever found yourself reflecting on your own experiences as a parent and wondering if you might have ADHD too? I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories!