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ADHD Support: Don’t Take No For An Answer
By Rory Stern | January 19, 2009
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Of all the things I can teach my clients, advocacy is probably the most important part of parenting a child with ADHD (or any other type of difference for that matter). I don’t know about most professionals, but that’s the work I do. When I worked as a therapist, and in my work now as an ADHD Coach, my work revolves around being an advocate for my client (child or family).
I have no magical powers…and there is no miraculous cure for children with ADHD. All I do is try to understand their struggle… their frustration… and their unique challenges.
That’s my secret!
I help people understand how differences impact an individual, a “system,” a family, and overall how these differences affect the way people around us view people with differences.
The squeaky wheel gets grease!
Now let’s talk advocacy for a moment. As the parent of a child with ADHD, you know your child better than anyone else. I might understand ADHD. I might understand children with ADHD, but every child is different. Every child is different!
Just because I have credentials and a graduate degree – it does not make me an expert at what I do. I hope I demonstrate that to my clients, but it’s something I have to earn and work towards every day.
You have to do the same as a parent!
Now–when I say “you” — I am NOT blaming or pointing the finger. I’ve just consulted on too many cases where parents have felt intimated by another professional or some figure in a position of power or authority.
No matter what happens – don’t ever forget you know your child better than anyone!
My Advice:
- Stand up for what you believe
- Work with collaborators (who listen)
- Advocate and make sure you are heard
- Don’t take no for an answer
This last one is the key. You have to fight hard to get things these days! I wish it were different, but I’ve said before “parenting a child with ADHD is a contact sport.” You have to be involved, and you have to know that a lot of people will tell you no.
In one form or another, you will be told “No” or that’s just not possible.
And because you will be told no — you’ll have to be quick on your feet and be ready to try new things and go after what you want!
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Topics: Advocacy | No Comments »