Let’s talk about having a kid with additional needs. It’s time to start talking about this now & I hope it helps other people.
On this page, I discuss our journey with my little girl, who is on a waiting list for an ADHD assessment
I have recently created several TikTok videos discussing our journey…
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdy86eVH
So why am I making these videos?
When I first started this journey of getting my little girl onto a waiting list for an ADHD assessment, the ONLY real support I found was online, social media, charities & peer support groups.
I hope this video helps someone feeling alone, because I felt that way for a very long time & it’s awful.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdfUtJad
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdfnykLB
Some more context regarding the videos above
✅on the point about being fobbed off by services – I totally understand there is a lack of funding & diagnostic testing services for the current huge demand – not placing blame on anyone. HOWEVER, the lack of support for families needs addressing – as parents & families are being left to muddle through, which is not great!
✅we did have one service that was absolutely amazing – the community team who delivered her speech & language therapy sessions – BUT there is a huge disconnect between what they told me school could do to support, and the response I got when speaking to school directly about it. I was really hopeful after my dealings with the community team, to then feel deflated after speaking to the school 😞 Services need to be more joined up!
✅if this was another health concern or need for a child getting support – they would get it. Why are we waiting for support for ADHD?
✅If you don’t believe ADHD or autism are a thing – that’s your choice. But maybe, just maybe do some reading, watch some videos. Education is key. Because NOTHING will change the fact that there are many children out there in need of support, and sadly, not getting it!
✅finally – I hope this video & me speaking openly helps people out there who need it. I’m sending you the biggest hugs ever – this journey isn’t for the faint hearted! BUT it is our job & responsibility as parents to stand up for our kids, fight for them, challenge the current support in place and hopefully create change – so that every child with additional needs, gets the support & education they deserve! 🙏🤞
✅I am hopeful change is on the way. & that this journey becomes less painful & soul destroying for the parents & carers involved!
✅ and most of all, I hope my kid thrives in a world that fully accepts her. Along with her support needs, ADHD makes her the amazing person she is! She is the most wonderful, loving, caring, empathetic, creative, adorable, imaginative child you will ever meet. I am proud to be her mum. We are proud to be her parents ❤️ and I want to give her all the tools she needs to thrive! To live life to the fullest & to stand up and fight for what’s right when she comes across something that isn’t! 👍🫂❤️ that is why I’m pursuing a diagnosis & making these very important videos!!
Tips for emotional support
SEN Mum – how to support your child emotionally 🫂
We use daily storybooks that specifically discuss emotions or ADHD
Reward charts or jars work, from the perspective of giving praise! Increasing those positive reinforcements to outweigh any negatives! That ADHD brains dwell on & perceive as the worst thing ever! 😢
The mindset journal is a great tool & it also asks her about emotions in general, so she has an opportunity to say – this made me sad today! (we need to reiterate that it’s okay & we can feel both happy & sad at a situation – all emotions are valid)
I will be making some more videos like this! Hope this helps.
You can check out my book recommendations here.
