"It's really nice to finally have friends, Momma," said my son. "I bet that feels great, Buddy." His heartwarming smile said it all.
Individuals with ADHD often struggle with social skills and personal relationships. The symptoms of ADHD — hyperactivity, lack of focus, immaturity — get in the way of a quality give-and-take relationship. Add to that, the negative perception of being different from your peers, and it’s a wonder our kids with ADHD have any positive social interactions. It’s through no fault of their own, of course.
When my son, Ricochet, was very young, he had one friend -- a boy who had some delays of his own. They ended up in different schools after kindergarten, and didn't see each other very often. At school, Ricochet was bullied relentlessly. He was the youngest in his class, and two or three years less mature than his chronological age. He stuck out like a sore thumb, but there's no excuse, ever, for bullying.
He felt the intense pain of being different. His time on the playground at recess was spent alone, or being tormented by bullies. His friend from kindergarten was the only one to show up to his birthday parties, despite the whole class being invited. He was very aware that he wasn’t accepted by others. This momma’s heart took a beating repeatedly.
- - - - - - - - -
To finish reading the full story, visit the ADDitude website: http://bit.ly/2pjsauW.
