Op, I think you're in for a long haul of teaching skills. Just remember that for ADHD kids, they can be like 3 years behind their age in terms of emotional maturity. So it all about taking baby steps towards building specific skills. Make a list of behaviors that are problematic and the likely skills that are missing, and then work on one at a time. I also like the PP's note about modeling, which at this age may work better (I think he may need another year or two to be able to do much with cognitive behavioral therapy).

I sympathize - I think it is anxiety that often accompanies ADHD that makes life doubly hard. My ex-husband and DC had both and it makes them both so inflexible. Zoloft has really helped DC to try new things and complain less. Also trying meditation which helps both of us to chill out and enjoy the moment. But it is so hard sometimes! Therapy worked for me - just to coach me on how to take things less personally when DC is being difficult.

I could have written this about my 9 yo ds until this year. He was medicated, did cbt, social skills groups. Such negative thinking all the time. Now it is so much better. Still a bit of the negative talk but much easier to turn it around now. The huge change we did... got him out of public school. He is now at Newton and thriving socially and academically. I tried everything in my power not to need a private school but accepting it has been the best thing for not only him but our family.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good luck you all.
Wait till they are 14.
Brace yourself.
Get something for yourself.
I think it will be easier when they will be 28 or something. I do not see it earlier.
Mom of 14s year old GTLD ADHD boy.

What happens at 14? Spoilers please!

For us it is 13, and all hell brakes loose.