Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and ADHD

School avoidance can affect many students for various reasons but with our children with ADHD, it is extremely commonplace. Previously termed School Refusal the correct term is now Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). I prefer this term as it highlights the fact that the child is experiencing emotional distress about attending school, rather than simply refusing. (EBSA excludes physical illnesses preventing a child from attending school, truancy or parent-condoned absences). I work with a few children who experience EBSA, and watching their struggle can be heartbreaking. Another set of initials that affect our children with ADHD. Signs of Emotionally Based School Avoidance,…

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ADHD in Girls

When you think of ADHD, what image immediately springs to mind?  For me, it was the hyperactive/ impulsive side.  The side that gives kids the stereotype of the ‘naughty’ kid in class.  Bouncing off the walls, unable to sit still, never raising their hands, blurting out the answer, not waiting their turn.  This is largely how boys will present ADHD, which is why society believes that ADHD is predominantly a ‘boys’ problem’.  But it is not.  Just because the girls with ADHD are not necessarily bouncing off the walls does not make it any less real.  And unfortunately means they are less…

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EHCP Help for Parents

Anyone who has been through the EHCP process will tell you, it's never straightforward. This is why I thought it would be helpful to write an EHCP "help for parents guide". Without the legal jargon thrown in. This is by no means the bible of EHCP help guides. It's just me, as a mum, who has been through this process, writing down all the steps I remember. What is an EHCP? An EHCP, or Educational Health Care Plan, is a legal document for children and young people up to the age of 25 years old. It is written by your Local Authority…

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Special Educational Needs (SEN) Glossary

Seriously, ever since I started this journey with my children with ADHD I have come across so many acronyms. I'll be honest. I would often just nod in some meetings because I was so overwhelmed by all the initials being thrown at me I thought WTF? And BRB (be right back!). Sometimes specialists and people working in a particular area forget that what is normal terminology for them is a "do what when?" to us parents. So, I thought I would put together a Special Educational Needs glossary for parents to have at a glance. Please do send me more to add…

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ADHD and Screen Time

It is estimated that as many as 25% of people with ADHD have Internet Addiction.  This can cause many problems including sleep issues, which many of our children already have.  Watching screens can cut into exercise and play times, again vital for all children but especially for ours with ADHD. So, what is it about ADHD and screen time? Children with ADHD don’t necessarily have difficulty focusing.  They have difficulty staying focussed if what they are doing is boring.  That is why classrooms are so dull for them.  They don’t want to pay attention because it’s not gripping them.  However, hand them…

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Read more about the article 8 things a parent of a child with ADHD will have had!
I've heard it all before

8 things a parent of a child with ADHD will have had!

I can pretty much guarantee that if you are a parent/carer of a child/children with ADHD you will have had the majority of these eight things! Let me know which ones resonate! 8 things a parent of a child with ADHD will have had: 1. Rubbish Advice Love a bit of well-meaning advice. Often well-meaning, this advice can be anything from cut out dairy, bathing in salt water, giving certain vitamins, pillows, bed positioning to stand on one leg whilst hopping with a boiled egg on your head chanting.  Ok, maybe not the last one but you get the picture.  It’s so…

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Today I was over it by 08:40 am

Today I was over it by 08:40 am.  With two children successfully in school and one refusing to come down from his high-rise bed, I was officially over it. Every morning is a struggle at the moment.  My mainstream child is simply a dream when it comes to school. Thankfully.  He gets his homework done on time, he gets up every morning on time and in the entire time of being at secondary school, two years, he has missed the bus once.  Praise the Lord for that child.  I mean don’t get me wrong, he has other things that drive me bonkers,…

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Great ADHD Books for Children

I was trying to remember the other day how I first talked to my daughter about ADHD.  I have always been very open with her on the subject. She had struggled before being diagnosed at 9 years old.   I never wanted her to feel like ADHD was something to be ashamed of because it isn’t. Like any disability, hidden or not.  I just wanted to let her know what ADHD is and how it affects people in so many ways.  I was at a loss myself at the time and, at the start of my journey as a parent of a child…

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ADHD Symptoms in Children

I remember googling this phrase the first time ADHD was suggested as a possible 'thing' for my daughter. Racing home I typed in, 'ADHD symptoms in children'. I rarely used Google as a Dr because as we all know, we can suffer from any of the symptoms listed if we put our mind to it! Firstly it gave me a brief description of what ADHD was. In a nutshell, it said that ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, was the most common neurodevelopmental disorder to be diagnosed in children. Children with ADHD have trouble with attention, focus, impulsivity and being overly active.…

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10 Things I wish people understood about ADHD

There are so many things I have learned since parenting my children with ADHD. It's been a learning curve of a journey! Having children with ADHD obviously means I research, a lot. I've uncovered so many things I had absolutely no idea about ADHD. Learning about the physical differences in the ADHD brain. Connecting the many comorbidities of ADHD. and so much more. I cringe at some of the things I never knew, and thankfully now do. But, if I had to write a list of my top 10 things I wish people understood about ADHD I think this would be them.…

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