Testimony: being the mum of a child with ADHD, Sophie’s journey
Sophie is the mum of Nathan, who is 13 and was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 6. She candidly shares five years of their journey: the doubts, the battles with school, the discoveries and the victories that changed their family life.
Before the diagnosis: years of misunderstanding
Nathan has always been different. At nursery, the carers flagged his restlessness, his impulsivity and his difficulty following rules. At nursery school, his teachers said he was clever but very hard to manage. At home, evening homework was a daily battle that exhausted us both. My husband thought it was a matter of upbringing. I knew something else was going on, but I didn’t know what.
After two years of concerns raised at school and several fruitless consultations with our paediatrician, I insisted on an appointment with a paediatric neurologist. The diagnosis of ADHD came after an assessment spanning several sessions. I remember crying in the car on the way home from the clinic, not out of sadness but out of relief. At last, an explanation. At last, a name for what we were living through.
The first months: learning to readjust everything
The first months after the diagnosis were a whirlwind. Understanding what ADHD is, finding the right follow-up, negotiating adjustments with the school, and explaining the condition to Nathan in words he could understand. The doctor prescribed medication after a month of observation. The effect was visible within a few days: Nathan was calmer and more available. But medication alone wasn’t enough: we also started psychological support for Nathan and parent psychoeducation sessions for us.
The battles with school: the most exhausting part
Obtaining and enforcing the PAP was the most exhausting part of the journey. Some teachers were wonderful and naturally adapted their practice. Others remained sceptical despite the official documents. I learnt to document everything, to keep pushing, and to go and see the headteacher when necessary. This constant advocacy is exhausting but essential.
Nathan today: a teenager who knows himself
Nathan is 13 today. He knows his ADHD, understands his difficulties and knows what he needs. He has found his passion in music creation, where his hyperfocus becomes a remarkable strength. He is still impulsive and disorganised at times, but he has tools to manage those moments. And our relationship has calmed down since we both understand what is happening. For resources and support for ADHD families, lesdys.fr offers a community and practical guides.
