Want to connect with other special needs families? Come join the conversation at October 7, 2008
A Visual Definition of ADHD
While uploading photos from the boys digital camera, I found several video clips they had recorded. Yeah, fun stuff. This one is no exception…recorded by Lee, my son who lives with severe ADHD under the umbrella diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome…
ADHD Defined – Visually from Melody S on Vimeo.
"Wheeeee…again, again, again. Wheeeee…again, again, again."
I laughed because not only does it provide a perfect visual definition of his ADHD world, but it pretty much nails our family's world. A whirlwind.
But then my laughter stopped, and I cried.
This is how my child experiences the world…every day…every moment…and he cannot control it. My patience with him fails daily, sometimes several times a day, over behaviors of which he has no control.
Why do I seem to forget that he struggles? Why do I lose patience with this child? Because as difficult as ADHD is for him, it is also difficult for me, and I am human. So we've learned to forgive one another…and move forward.
It's the only way.
Understanding and forgiveness…and a heavy dose of laughter.
Understand that you are not perfect…no one expects you to be…and forgive yourself.
Otherwise, you lose your sanity…
…and miss the opportunity to laugh out loud together over a silly video.
Melody can be found writing here at 5MFSN every Tuesday in addition to hosting Special Exposure Wednesday. You will also find her at Slurping Life sharing photos and a few words from her special life.
Filed under Blog, Day In And Day Out, Laughing Through The Tears by
Comments on A Visual Definition of ADHD »
Barbara @ 12:18 pm
(Again) I think your talent as a visual artist is used to help the rest of us to understand better. Thanks, Melody. And (again) your unselfish sharing of your emotions helps us to better accept ourselves. Thank, Melody (again).
Tammy and Parker @ 9:07 pm
I LOVE your boys. LOVE them.
And I love your heart.
This post was nothing short of amazing.
Trish @ 10:45 pm
Oh darn it. Now you've made me cry too.
(But thank you anyway.)
Shannon @ Gabi's World @ 11:50 pm
I always find those strange things on my camera too. I got a touch of vertigo after that video! LOL
Maddy @ 11:59 pm
Indeed. I also gained a great deal of insight when they stole the camera. They photoed [is that a word?] primary colours and the details of things, all things. Then when they discovered the video setting…..well I'm lucky if I can ever find the camera again, and when I do, eventually, the card is always full.
Best wishes
Ann @ 3:21 am
Watching the video makes me go WHEEEEEEEE!!!!
Perfect, absolutely perfect.
All Rileyed Up @ 1:37 pm
Well said, though forgiving myself is still a difficult thing to do. My son has severe eczema and I lose my patience all the time with his scracthing and then it makes me cry too because it's not his fault that his crazy itchy.