ADHD discussed

Editor,

With school back in session, I thought this would be a great time to submit a follow up letter to my previous letter on ADHD. I still have those troubled mornings, less frequent than before, but I have gotten better at handling the outbreaks at home. Part of the reason for this is I have a new outlook on my children's diagnosis.

I started a support group for parents/guardians of children with behavior problems. I call it COPE, an acronym for Children Of Phenomenal Energy.

At our first meeting I felt confident that I could open up and talk about my daily struggles with my children. I realized I was not alone and there are other people who understand what it is like raising a special needs child. We have a strict policy on confidentiality, what is said there stays there. No one will go behind your back and talk about you or your child.

We discuss various topics, from our children's diagnosis, prescription medicine, discipline, school and IEPs, strategies for behavior modification, book discussions, family situations, fears and frustrations, facts and myths, and many other topics.

We are a small group of loving mothers and grandparents who meet once a month in St. Ignatius. I encourage you to stop in at our next meeting to sit and listen; or you may want to share your story and suggestions. I know that you will walk away knowing that you are not alone.

Lou Sorrell

St. Ignatius