Back in January 2002, I became a parent for the first time. I had a gorgeous baby boy.
I was also an undiagnosed autistic and ADHD parent. When that boy was 20 years old, I received my diagnosis, and his younger brother was 18.
I navigated 20 years of parenting not knowing I was AuDHD, and it was tough.
This is something that not many people talk about.
There is a lot about parenting autistic and ADHD children and how to provide for them, but not a lot around what it’s like being an autistic and/or ADHD parent, and if there is information, it’s assuming that you are diagnosed already.
Since my diagnosis, I have been looking back over my life, especially the years of parenting and the impact it had on me, how it shaped my outlook on life and parenting. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Some things are downright painful, especially when I think how hard I tried to parent in a neurotypical way, following all the ‘rules’ that were set out by various experts – health nurses, school teachers, magazines, books, and so much more.
Some are complete joy, such as discovering things like lizards, pirates, dinosaurs, Rubiks cube, and so much more as my kids were going through their various special interests.
Some things are confusing, even now.
For a while, I have complained that no one is speaking about this, then it hit me… I’m not speaking about it either!
I figured that I have this blog, this place on the Internet where I can share things, so why not start here.
My dream, eventually, is to write a memoir about it all, until then, this is my story. I will refer to others in my life, often by an initial only, but, as much as it’s my story, they are part of it.
Please, join with me, ask any questions, and you’re welcome to share your own stories in the comments too.
I should also mention, the information won’t be in any particular order, things will be posted as I think of them or a memory pops up.
Leave a Reply