Point Seven-Parenting in the World of ADHD and ASD
- BD's mom
- Aug 14, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: Aug 28, 2023
When our son, BD (Basement Dweller) was about 11, my husband and I were given a mathematical calculation that would help us better understand the developmental/executive functioning age of our son with ADHD. Take the chronological age of the child and multiply by .7 to arrive at a more accurate developmental profile of the child.
But what happens when said child is nineteen years old and has many characteristics of a neuro-typical 19 year old (legally an adult, hormones, high school graduate, full time employee, and in his mind making money hand over fist), but according to the .7 calculation, is in many ways, functionally a 13 year old? This has been a challenging "season" for our family as we navigate this new transition. In the meantime, BD is living in our basement. Welcome to our journey!
Thank you for sharing your journey. I think this forum is a great tool for navigating challenges at different life stages with your child, a way to process it all by writing it down. Sharing similar experiences, connecting with other parents and getting the support from each other. I wish I could relate to what you are going through. Imo, though, I do feel COVID in general has set back my daughter. In a lot of ways my daughter who is 20 has the maturity level of a 18yr. old, from the 2yrs she "missed" because of hybrid learning and staying home.
I can offer words of encouragement! I think your unconditional love and support for your son is admirable…
Thank you for this educational and honest account of the challenges in life. Your writing is engaging, open, and thoughtful. We love BD! I can also relate to some of your experiences. Your unconditional love for BD is a testament to his successes.
Thank you for this engaging, honest account. This will be a lifeline for families in similar situations and instructive for those who don't understand the challenges.