ADHD & Dyslexia Diagnosis - A Personal Story

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Welcome back, everyone!
In this weeks video, we share an important update on our 10-year-old son Grayson’s recent ADHD and dyslexia diagnosis and how it’s impacted our family.
Plus, I'm turning 44! So we reflect on some of the best (and worst) parts of getting older- And, we talk about a few book recommendations that have been getting us through this wild year.
Oh yeah we end on a big dollop of fisherprice wisdom!
Enjoy the show.
Much love,
Stef & Hannah
p.s Keep your eyes peeled for some AI video stuff I've been messing around with :)
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[@elainex6109]

I understand you are trying to raise awareness, which is great. However, I am not sure it's entirely reasonable to share so much detail about your child, when he is unable to consent to that. There is a lot of personal information contained in assessments and reports, and I would be asking myself if it's protecting him by sharing that for content. Raising awareness is great, we have a nephew who is significantly neuro divergent and awareness is key, however privacy, dignity and respect also is and this does feel slightly that he is being exploited. I think it could have been done in a less intrusive way, especially considering he is in a new country and will no doubt have additional struggles trying to adapt. No hate here, just an opinion.

[@resplendentclarity2188]

I think they made this video with plenty if dignity and respect for their young Man. Not too much at all.

[@Mandy-georgia]

Little Squeaky G 🥺 all the best people have a little spark and spice 🎉 I'm glad you got his diagnosis, many people say labels aren't needed but I don't agree. Mine helped me understand myself past and present and enables me to advocate for myself and give myself some grace when I was having a tough time or just being too tough on myself. Also when/if he goes through any formal exams they'll give him additional time and won't be able to grade him down for grammar and sentence/essay structure, this was a game changer for when I was at Uni and meant I got a grade which actually reflected the work I put it. When it comes to exams I always recommend courses which are modular and practical based like a BTEC and then into a BA if he wants to take that path at all. Also in parenting it stops some of that second guessing "am I doing it right" "should I be doing something differently" not all of it but it helps.

[@katharinas.9997]

The part where you spoke about birthdays and people saying stuff they don't really mean just blew me away. This is how I feel like my whole life but never knew how to express it. Love this video Stef ♥️

[@HannahJaneTaylor]

I love this for him and he’s so lucky to parents like you, you’re both absolutely smashing it

[@MicheleBorucki]

He's so lucky to have you two as his parents. My sweet husband is autistic, he wasn't diagnosed until adulthood. Our oldest kiddo was diagnosed at 4, and since her diagnosis it's been so cool to see how he lifts her up. He was put into special education classes as a kid and kind of forgotten, he is incredibly intelligent, his brain just worked differently. Now he advocates for our sweet girl and it's just incredible to see.

[@marizeladadanovič-u8h]

Man I loved your wisdom talk, just blew me away and started thinking about your words, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us and opening my eyes ☺️ Love you guys, I always feel like I’m catching up with my family when I watch your videos ♥️ Love from Slovenian girl 😊

[@nadinr.5265]

I'm literally bawling my eyes out over the compilation of little Grayson... a wee little bit because I'm a mum of an awesome 3 year old, thanks for the reminder🫶

[@ellenmeabhdhobrienhall4645]

I am so glad your experience for Grayson has been positive with the educational physiologist. Definitely a superpower!

[@sararibeiro3959]

Grayson diagnosis will likely have such a positive and empowering impact for him. My husband was diagnosed with adhd late in life and was life changing for him. I do have to say I love birthdays, I love celebrating my husband's birthday, my son, my friends and my family- it's another opportunity to show that person how much I appreciate them and love them . I know doing this on a daily basis is also important, but personally I equally like to make them feel special on their birthday. Love the video has always!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Neurospicy is what the cool kids are calling it. Apparently- I haven’t been that cool for a long time (same age as Stef). Loved this one gang. Enjoying with a coffee on my Sunday.

[@diannepiketh8441]

Love this video so much! Especially the wizdom! Thank you for sharing.

[@merimaspahic]

This is such a great video, loved rhe wisdom, thank you.

[@Jo-hr3fy]

Formal diagnosis can be so empowering. Grayson is lucky you guys referred him for assessment. Hopefully he will now get the support he needs and teaching style and environments at school will be differentiated to meet his needs. I always thought EPs could only signpost the likelihood of dyslexia, ADHD, autism etc based on cognitive assessment but not actually formally diagnose anything. Usually, an EP report leads to a specialist assessment and formal diagnosis, e.g. neurodevelopmental assessment in the case of suspected ADHD. EPs definitely cannot diagnose autism for example, but they can suggest a person may exhibit autistic traits.

[@ShakirahIbaad]

This is how it worked for my daughter. The educational psychologist did assessments and observations of her in the classroom and then the school referred her to the relevant multidisciplinary teams to do individual diagnoses of Autism and ADHD. Educational psychologists are qualified to recognise and evaluate Autistic, ADHD and Dyslexia and other traits of a variety of disorders though. If the Educational Psychologist states that they observe a particular disorder there is a good chance that it will go on to be diagnosed officially by the relevant multidisciplinary team.

[@andreahackett]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom Stef! 🫶🏼💗

[@casscan90]

It must be so lovely to have so much of your life recorded so you can remember all of those moments that would have been otherwise been forgotten

[@TheMichalaks]

@@casscan90 it’s the best part of all of this x

[@Semapho0ore]

Love the video. I mean it. Happy Birthday!🥳

[@Meiryn881]

Happy Birthday Stef 💐🥂☀

[@PraiseGod1611]

I have a adhd son he is 23 now . We managed his adhd without medication no Ritalin (it’s poison) . Only high dose of fish oil which has similar positive effect on the brain . He learned to manage his behaviour and is doing really well being an electrician now.

[@swissOla]

Danke!

[@TheMichalaks]

Aww that’s so kind of you, thank you ❤

[@siandavis9676]

We need Hannah’s reaction to the puppet with a nose ring 😂

[@ariellewilliams6093]

I was worried that I was the only one seeing that! LMAO 😂

[@katherinevincent8445]

Fantastic vlog! Love your creative style. My eldest is the same age as Grayson & shows similar traits but the school hasn’t picked up on it so it’s so hard getting him the right help. My other son who is called Grayson 😊 he’s only 3 & it’s a bit more clear so he is currently being assessed. Hopefully he will get the help he needs quicker.

[@whythrowaway]

Agree in the moment, hard to do but appreciate the reminder.

[@janis17656haris]

Get all the help for him fight for your rights we certainly did with our children one with dyslexia and dyscalculia. She didnt get much help in primary and secondary school. College helped her more. Harry Potter got her reading and from then on and today just loves books. She may lose her place on the page but carries. In her work environment she has to count stock and struggles with this people need to be sympathetic in this as well. She struggles when interrupted during counting stock. Luckily her manager understands and has known her for so long. But people dont always know about her diagnoses for dyslexia and dyscalculia. They should be sympathetic and not compare her to others!! I have Lincoln in the Bardo as well!!! havent read it yet had it for at least 4 years!!!!

[@Stickyharmony]

I cried when you started with that wisdome.

[@jazz2020]

Too bad they call it a disorder. It should be ADHP. P for personality.

[@winniefraser4004]

it’s called a disorder as it affects daily life etc

[@ShakirahIbaad]

As someone with ADHD I personally feel that continuing to call it a disorder is really important. It severely impacts our whole lives and mental health for most people. Without calling it a disorder and properly acknowledging and understanding the difficulties that come with it, children in particular won’t receive the relevant support in order to thrive. Toxic positivity about disabilities and neurodivergence actually causes more problems than it solves. I know you comment was meant to be a kind and supportive one. I just want you and others to know that disorder and disability are not dirty words and they don’t mean someone is less than.

[@jazz2020]

@@ShakirahIbaad Sorry, I totally see your point.

[@wellnessbynorah]

I've been a viewer since G was one. I'm so happy for him that he has support. I wish I'd had the same support - I was just called lazy.

[@rosiet7158]

I needed this today. Thank you (meant sincerely) 😂 xx

[@blair1278]

I'm AuDHD, and Lysdexic. My wife is ADHD, My eldest son is ADHD, Dyslexic, and ODD, my youngest is AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD) We have struggled to get the boys diagnosed because the NHS is full of male doctors who treat mothers as if they are being over reactive or they have no founding to get a diagnosis. Or private "diagnosis" companies who are in it for the money and over diagnosis We took both our boys out of school and now home school. They have learnt more since we took them out of school than they did at school. We are now taking our kids back to Australia because we have had enough with how the UK doesn't help families like us

[@ShakirahIbaad]

I’m so sorry you’ve had this experience. I really wish you all the best moving back to Australia and I hope your whole family gets to thrive like never before. 😊

[@rosshardy5359]

I have ADHD, yes he will have a unique view of the world, and he can harness ADHD, but he will be hindered - he will habe support needs and that is okay, he will still be able to thrive, but he will have significant challenges all of his life as I'm sure you know yourself

[@ShakirahIbaad]

Thanks for acknowledging and stating this. Many people try to gloss over the dark side of ADHD and they do so with good intentions. However, it actually harms those of us with ADHD more than it supports us.

[@RealInfamoose]

Never understood birthdays... I'm a year older? No, I'm a day older than I was yesterday, there is literally no difference between yesterday, today or the day after, it's all the same. If we're celebrating surviving another year, I might as well start celebrating the fact I survived my 5 hours sleep last night, or the 30 minute round trip to drop the kids at school without having to say a word to another parent. That means more to me than my brithday.

[@pon1952leod]

You’re awesome 🤩

[@julialeonetti879]

I just got a position as a special education teacher! Grey is lucky to have you guys as parents - it is a super power! Also how much AI did you use for this video 😂

[@sofihable]

I completely agree and have followed you since Greyson was born. First time I comment. I don't think you should have shared Greyson's diagnosis of ADHD and dyslexia.

[@omarianno]

Is all the footage AI or just your avatar?

[@mrslovely1519]

Reminds me of that famous Bill Hicks just a ride quote...

[@JannetjeW]

Are you reading Eckhart Tolle?

[@TheMichalaks]

Yeah I read one of his books many years ago when we lived in London. x

[@TheMichalaks]

BTW I can see you've been subscribled to us for 10 years. Thats bloody amazing, thank you for being here all this time x

[@clairelindsay3066]

Great vlog Steph …. Or should I say “Wise One” 😜

[@WhatMattMakes]

Love!

[@3markers]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Tiffanynicholls]

❤❤❤

[@zabinaisabelle]

👏

[@niamhhegarty6581]

My partner has ADHD and got very upset when I suggested he had it (even though it could be written on his forehead) because he had such a negative stereotype of it. He thought it meant he was the naughty stupid kid so it's great children, and adults, are so much more aware of it to de-bunk this idea they're not normal :)

[@jackiebrown2856]

Xx💕💕

[@JolieFleur0116]

I TRIED READING THE BOOK "Orbital" AND COULD NOT READ PAST PAGE 30. THE AUTHOR IS WORDY AND TRIES TOO HARD TO SOUND INTELLIGENT. SO DISAPPOINTED.

[@kirstyyasmin9840]

This is such a lovely video, he really is so lucky to have you guys as parents!! 🥹. Also incase you’re not aware already, trichotillomania and other body focussed repetitive disorders are hugely linked to neurodiversity which might be helpful to know, I know it has been super useful for me!!

[@Stickyharmony]

I cried when you started with that wisdome.

[@Stickyharmony]

I cried when you started with that wisdome.