He will experience this discomfort more often when he is tired, his meds are wearing off or he is in social situations that demand that he behave appropriately. Many A.D.D. kids are most vulnerable in the afternoon because they have put energy all day into being focused and may also be experiencing rebound exhaustion from medication at this time. Give him a chance to relax and come down. Check out what is going on with him at these times and back off if he's not ready to talk. Get to know the look of his stress reaction.
People see things through an internal lens that is shaped by how they feel about themselves.
The A.D.D. child's powerful oppositionality is a result of looking at the world through a lens that is shaped by his internal sense of chaos and frustration at not being able to meet the demands of his social and academic environments. By acknowledging his uniquely open perceptual style and the stresses that this way of being in the world puts on him, we help him develop collaborative problem solving skills that will serve him and us well as he grows into his potential. This article is part of a book in progress for therapists and parents that provides techniques for helping AD children. He may be contacted at CompuServe 73773,1454 or PO Box 3363, Kirkland, WA 98083. We are soliciting material for these pages to pass on useful information.