ADHD is a bigger deal than we realize

Youngest's recent ADHD diagnosis was meant to be reassuring, I think. Because it is, at least, a reason for the behaviors. But more and more I begin to realize just how big a thing ADHD is and how awful is is for him.

At the same time, I'm trying to adjust to the idea that some of these behaviors may just be permanent. Sure, we can tame them some and help him find coping techniques. But this isn't something he's going to grow out of or get disciplined out of.

Right now my big struggle is finger sucking. Three years ago, we finally broke down and bought a finger guard that, after six weeks(ish) finally got him to stop sucking on his finger.

But it's starting to creep back in.

And he knows it's bad for his teeth. He knows we don't want him to do it. But it seems to be something he needs from an oral stimulation standpoint.

If he thinks, he can have gum. It's out where he can get to it whenever he wants. But it seems to be a reflex that circumvents his conscious thought process most of the time.

OTs and others have suggested chewelry (jewelry designed to be chewed) but y'all. I can't. It's horrifying to me to look at these big kids with a huge chunk of rubber sticking out of their mouth like a paci. And I know I probably need to get over it.

But gah. It's just...nooooo

On the flip side, I would love him to stop chewing on his fingers.

So what's a mom to do?

I just don't know.