Co-parenting a child with any kind of special need or chronic health condition across two homes after separation or divorce can be a challenge. That’s especially true when parents don’t agree on how to treat or deal with a condition.
Parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have some unique challenges. Approximately 10% of American kids have been diagnosed with this neurodevelopmental disorder, and we can’t know how many more are still undiagnosed. Many of those kids are in some kind of shared custody arrangement because their parents are no longer together.
Parental separation can be particularly difficult for a child who has ADHD. Because these kids often suffer from anxiety, the whole separation – not to mention transitioning between homes – can be especially stressful for them. It can add to any behavioral issues and school struggles they already have. That’s why it’s crucial for co-parents to work to maintain the same routines and expectations in both homes.
The importance of a consistent treatment plan
Having a consistent treatment plan is also critical. Unfortunately, this can be difficult if parents didn’t agree on a plan when they were together – or even that their child needed any treatment.
With the right therapy, medication and sometimes an individualized education program (IEP), children with ADHD can thrive. If one parent doesn’t believe in any or all of these things and refuses to give their child their medication or take them to therapy during their parenting time, the child can suffer serious setbacks.
It can help to include provisions in the parenting plan to ensure that both parents provide their child with the care and treatment that’s been recommended by their doctor and other professionals who have been working with them.
If you’re dealing with a co-parent who is refusing to continue the recommended treatment(s) during their parenting time, they might not agree to such a provision. Unfortunately, that may require working to get primary or even sole custody of your child for their own well-being.
Obviously, that’s typically not the best solution for anyone. Parenting a child with ADHD on your own can be overwhelming. Being able to share that load with a responsible co-parent can give each person some time and space to relax and recharge.
If you’re dealing with this issue, it’s important to have experienced legal guidance. This can help you work to do what’s in your child’s best interests.