Stephen's Story

 

In 1992,  Stephen was born, bringing great joy into my life. During his preschool years in Fresno, I began to notice something unique about my son. Stephen's boundless energy had him constantly on the move, often interrupting conversations, taking things from other children, and leaving his seat during lessons to explore his surroundings.

After having a conversation with one of Stephen’s teachers who also expressed concerns about his inability to sit still and his tendency to be easily distracted, this prompted a closer look into his behavior, leading to a challenging journey of assessments and consultations with healthcare professionals.     

                                      

Throughout this journey, I initially had limited knowledge of ADHD, its neurological nature, and its potential association with learning disabilities. Diagnosing ADHD was a complex process, requiring thorough documentation of behaviors, including compulsive interruptions, sleep disturbances, excessive talking, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing, to name a few. It took several months before we received a clear diagnosis, revealing that Stephen had ADHD and learning disabilities.   However, my sole focus was helping Stephen reach his fullest potential, navigating school, social settings, sports, and other interests.    Thirty-one Years later,  Stephen has demonstrated so much growth!  Stephen's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering support. It proves that with dedication and the right resources, individuals with ADHD and learning challenges can overcome obstacles and reach their full potential in life. Stephen received his High School diploma, gained valuable life skills, enjoys gaming even has his own YouTube channel.

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Because of Stephen’s journey and life story, my deepest desire is for others like Stephen to live normal and fulfilling lives, successfully integrating into our communities, churches, and society while achieving their goals and aspirations in life.