ADHD and Parent Working

by Molly
(Pennsylvania)

Hello, I have a son who has been diagnosed with ADHD and ODD. My son is 7 and has been suspended from school twice with numerous afterschool detentions. He is currently on medication and in between therapists.

I also have a two year old daughter. I work a full 40 hrs per week and pay for daycare for my daughter $125 per week. I am ineligible for partial programs for my son for the summer because I make to much money $32,ooo per year. I pay student loans, a car payment, insurance, co pays for therapy $25 per week. Co pay for meds. $70 per week for my 60 mile round trip commute to work 5 days a week.

Rent, food etc. It was suggested to me that I spend the summer with my son to get him on a schedule and help with his treatment for his ODD. That the only way to help him is to have him on a strict schedule and give him an overabundance of affection and support which I already try to do.

I can not get public assistance for childcare and my son was asked to be removed from two day care facilities the last two summers. My question is can I ask my employer to give me personal leave? Can I get fired for asking for 3 months off while my son is on summer break?

I want my job and have been employed there for 5yrs. But my gut and heart are telling me that if I don't take the time to help with his treatment now he will be in juvenile detention by the time he is 10.

He throws chairs and hits teachers but then calms down and regrets what he does, He is remorseful for days after he has an outburst. I need guidance and have not been able to get it from friends as they have no idea what I am experiencing.