Co-parenting a child with any kind of special needs brings unique challenges for separated and divorced parents. Those challenges, of course, vary depending on whether the child has a physical disability, mental health issue, chronic illness or something else.
Since almost 10% of American children have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – and many more have gone undiagnosed for one reason or another – that means a lot of parents are working to co-parent a child with ADHD.
This neurodevelopmental disorder manifests differently in different kids. A child with ADHD is often hyperactive, which can cause behavioral issues at school and at home. They can have difficulty concentrating, which can affect their grades. They may get stressed easily – particularly when things don’t go as they expected.
Parental separation can be particularly difficult for a child with ADHD. If your child is moving between homes, it’s crucial that you keep their routine as well as your rules and expectations in both homes as consistent as possible. Communication and cooperation are always important for co-parents, but they’re crucial when they’re separately caring for a child with any kind of special needs.
A unified treatment plan
In many cases, parents have different ways of dealing with their child’s symptoms. That can be among the many stressors that break down a marriage. However, it’s important to have a unified treatment plan.
That plan may include medication, therapy and/or an individualized education program (IEP) at school. Both parents must commit to the same plan across both homes. Taking a child off and on medication can cause serious problems. If one parent refuses to take their child to therapy appointments, that can be highly detrimental to their well-being.
When it comes to medication and therapy, it may be necessary to write provisions into the custody order and parenting plan that require both parents to ensure that their child gets their needed treatment while they’re with them.
Even if you and your co-parent essentially agree on the treatment plan your child is on, it’s wise to get it codified – and to be prepared to modify it as your child’s needs change. Having experienced legal guidance can help you keep the well-being of your child at the forefront of your co-parenting.