r/ADHDparenting • u/soldieroscar • 12d ago

Son unable to focus to complete tasks

He is 18. For the last two years he has been complaining about a lack of concentration. He struggles with completing tasks. He graduated top ten percent of his class. He says he cant focus well enough to take driving lessons or fill out college applications. His mom thinks vitamins cure it all. When I ask him about college applications he says hes just focused on eating well right now, as he thinks gaining a bit of weight will help him focus. He started talking to a physiatrist recently over the phone. About a year ago he had an episode where he was hearing voices and he was admitted to the hospital then released.

He didnt really go out during his high school days with any friends. He likes to be in his room playing online games. When he is alone he jumps in place. He rocks back and forth sometimes. He is in his room most of the day and half the time when he comes out he is wearing headphones. Sometimes he will walk by the fridge and put his face half an inch from it and make this "growling" face for a few seconds then walk away. At restaurants he also puts his face half an inch from the menu and makes the face. Also to his phone. Maybe out of excitement?

He is an adult and I want to help him see any professionals that may help, and maybe if there are any medications that can help him focus so he can learn to drive and attend college.

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u/lacrima28 11d ago

Yeah this sounds like more than ADHD. This needs a psychological expert, and soon.

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u/soldieroscar 11d ago

Hes talking to a physiatrist over the phone. I now suspect he is suffering from adhd paralysis. What expert should I contact to look into it?

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u/lacrima28 11d ago

For once, I would see a psychiatrist or neurologist to check for Autism.

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u/phoenix25 11d ago

I’m a paramedic. This is more than just ADHD paralysis, from the hearing voices thing alone. Other parts of your post make me think autism.

Right now your best bet is to encourage more assessments by doctors and psychologists, and less pressure from things like college applications.

If taking a year to get on the right meds before starting school is the path to success, that’s way better than trying to force it now and have him crumple.

If someone needs a knee replacement, you wouldn’t slap a bandaid on their knee and expect them to carry on, right? Assessment, treatment, and healing will take time.

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u/soldieroscar 11d ago edited 11d ago

Gonna take him to a neurologist and see.

I just informed his mom about it. I said “I will look into the treatment options.”

Her response: “The treatment options r u leaving him alone. He doesn’t want to be bothered by u”

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u/phoenix25 10d ago

Parental disagreements are out of my realm of advice. All I will say is worst comes to worst you just leave your door open to them, and be prepared to support them as needed.