I have raised one child (male) from the age of 12 through adulthood with ADD/Inattentive coupled with emotional breaks in his development. The past 3.5 years I've been aiding my significant other to accept, process and cope with the diagnosis of his 8 year old son with ADD/ODD. I have been hands on with this boy nearly every weekend for the last 3.5 years. His father has made the decision that right now given the extenuating circumstance with his son that he needs time to solely focus on his boy. This has pointed me in the direction I feel I need to peruse. I am registered for fall courses in Early Childhood Ed, looking to focus on behavioral health. I have an Aunt that was born with Down Syndrome and learned from a very early age what it takes to deal with people with special needs. I have "grandchildren" who have Autism and ASD. Currently my son's father lives in residence with me. He has been diagnosed with severe bi-polar manic depression. I have a wealth of knowledge and compassion for all people and children.